The cosy little homestay near Sampekatte is a short drive away from the starting point of our trek. After a quick freshen-up and fulfilling breakfast, we pack our bags again and get prepped for long trekking.

There are five main milestones that one needs to look out for on the Kodachadri trail. The first is an open field of meadow that pops up out of nowhere amidst thick forest trails. Numerous paddy fields later, the trail leads to a house where a small surprise awaits the tired trekkers. 

Spoiler alert: the challenging part of the trek starts from here.

The second is the much-awaited Hidlumane Falls, a combination of seven waterfalls. You are rewarded with spectacular views of the main waterfall cascading down on you from about 60 feet. The feeling of pristine water gushing over your tired body will be therapy. Refill your water bottles here.

An almost vertical climb on the front face of the trail over tree roots and slippery rocks from the Kodachadri Falls leads to steeper meadows that eventually end up on the top of the very first Peak on this trail. This forms the third milestone and is an excellent place to rest and have some much-deserved lunch.

Further, the path diverges only to merge until it joins the jeep trail leading up to the Kodachadri Temple. This is your fourth milestone and the point from where you’ll board the jeep on your way down.

From here, a rocky trail through a cliff’s edge leads you to the fifth and final milestone, the Kodachadri peak. Here you will find the Sarvajna Peetha, a small temple-like structure made of stone where Adi Sankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, is said to have meditated. 

Apart from this, grand vistas scattering myriad hues across the vast evening sky make all your efforts worthwhile and fill you with a sense of achievement.

Descend 2 km, and get into a jeep ride to the base of the trek. 

The most challenging part is over. At the homestay, freshen up, have dinner, and sit around for a crispy chit-chat/dance/game session. Exchange talks, horror stories, and count stars.

Today will be chill. We will have breakfast and come out for an elephant-human interaction at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp.

The camp houses elephants all over Karnataka that need proper attention and training. The elephants may require training or attention due to illness, behavioural issues, deficiency in nutrition, etc. The Karnataka Forest Department maintains the camp. The camp is situated in the vicinity of River Tunga. 

We will visit Kavi Shail, the house of this evergreen poet Kuvempu. Peeping into the rustic life of Kuvempu, we will be soaked with pride and inspiration. There is a canteen outside the house of Kuvempu where you can have basic snacks.

Then, we will visit Devagange Temple, where we find solace and a sense of tranquillity as we offer our prayers and witness the divine aura surrounding the temple. 

Then, we will return to the homestay and have a relaxing time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7fWLiCMW8A 

From the homestay, we will start a Secret Waterfalls trek. Enjoy the falling droplets, the sound of nature, and the cooling breeze.

You will find yourself surrounded by giant boulders and stones near the waterfall. It’s a heavenly 360-degree view of boulders and rock. Be mindful that the pool is deep from the periphery, so Plan the Unplanned advises going inside only if you are a confident swimmer.  

This is the last day of the trip and the one to gain blessings and taste history. Standing as a highlight in Kollur town, the Moola Mookambika goddess in the temple blesses devotees. It’s said that she once slew the demon Kamasur. 

Then, on our way back, we will visit Chitradurga Fort. It is one of the biggest hidden gem surprises from India’s monument treasure trove. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains it beautifully. The Chitradurga Fort has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, 35 secret entrances, four invisible passages, water tanks, and 2000 watch towers to guard and keep vigil on enemy incursions.

We will finally have lunch (self-sponsored) and start our return journey to Bangalore. Although almost impossible, we will have to leave each other's company to return to routine, which is equally important. Rest well and stay positive. And once you are ready to do it all over again, call us. Our team would love to hear from you again. Check our other itineraries and ring us soon. Till then, take care and love life.

Other Similar Trek

1. Kumara Parvatha two-day trek from Kukke
2. Kumara Parvatha trek from Coorg side
3. Kodachadri Trek