Some places don’t just stay on your travel list—they stay somewhere deeper.
Kodachadri, nestled in the Western Ghats and known as the abode of Goddess Sri Mookambika, is one such place for me. The first time I visited was way back in 1992 during an NCC trip. Over the years, most memories faded—except for two oddly persistent phrases: “Sampe Katte” and “Bhattara Mane.”
After 23 years, I finally found my way back.
And while the world around it has changed, Kodachadri itself? Still as raw, wild, and breathtaking as ever.
The Plan That Almost Didn’t Happen
Like most group trips, this one began with big excitement—18 people initially showed interest. Reality, as always, trimmed it down to 12.
We explored three options to reach the base:
- Train to Shimoga → Bus to Nagara → Jeep to Kattinahole
- Direct bus to Kollur → Jeep to base
- Drive all the way from Bangalore (~400 km)
Given past trauma with ticket bookings and cancellations, we went with the simplest option: hire a 21-seater bus. Decision made.
But accommodation? That was a different story.
Multiple calls, no responses, and rising uncertainty. One contact didn’t work out, another redirected us—and finally, through a bit of luck, we found Prakash, who sorted out our stay and food at the Inspection Bungalow (IB).
Plan locked. Bags packed. Excitement high.
Day 0 – The Late Start
We planned to meet at Silk Board at 10:30 PM.
Bangalore traffic had other plans.
By the time our group (Deepa, Manjari, Roopa, and I) reached, it was already 11:30 PM—thanks to rain and traffic. After quick introductions, we hit the road.
And in true Bangalore fashion, it took us nearly an hour just to get onto NICE Road.
Day 1 – Into the Wild
By 5:00 AM, we were near Shimoga. Our driver, Vinay Kumar, was calm, steady, and exactly what you want on a long road trip.
A quick tea stop in Ayanur gave us our first reality check—hot water tasted better than the coffee. Not a great sign 😄
By 8:00 AM, we reached Chitrakoota Homestay, freshened up, and had a simple but delicious breakfast of idli and upma. From there, we headed to the trek starting point.
At 9:30 AM, we began.
The First Challenge – Water Crossing
Barely a kilometer in, we hit a stream.
Not deep—but just enough to guarantee wet shoes.
Some tried to stay dry. Nature disagreed.
Ritu slipped. Manjari lost a battle with balance. Shoes got soaked. Laughter followed. Trek officially began.
Hidlumane Falls – The Highlight
After leaving the jeep track and entering a forest trail, we passed a house crowded with ~150 NCC students. Chaos, whistles, instructions—pure energy.
A refreshing glass of buttermilk later, we pushed on toward Hidlumane Falls.
The path? Slippery rocks.
The vibe? Equal parts caution and comedy.
People slipping left and right—NCC students, our group, everyone. Thankfully, no injuries—just stories.
And then… the falls.
Absolutely stunning.
Unlike many waterfalls where reaching the base is risky, this one invites you in. Knee-deep water, a strong cascade from about 100 feet, and a natural “massage” that makes you forget the climb.
We were already drenched, so we didn’t even pretend to stay dry.
One hour disappeared in pure joy.
The Tough Climb Up
Leaving the falls was hard—not emotionally, but physically.
A steep climb, wet terrain, and a massive crowd made it intense. Add to that the “social drama” of 150 students—people helping, shouting, showing off—and it felt like a live reality show in the middle of the forest.
Eventually, we broke into the grasslands.
Wide views. Open skies. Wind in your face.
That moment makes everything worth it.
Reaching the IB – Well Earned Rest
By 3:30 PM, we reached the Inspection Bungalow.
Cold weather. Light drizzle. Zero visibility for sunset.
Perfect excuse to do nothing.
Lunch by Sandeep was simple and satisfying. The rest of the evening was spent drying wet gear, chatting, and waiting for dinner.
By 9:30 PM, after rice and sambar, we were done for the day.
Sleep came easy.
Day 2 – The Way Back
We started descending at 8:20 AM after a quick breakfast.
By 11:00 AM, we reached what we jokingly named “Ritu’s Point”—yes, the same stream crossing. This time, it turned into a mini bathing spot while waiting for the rest of the group.
The plan was to leave by 11 AM.
The group had other ideas.
Let’s just say the “slow walkers” (or white walkers, as we called them 😄) delayed things enough for us to rearrange lunch plans.
Back at Chitrakoota Homestay, we had a simple meal and hit the road by 2:00 PM.
The Journey Back
Stops at Kadur (for snacks and coffee) and later at Hotel Mayura for dinner broke the journey nicely.
We took the Channarayapatna route—wider roads, faster drive.
By 10:00 PM, we were back in Bangalore.
Manjari got VIP pickup by her parents. The rest of us waited for autos and slowly wrapped up the trip.
Closing Thoughts
This trek wasn’t just about reaching Kodachadri again.
It was about revisiting a memory after two decades… and realizing that while life changes, some places don’t.
I did miss visiting the Kollur temple and the one atop Kodachadri—but maybe that’s just a reason to return again.
And yes… something really good happened in my life after this trip. Something I’ll keep to myself 🙂
I guess I owe the Goddess a visit soon.
God bless.
Important Phone numbers to note:
Prakash (Jeep driver) at Kodachadri : 94493 27846
Ramesh at Kodachadri: 94810 09983
Ganapathy (IB incharge): 94480 65836, 98804 80005
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