The beauty of Kodachadri trek located in the middle of Mookambika National Park has existed since time immemorial. The hill get it name from a flowering plant and is also called “Jasmine of the hills”. It is a scenic peak with dense forest cover all around it. With an altitude of 1,343m above sea level it is the 10th tallest peak in Karnataka. 

At about 8 AM after freshening up, and a quick breakfast at our homestay, we will proceed to the trailhead, a quarter kilometer drive away. A quick introduction and briefing and then we enter the Jeep trail that ferries pilgrims to the temple up on the mountain. About a kilometer and a half later we deviate off the jeep trail and cross a stream to enter into the jungle (Expect leeches in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons). The trails from here on are not very clear and it is easy to lose our way if we don't remain in one group. This stretch is about 2 kilometers long and passes through thick jungle. We’ll be crossing many small streams on the way. The creatures of the forest give us occasional appearance on the trek to the waterfall. Twenty minutes of scrambling and stumbling up the path after which the trail opens up into an open field with a couple of huts and agricultural land (the last signs of civilization until we hit the peak). 

Soon after the clearing we start for the falls, that is about  another 20 mins climb. The trek gets tougher as you’ll be climbing on sharp and slippery rocks on the way. Once you get past it be sure to take a dip at the waterfalls. 

Soon after resting and having fun at the falls we continue on the jungle trail to the right. After 30 mins of trekking in the same jungle terrain the path opens up to the grasslands of Kodachadri.

The high winds up there don’t allow for a lot of vegetation. But beware this part is very steep with the incline being close to 60 degrees at certain points.Here on, the trail overlooks panoramic views and winds up and over a couple of hills. About 45 minutes later, the trail merges with the jeep trail. We regroup here and proceed to Kodachadri peak which is a 5 minute walk away from there.

We will rest and have our packed lunch on the peak, after which we start heading back to the base. Being easier on the knees and easy to navigate when we begin losing light in the evening, the Jeep trail is ideal for reaching back to the base. A 3 hour hike along the trail and we are back to the base camp for a well deserved dinner and sleep.

We freshen-up, have breakfast and leave our base-camp by 8 AM and proceed to the Bidanur fort built by Shivappa Naik 30 kilometers away. The fort belonged to the Keladi dynasty of 17th century and gives a complete view of the landscape in all directions. We will spend an hour here and then proceed towards Bangalore only stopping for lunch (self-sponsored).