Kodachadri- An Oasis of Nature, Adventure, and Spirituality

Almost a hundred kilometers away from the bustling town of Shimoga lies a green-capped mountain that’s home to Langurs, Leopards, and Hornbills. Dotted with white Jasmine flowers that scent the high-altitude atmosphere, Kodachadri is an experience to behold.

The Kodachadri Range (Source: Pinterest)

A culturally and spiritually important part of the Western ghats in Karnataka, Kodachadri has a lot to offer. Local legends narrate the mountain range as part of the Sanjeevini mountain. According to it, Lord Hanuman once carried the Sanjeevini mountain on his palm to resuscitate an unconscious Lakshmana and on the way, a portion of it fell through the sky and landed on the region that is now the Kodachadri mountain. The medicinal quality of the plants here is attributed to this ancient legend.

The climb to the summit of the thirteenth-highest peak in Karnataka begins from Nagodi village, located at the base of Kodachadri. Around twenty kilometers of meadows, plains, and winding roads make up the trek, making it one of the most scenic climbs in Karnataka. The beauty of the mountain made it a favorite among the British officials who ascended it during the nineteenth century. Covered by the Shola forests, the Kodachadri and the nearby hills enjoy a cool tropical climate, enhancing its appeal to travelers and hikers.

It seems that these features of the mountain have attracted the attention of humans since early times. Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century scholar is said to have meditated on the peak of the hill, seeking to liberate knowledge of the self. The Sarvajna Peetha, a small shrine is dedicated to his legacy here, making it an attraction of awe and reverence to the spiritual seekers who climb atop Kodachadri.

Several monolithic structures were built here in prehistoric times, including an iron pillar believed to be the trident that the goddess Mookambika used to kill the demon, Mukasura. Scientific tests done on it have discovered it to have been made through traditional Indian metallurgical skills. A testimony to ancient Indian craftsmanship, the pillar has survived years of humidity and corrosion. An ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess is also built on the base of the mountain, flocking in worshippers in large numbers to pay tribute and offer their prayers.

A natural heritage site, Kodachadri is home to reserves of iron ore and it was also discovered that the stones here had magnetic properties. Fortunately enough, the local people have been aware and protective of the mountain and have prevented commercial mining on it, limiting environmental damage to a large extent.

The trekkers on the way up a mountain that boasts of unparalleled history and mythical relevance also find en route three beautiful waterfalls that provide respite from the hard and demanding climb. Once on top, the sight of the golden sun sinking into the Arabian sea makes the arduous journey worth the pain as the mountain gets basked in the golden rays of the setting sun.

Travelers stay overnight in the Government rest house before witnessing an equally beautiful sunrise that penetrates the thick fog at dawn and gleams through the smaller hills that surround the peak. Kodachadri is indeed a slice of heaven, offering something to every traveler and seeker that comes upon its trail.