Kodachadri Trek
DIFFICULTY
Moderate–Difficult
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
1343 Meters
TRIP DURATION
2 Days-1 Night
TREK SNAPSHOT
DURATION
7-8 Hours
SUITABLE FOR
14 to 62 Years
MEALS
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
TREK DISTANCE
14 Kms
REGION
Western Ghats (Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivamogga
ACCOMODATION
TYPE
Homestay
Kodachadri is one of those classic Western Ghats summits that feels like a full story: dense forest, hidden waterfalls, open ridges, temple at the top, and sunset views that stay with you long after you’re back in Bengaluru. The peak rises to 1,343 meters and forms the wild backdrop to Kollur’s famous Mookambika Temple.
On this Kodachadri trek, you’ll climb through arecanut farms and village trails, splash your way past the multi-tiered Hidlumane Falls, and push up steep grassy slopes to reach the summit ridge. On clear days, you can see the Sharavathi backwaters and even a faint line of the Arabian Sea from the top.
Planned as a small-group kodachadri trek from bangalore, this 2 day trek is perfect if you’re looking for something more challenging than an easy day hike, but still doable over a weekend. You’ll travel with a like-minded bunch, stay in a simple local homestay, explore Devagange’s stone ponds and the historic Nagara Fort, and experience Western Ghats adventure—Wanderophile style.
Kodachadri Trek Complete Information
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8:30 PM: Assemble at Majestic (Near Shanthala Silk House). Meet your trek leader, get introduced to your group, and stow your backpacks.
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9:00 PM: Second pick-up at Yeshwanthpura Metro Station.
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9:10 PM: Final pick-up at Goraguntepalya (Near KLE College).
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Short briefing on the trek, forest rules, and next two days.
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Settle into your non-AC tempo traveller / minibus—swap stories, plug into some music, or just doze off as the city lights fade and the Ghats draw closer.
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Overnight: On the road (pushback seats, shared ride).
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6:30 AM: Reach the homestay near Sampekatte at the base of Kodachadri and freshen up.
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8.00 AM: enjoy a simple, home-cooked breakfast.Last check on shoes, rain gear, water & packed lunch.
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8:30 AM: Start the trek.
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Walk through arecanut plantations and village lanes.
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Enter the forest section, following a muddy, at-times steep trail towards Hidlumane.
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Reach the multi-level Hidlumane Falls—a great spot to cool off, click photos, and refill water
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Continue the climb: Tackle a steeper stretch past the last hut of Hidlumane where the trail turns rocky and slippery, especially in the monsoon (this is one of the tougher sections).
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Break out into rolling grasslands and ridges with increasingly wide views of the Western Ghats.
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Packed lunch en route, somewhere on the open ridge or near a sheltered patch—depends on weather.
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2:30 PM (approx.): Reach Kodachadri summit region (1,343m) near Sarvajna Peetha. Explore the temple area, soak in panoramic views over the hills and backwaters, and, on a clear day, look for the shimmer of the distant Arabian Sea.
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Group photos, quiet time, and a short break before heading back.
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3:30 PM: Start descent.
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We typically descend by a mix of trail + jeep track to protect knees and manage time, based on forest rules and weather on the day.
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5:30–6:00 PM: Reach the base / homestay. Hot tea/coffee and snacks waiting.
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Freshen up, relax, maybe stretch your legs out under a starry sky.
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8:30 PM: Dinner – hearty, local-style veg (and sometimes simple non-veg) food.
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If weather and regulations allow, gather around a small campfire, swap trek stories, and plan future climbs with your new friends.
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Overnight: Homestay stay near Kodachadri foothills.
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7:00 AM: Wake up to birds, mist, and sound of the stream.
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7:30–8:00 AM: Breakfast at the homestay.
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8:30 AM: Check out, load the vehicle, and drive towards Nagara region.
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9:30 AM (approx.): Stop at Devagange – a beautiful, stone-built pond complex with multiple stepped ponds built during the Keladi era, set in a calm village setting. Short walk, photos, and time to soak in the atmosphere.
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Continue onwards to Nagara Fort – a historic hilltop fort surrounded by the waterscapes formed by Linganamakki dam. Climb up the gentle steps, explore old ramparts, and enjoy wide-angle views of the Malnad landscape.
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12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch en route at a highway restaurant (self-sponsored).
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Post-lunch, drive back towards Bengaluru with a couple of tea/loo breaks.
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8:30–10:30 PM: Estimated arrival in Bengaluru (depends on traffic). Drop-off at the same pick-up points.
Goodbyes, group photos, and maybe planning the next Western Ghats weekend together.
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Note: The actual order/timings of Devagange and Nagara Fort visits may shift based on traffic, forest timing rules, and weather conditions.
