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Coordinates: 13°52′N 74°52′E / 13.867°N 74.867°E / 13.867; 74.867
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There are smalltime homestay facility near Sampekatte, Kodachadri.
There are smalltime homestay facility near Sampekatte, Kodachadri.

==External Links==
*[http://www.bangaloretrips.info/kodachadri Bangalore to Kodachadri]
*[http://www.bangaloretrips.info/kodachadritrekinfo.html Detailed Trekking Map of Kodachadri]


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 07:54, 5 December 2010

Kodachadri
Kodachadri
village
Map
File:Kudajadri1.jpg
Kodachadri Hills
File:Way towards Sarvajna Peetha.jpg
Way towards Sarvajna Peetha of Sri Shankaracharya

Kodachadri[kannada: ಕೊಡಚಾದ್ರಿ ] is a mountain peak with dense forests(altitude - 1343 meters above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi" which means hill and "Adri" a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called "Kutachadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha". Kodachadri forms a background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist. The important animal life include Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill,Paradise Flycatcher,Emerald Piegeon, Tiger, Panther, heyna, Bison,Python and many more, of which several are endangered.

Forests

The Shola Forests spread over the surrounding hill range as well as on Kodachadri hill range is unique. Shola forests are said to be the life of steams and rivers of such hills. Plants in Shola forests are neither shrubs nor big trees, but medium sized green plants with tough trunks, which is suitable to withstand the strong winds the lash the mountain sides continuously. The speedy winds that lash the mountains during monsoon can easily uproot bigger trees but do no harm to shola forest. Shola forest also shelt different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates and the flora and fauna of Shola forest is unique. Other than Shola Forest, there is a good coverage of dense evergreen forest with high canopy.

History

Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara- Nilsakal, at about 20 k.m from this place.[1] Ancient mother goddess temple is there near the top of the peak and legend says that the goddess slayed Mookasura several thousand years ago. This belief can be compared with ancient practice of worshipping Mother Goddess during prehistoric time all over the world. At present, Kodachadri is popular among locals and Keralites since at least 500 years or more. Sage Shankaracharya is said to have visited this place and established Kollur temple. Original goddess is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Piligrims from Kerala,Tamilnadu and Karnataka state visit Kollur and some of them Kodachadri also, remembering the visit of Sage Shankaracharya.[2]

Places of interest

There is small a temple near the peak where 'Shankaracharya' did meditation and ancient Sarvajna Peetha (built out of rock) at the top. There is road up to temple where a Travellers bungallow is also situated and from there one has to trek on a beaten track to the top. .Moola Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the moola sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. Just below the peak, almost vertical path leads to a small cave called Chitramoola, from where the Mookambika temple of Kollur is visible. One iron pillar of about 40 feet is planted erect in front of Moola Mookambika Temple at Kodachadri and devotees believe that this is the trishula used by goddess to slay the demon but the fact is that, it is a iron pillar probably planted by British Geologists before Independence during the regime of Mysore Maharaja, to mark this place as Mining area. Several such pillars are erected all along Western Ghats (e.g. near Kemmannu gundi, near Yemkalkere, Agumbe, where there are good Iron/Manganese deposits) However mining in large scale did not take place at Kodachadri, though there are efforts to lease out the surrounding hills to mining companies to mine manganese and iron.[3] Environmentalists and agriculturists of surrounding villages are strongly opposing such efforts which may also severely damage the evergreen forest and water sources.

Around ten kilometers from Kodachadri is Hidlumane Waterfalls and only a britle path is there to reach this water falls - suitable for those who love a little adventurous trekking. Another water falls in deep forest is Arasinagundi falls which is nearer to Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri. There is also one more distant water falls called Belakallu theertha,which is near Mudur, Jadkal (Kollur), also suitable for trekkers.

