Kodachadri, a mountain peak with dense forests (altitude – 1343 meters above sea level), is at a distance of around 88 kms from GundiMane. The name comes from native word “Kodacha” or “Kodashi” which means hill and “Adri” a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called “Kutachadri” and “Kodashi Parvatha”. Kodachadri forms a background to the famous temple of Mookambika  in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika national park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist.

There is a small temple near the peak where ‘Shankaracharya’ did meditation and also ancient Sarvajna Peeta (built out of rock) at the top.

Kodachadri is also a popular trekking route among the people. Trekking during winter is ideal. During winter, the weather will be all clear and the panoramic view will be beautiful. Night trekking during winter on a full moon day will be thrilling and a good option for such trekkers who want a change. Another easier trekking route is on the jeep road, which starts from Sampekatte village (Hosanagara Taluk). The sunset watched from Kodachadri peak on a clear day is an enchanting experience. The Arabian Sea is visible from the top on cloudless day and sun literally goes down into the sea and due to the proximity to sea, the shape of golden sun changes every minute. At the beginning it looks like a inverted pot, then like a vessel, a hat, a ring with double edges and so many shapes are visible which are interesting sights. The sunrise is also seen from another hillock, which is called Venkatarayana Durga, with some remote connection to some Palegara Kings who ruled the surrounding places. During sunrise, the plateau below is usually covered with mist and it looks like a vast sea of curd with some high peaks peeping out of that misty plateau.

Around ten kilometers from Kodachadri, there is ‘Hidlumane Waterfalls’ and only a brittle path is there to reach this water falls – suitable for those who love a little adventurous trekking. Another waterfalls in deep forest is ‘Arasinagundi falls’ which is nearer to Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri. There is also one more distant waterfalls called ‘Belakallu theertha’, which is near Mudur, Jadkal (Kollur), also suitable for trekkers.

If you love to trek and are looking for a cosy homestay near Kodachadri, GundiMane is the place for you. You can plan an entire day if you are an avid trekker or you can visit Bheemeshwara and Kollur along the way and then take a Jeep to reach till “Bhattara mane” (which is around halfway to the top) and trek from there.