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Kodachadri is rated Moderate–Difficult for most trekkers. Expect around 14 km of trekking across 7–8 hours, including steep forest sections, waterfall crossings, and exposed grassy slopes. The Hidlumane stretch has slippery rocks and sharper gradients, especially in the monsoon, which adds to the challenge.
The trail runs through tropical forest, muddy jeep tracks, and ridge-top grasslands. There’s no technical climbing or ropes involved, but you should be comfortable walking long distances with a daypack, climbing continuous ascents, and descending on uneven terrain.
This trek is ideal if:
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You’ve done at least one easy / easy–moderate trek before
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You can brisk-walk or jog 4–5 km without stopping
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You don’t have major knee, ankle, heart, or respiratory issues
Throughout the Western Ghats treks near Bangalore, Kodachadri stands out as a slightly more demanding but incredibly rewarding weekend objective. Our small-group format, experienced leaders, and local guides ensure you’re not rushed—we pace the day with water breaks, regroup points, and safety checks.
If you’ve been wanting to push yourself a little beyond beginner level, the kodachadri trek is a fantastic next step.
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Kodachadri has a different personality in every season, so the “best” time depends on what you’re after:
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October to February (Post-monsoon & Winter)
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Generally considered the prime trekking window.
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Clearer skies, crisper views from the summit, pleasant daytime temperatures.
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Hidlumane Falls usually has good flow and the hills are still lush from the extended monsoon.
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June to September (Monsoon)
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For those who love rain treks and drama, this is when Kodachadri turns wild.
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Forests are deep green, clouds swirl around the ridges, and the waterfalls are at their fullest.
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Trails can be very slippery, leeches are common, and heavy rain can affect pace and visibility. Proper rain gear and patience are essential.
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March to May (Summer)
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The region tends to be hot and humid; trails are drier and dustier.
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Water levels in streams drop and mid-day sun can be harsh, so we generally don’t recommend this as the first choice unless your schedule is fixed.
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Recommended windows:
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October–February for most trekkers
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June–September if you’re specifically chasing monsoon treks and are okay with leeches and rain
Wanderophile Tip:
Love mist, waterfalls, and don’t mind getting drenched? Aim for monsoon. Want stable weather, easier trails, and clearer summit views? Book your Kodachadri dates between October and February.-
Smart packing can make the difference between “survived it” and “loved every minute of it.” Here’s what we recommend for this 2 day trek from Bangalore:
Footwear
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Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip (already broken in)
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1–2 pairs of moisture-wicking socks (plus one spare for after Hidlumane)
Clothing
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2 quick-dry t-shirts
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1 pair of trek pants / track pants (avoid jeans)
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1 light fleece / sweatshirt for chilly nights
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1 set of comfortable night clothes
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Extra innerwear
Rain & Wind Protection
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Poncho or rain jacket (mandatory in monsoon months)
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Backpack rain cover or plastic liner
Bags & Storage
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20–30L daypack for the trek
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Small pouch for wallet, phone, and permits
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Few zip locks / dry bags for electronics, documents, and used clothes
Hydration & Food
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Water bottles / hydration bladder totalling at least 2L
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Trail snacks:
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Dry fruits / nuts
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Energy bars, chikki
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Electral / ORS sachets if you tend to cramp
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Toiletries & Hygiene
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Toothbrush, small toothpaste
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Biodegradable soap (if you prefer)
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Wet wipes / tissues
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Hand sanitizer
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Small quick-dry towel
Health & First Aid
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Any personal medication you’re already on
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Basic strip of band-aids
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Muscle spray / pain relief spray (optional)
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Anti-chafing cream if you’re prone to rashes
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Motion sickness tablet if you get car-sick
Sun & Insect Protection
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Sunglasses
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Cap / hat
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Sunscreen (even in monsoon, UV can surprise you)
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Insect repellent (especially useful around homestays and in monsoon)
Optional but Useful
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Trekking pole (helps on steep, muddy sections)
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Compact camera / action camera
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Extra pair of floaters / slippers for homestay
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Small notebook if you like journaling your hikes
And of course, don’t forget to pack your sense of humour and adventure—it helps a lot when the trail throws in surprise showers, slush, and stories.
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Yes. The Kodachadri trail falls inside the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, and trekkers are required to obtain permission from the Forest Department. In recent years, this has shifted to an online permit system for many routes. When you join Wanderophile, our team handles the necessary permissions and formalities for your group.
No. Tented camping and campfires on Kodachadri peak have been banned by the Forest Department since around 2015 to protect the fragile ecosystem. Night stay is restricted to designated structures such as the PWD guest house or temple premises (with permissions), or in homestays at the foothills. On this trip, we stay in a licensed homestay near the base.