Nagara Fort is around 25 km from Kodachadri and there exists an old fort built during 18th Century and around Nagara, the landscape created out of backwaters of Linganamakki Dam on Sharavathi River is pleasent. There is also thick forested area and some villages with agricultural activity, all making good landscape.[4]

Kodachadri is also a popular trekking route among the people of Udupi district and surrounding villages. Particularly, for students and for those who are beginners, this trekking route is ideal with fair difficulty and availability of hot food at the end of trekking. It is around five hour trek from Nagodi village, near Kollur. In summer, it will be real hot to trek and during rainy season, it is almost impossible for freshers to trek due to heavy rain,cloud, chilly weather and leeches. Rainy season trekking can be undertaken as a unique experience, and trekking during winter is ideal. During winter, the weather will be all clear and the panoramic view is beautiful. Night trekking during winter on a full moon day will be thrilling and a good option for such trekkers who want a change. Another easier trekking route is on the jeep road , which starts from Sampekatte village (Hosanagara Taluk). At the top, there is a permanent settlement of one Bhat, whose main business is serving the trekkers and devotees who treck, with food and shelter - of course, a small amount is charged. For trekkers, much preparation is not required in respect of food and shelter. Travellers bungallow maintained by Tahasildar Hosanagar (Govt. of Karnataka) is capable of providing basic shelter for a dozen of people. Trekkers can take rest during night and return next morning.

The sunset watched from Kodachadri peak on a clear day is an enchanting experience. The Arabian Sea is visilbe from the top on cloudless day and sun literally goes down into the sea and due to the promixity to sea, the shape of golden sun changes every minute. At the beginning it looks like a inverted pot, then like a vessel, a hat, a ring with double edges and so meny shapes are visible which is a interesting sight. The sunrise is also seen from another hillock behind the Tourist Bungalow and the hillock is called Venkatarayana Durga, with some remote connection to some Palegara Kings who ruled the surrounding places. During sunrise, the platue below is usually covered with mist and it looks like a vast sea of curd with some high peaks peeping out of that misty platue.

Transportation

From Bangalore, one has to go to Shimoga(285 km) and from there, one can take public transport to reach Nagodi village (Hosanagara Taluk): three hours journey. From Udupi, it is three hours joureny to Nagodi village, from where trekking starts.[5]

Kodachadri has all rough jeep road (partially metalled) on which only good jeeps can travel. Cars and Mini buses cannot manoeuver the steep hairpin curves and highly uneven surface of the road. As this hilly road is not maintained properly, only expert local jeep drivers can take the jeep to the top. Jeeps for hire are available at Kollur and at villages near Kodachadri base. Shared hiring is also available at Kollur, nine persons in each jeep and this facility is convenient for odd time tourists. Motor cycle riding one this highly uneven,steep, mud track with sharp hairpincurve with gradients, will be challenging and may be sometimes risky.

Alternative means to reach the peak of Kodachadri is to board a jeep at Kollur . Every day around 30 jeeps take tourists and piligrims, on hire, to Kodachadri Peak.

Where to Stay

The stay at a nearby bigger place. Kollur (15 km) has several Guest House and lodges as well as homestay accommodation and this is a good option. Nearest Town Kundapura has several lodges with A/C and Non/Ac rooms. The district centre Shimoga (80 km) is also a choice but the journey takes around four hours. To watch the sun set at Kodachadri, one has to stay at Kodachadri peak and natural option is Bhat's house. He will charge nominal amount for food and room and basic shelter is provided. There is one Travellers' Bungallow at Kodachadri with very very basic facilities and for reservation, contact Officer in charge, PWD, Hosanagar, Shimoga district. One or two Homestay facility are also available near Main Road.

Home Stays Around

There are smalltime homestay facility near Sampekatte, Kodachadri.

References

  1. ^ Hosanagara Taluk Darshana Pub. by IBH Prakashana, Bangalore
  2. ^ Life of Shankara
  3. ^ Karnataka Vishaya Vishwakosha Pub By Mysore University,Mysore
  4. ^ Shimoga Jilla Darshana, Published. by IBH Publishing House, Bangalore
  5. ^ Road Map of Karnataka State

<References> Trekking kodachadri

  • Shimoga Jilla Darshana by IBH Publishing House, Bangalore

Karnataka Vishaya Vishwakosha by Mysore University. 13°52′N 74°52′E / 13.867°N 74.867°E / 13.867; 74.867