Kodachadri: Taking a treacherous road to enjoy breathtaking beauty Premium

The journey to the top passes through 40 steep curves. At each curve, the drivers exhibit all their skills to navigate the stretch. As they sense a vehicle approaching from the opposite side, they expertly park their vehicles at a vantage spot so that the other vehicle can pass easily. They know that coordination among drivers is key while on the job. Tourists are often so terrified through the ride that most drivers stop for a while midway so that they can shed their fear for a while and enjoy the breathtaking view and the breeze.

The Kodachadri peak, which can be reached from Kattinahole village in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district, is 1,343 meters above sea level and attracts hundreds of visitors every year from across Karnataka. During weekends, the nine-kilometre-long rugged mud-and-gravel road to the peak is teeming with 4X4 vehicles carrying tourists, many among them from faraway places such as Bengaluru.

“We thought we won’t be able to cross this tough stretch. But the local driver who was on the wheels knew how to navigate,” said Ravi Kumar, an employee in a software company who was part of a group of friends. It was a 45-minute nerve-racking ride.

The journey to the top passes through 40 steep curves. At each curve, the drivers exhibit all their skills to navigate the stretch. As they sense a vehicle approaching from the opposite side, they expertly park their vehicles at a vantage spot so that the other vehicle can pass easily. They know that coordination among drivers is key while on the job. Tourists are often so terrified through the ride that most drivers stop for a while midway so that they can shed their fear for a while and enjoy the breathtaking view and the breeze.

The highest that vehicles can reach is the parking place near Kalabhairava temple. From there, there is no path for vehicles. The tourists have to trek to reach the peak. Shankaracharya, a philosopher of the eighth century, who advocated the Advaita philosophy, is said to have visited the peak.

From the peak, visitors get stunning views of the Western Ghats. The peak is part of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, the place rich with rare flora and fauna. Spotted deer, Sambar, Common langur, Bonnet macaque are commonly found, besides the rare lion-tailed macaque.

Many enthusiasts take the trekking path to reach the peak. The trek for the 14-km stretch is challenging as well as rewarding. On the way, the trekkers enjoy water streams and a waterfall, Hindlumane. A few schools in Shivamogga take their students for trekking expedition to this place. They stay at the PWD guest house at the top and return the next day.

The Forest Department has fixed a fee of ₹250 for adults and ₹125 for children for trekking. The department allots guides to accompany the trekking groups.