Our typical route via Hidlumane Falls covers around 14 km of trekking in total, spread over 7–8 hours depending on group pace, weather, and exact start/end points. Some DIY routes can go up to 20+ km, but our itinerary balances challenge and comfort for a weekend group trek.
The ideal trekking season is June to February, especially after the monsoons when the scenery is lush. October to February generally offers the best weather.
Yes. Forest rules require groups to be accompanied by registered guides in this sanctuary zone. With Wanderophile, you trek with both a trek leader and an authorised local guide who knows the trail, weather quirks, jeep track exits, and safe water refill points.
We generally start near Kattinahole and finish near the jeep track or base village where our vehicle picks us up. Kollur is the closest town with well-known landmarks and bus connectivity, which is why you often see Kollur mentioned as the reference point for the kodachadri trek package.
Forest authorities typically require trekkers to start early and exit the core sections before evening. In practice, this means we aim to begin the trek around 8:00 AM and ensure we’re clear of forest check-posts well before sunset. Monsoon days may demand even earlier starts if the weather looks unstable.
There are no shops or eateries on the main trekking route. We have breakfast at the homestay and provide a packed lunch for the trail. Natural water sources like streams and Hidlumane Falls are available in season, but you should still carry at least two liters of water from the start; refills are always optional, not guaranteed.
Yes—fit beginners can attempt Kodachadri, but it should not be your very first physical activity in months. The trail has steep, muddy, and rocky sections, especially around Hidlumane Falls and the upper grasslands. If you can walk/jog 4–5 km comfortably and don’t have major joint or heart issues, you should be fine with basic preparation. Among Western Ghats treks near Bangalore, this sits in the moderate-to-challenging bracket.
We recommend this trek for 12+. For younger kids or seniors, the combination of distance, ascent, and slippery patches can be demanding. If someone above 55 wants to join, we suggest they discuss their fitness and medical background with us beforehand so we can advise whether this 2 day trek from Bangalore is a good fit.
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Leeches: Common during and shortly after the monsoon. They’re harmless but can be annoying. Proper shoes, high socks, and a bit of salt/Dettol help.
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Wildlife: The region is rich in flora and fauna, but sightings of larger animals on the main tourist trail are rare during the day. Still, we strictly follow forest guidelines: no littering, no loud music, no feeding animals, and no stepping off the main trail.
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READ THE REVIEWS
Ankit S
I’d been eyeing Kodachadri for years and finally did it with Wanderophile. The whole experience felt smooth—from the pick-up in Bengaluru to the homestay hospitality and the trek itself. Climbing through Hidlumane Falls and then watching the clouds roll over the summit ridge was unreal. The trek leader kept the group motivated without rushing anyone, which I really appreciated.
Divya R
This was my first “proper” Western Ghats trek and I was a little nervous about the difficulty. But the Wanderophile team explained everything clearly, helped us pace ourselves, and checked in on everyone often. The homestay food felt like eating at a relative’s place, and the visit to Devagange and Nagara Fort made the trip feel more like an exploration of Malnad than just a trek. I came back tired, happy, and already planning the next one.
Megha P
Kodachadri with Wanderophile was a perfect mix of challenge and fun. Hidlumane Falls, the ridge walk, the temple at the top, campfire conversations—everything felt thoughtfully put together. I joined solo but never once felt out of place; the small group vibe made it easy to connect with people. If you’re looking for a well-organised kodachadri trek from bangalore, this is a great option.
KODACHADRI TREK PHOTO GALLERY
KODACHADRI TREK LOCATION
General FAQs
Once your booking is confirmed, our team will reach out within a few days via email and WhatsApp to share trip essentials, travel instructions, emergency contact info, and preparation tips. Expect clear communication and support all the way to departure!
A few days before your trek, we’ll create a WhatsApp group for registered participants and the Wanderophile team. It’s your space to ask questions, access important updates, arrange carpools, and start making friends in advance.
Yes, many of our guests join solo! Our trips are designed for open-minded solo travelers and small groups alike, with an environment that’s welcoming, safe, and community-driven. It’s common to leave with new friendships and great memories.
Definitely. We focus on group safety, choose trusted lodgings, and ensure experienced trek leaders accompany every group. From check-in to return, we’ve got thorough plans in place for everyone’s peace of mind.
Occasionally, we announce flash sales on the Wanderophile website and social channels. Repeat travelers and those booking for multiple people can get in touch for group discounts or loyalty perks.
Of course—you can safely store bags at our main accommodation before heading out for the trek. Please leave valuables at home, as we cannot be responsible for lost items.
Most Wanderophile treks require moderate physical fitness: enough to walk for hours on hilly terrain with a light backpack. If you’re unsure, drop us a message and we’ll help match a trek to your comfort and experience level.
We offer a transparent and fair policy for cancellations and refunds—see our website’s policy section or contact us for details before you book. Please read through to understand timings and possible deductions.