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The Lockdown had taken a toll on my wandering soul. The monsoons were still going strong so was the weekend lockdowns in most part of Karnataka. That means we can't travel and explore a place during weekends and can stay only in high end resorts which is not really my travel style. After lot of searching me and my sister zeroed in on Kodachadri hills. The Kodachadri hill is a Natural Heritage Site, which is part of the Western Ghats and forms a lovely backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple. Famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets, this hill range is part of the Mookambika Temple Nature Reserve.
Its a 8 hour drive from Bengaluru. We started around 8 am from home and headed towards our resort and decided to explore many other Offbeat places on the way.
Where To Stay-
Stay Options are very limited in this part of Karnataka. the homestays are very basic in nature as compared to Chikmaglur or Madikeri region. We Chose a lovely Hill resort -Paradise Hill Resort which is around 12 km from Kodachadri Base. Bookings can be done on their website-https://paradisewildhills.com. The resort manager Mr Suresh is very helpful and would arrange the Jeep ride to Kodachadri Peak from the resort itself(though at an additional cost).
Places To Visit In and Around
Nagara Fort- This fort is built by Shivappa Nayak in 1640 near the Nagara Village and is in ruins now. Its worth visiting post monsoon as it wears a fresh green look. The hike to the top of the fort is very easy. views from top is mesmerizing with the views of towering western ghats. The continuous rains added to the surrounding beauty.
Savehkalu Dam- This dam is located deep within the Western ghats and is a protected area. Photography is prohibited unless you have a permit which can be obtained from Mastikatte town. Its a must visit while in this area. The roads to the reservoir are excellent and passes through dense forest.
Chakra Dam- As mesmerising as Savehkalu is chakra dam. This one also lies close to Savehkalu Dam and will remind you of Nilgiris. The stunning Grasslands around the reservoir and clouds kissing them is a sight to behold.
Kodachadri Mountain- One can trek 11km one way or take a Jeep ride to the peak. As we have a kid with us, we opted for the Jeep ride from the resort itself. Many people head to the peak to view sunrise as the gates of Mookambika wildlife sanctuary opens at 6 am.This often leads to traffic jams at the peak. We decided to have a hearty breakfast and then start as it was a rainy day and sun god was hiding behind the dark clouds.
The Forest guard checked covid vaccination certificate at the entrance and then allowed our jeep. You have to show ID cards, jeep permit at the gate as well. Once done with the paper work, the roller coaster ride started. I can very well say that no amusement park in the world can match to this thrilling ride. The lashing rains, raw mountain steep rocky path, muddy puddles , multiple waterfalls/streams on the way, fog and reduced visibility made us wonder -"Only Mahindra jeeps (majority of these are not 4x4!!) can make it to the top and hats off to the driving skills of these drivers, who charge just Rs2000."
Once at the top , you can explore the grasslands ,trek numerous trails, trek to the Hidlumane falls. I will let the pics tell the story how it feels to be inside clouds atop the mountains. Also, wearing a poncho is necessary as umbrellas wont be able to stand the wind force. Wear proper trekking shoes for proper grip and to save yourself from leech. There are plenty of blood thirsty leeches in those mountains and you need to keep checking the shoes if any of them is clinging and trying to enter. In case you have leech bite, just don't panic, remove the leech(hands or by pouring salt around the bite) and wait for the blood to coagulate around the bite area.
Nittur Hanging Bridge- Karnataka has so many beautiful hanging bridges and this one is no exception. Do not follow Google maps for this instead mark Nisarga Vihar dhama and follow the route. The Sharavathi river flows through this part and provides great photo opportunity.
Maravanthe Beach- Yes you heard it right!!The Spectacular beach famous for its unique location (river on one side and sea on the other side) is just 60Km from Kodachadri and takes around 1 and half hour via the ghat roads.
Agumbe Ghat- We decided to return Bengaluru via Agumbe Ghat which is famous for its misty mountains and continuous 14 hair pin bends. Apart from the rainforest vibes, this ghat also plays host to the endangered Lion tailed Macaque, endemic to this part of western ghats. We were thrilled to see groups of them while passing though these hairpin bends!
Apart from this the route via Agumbe passes through some spectacular fields, ghats and tea estate.
This sums up our rainy affair in Western ghats. In a short span of 3 days, the journey treated us with beaches, mountains, forts, Dams, Rivers- everything we needed as a break from the lockdown monotony!