My first trek to kodachadri

I was very anxious about this trek because it had been raining heavily for the past 2–3 days, not only in Bangalore but all over Karnataka. At the same time, I was equally excited, as it was my first trek with my hubby and cousins.

We started off to Kodachadri on October 1st at around 8:30 pm in one of the KSRTC buses and reached Nittur early the next morning. The locals there warned us about the heavy rains and mist at Kodachadri. After having breakfast at a small hotel, we began our trek.

From the moment we started, it was drizzling. Holding umbrellas, we protected ourselves from the rain and leeches and kept walking. The muddy path was alive with nature—the sonorous calls of birds floated through the mercurial mist and crisp morning air. The rain-washed trees with their bright green leaves lined our path. We spotted orange-colored mushrooms, tiny hopping frogs, rare insects, and butterflies. The earthy smell of wet soil calmed my mind, and my heart was filled with a joy I can hardly put into words.

After a few kilometers, we reached Kakana Angadi, where we had a refreshing cup of tea and buns. Gautham, a veteran trekker who had already visited this place seven times, told us that the real trek began from there—through hill paths where vehicles couldn’t go. For us beginners, it was moderately difficult. We had to push ourselves through the dark evergreen forest under the towering canopy. But soon, the forest opened up to grasslands and changing hillscapes—a true feast for the eyes. I felt like breathing in as much fresh air as I possibly could.

After passing through repetitive stretches of forest and grassland, we finally reached Battara Mane, a simple home almost at the top of the hill. By then we were very tired and hungry. The lady of the house showed us a small dark room to keep our belongings. After a refreshing bath at Agasthya Theertha, we were served steaming hot sambar rice and palya—it felt nothing less than a five-star lunch to us!

Since it was raining heavily, we couldn’t go all the way to the peak that day, so we decided to stay back and trek the next morning. The evening was spent joyfully with cousins—playing, talking, singing, and laughing.

That night it rained again, and the next morning the mist was thick. The local guides were hesitant to take us to Hidlumane Falls, but finally agreed. Trekking downhill with two guides, we were greeted with one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats. The beauty was so alluring, it felt almost magical.

When we reached the falls, we saw the stream gushing with great force, fed by the monsoon rains and shaded by the dense forest canopy. Boulders surrounded the falls, and the rocks were slippery, but our excitement to reach the waters was unstoppable. Nothing felt more blissful than taking a dip in the cool, clean water.

Dripping wet, we trekked downhill to Nittur. Since our clothes were soaked, we requested a kind lady in one of the houses if we could change there. She not only gave us space but also served us hot tea and offered flowers. Her warmth and hospitality touched our hearts deeply.

After bidding her goodbye, we headed to Nittur and boarded a bus to Kollur. We took the blessings of Goddess Mookambika and left for Bangalore the same night. Just like that, our trip to Kodachadri had come to an end.

As I sat on the bus in a pensive mood, I realized something—no matter what time of year you visit Kodachadri, nature is always performing some miracle here. That magic makes you want to return again and again to this unforgettable place.