Kodachadri: Malnad musings

Travel in BC(Before COVID-19) to me started off as “ticking the bucket list” and as a function of time it metamorphosed into“investing in experiences” and now it is unambiguously just gratitude.

The raging pandemic around the world set human race into a war with an invisible enemy with countless families losing their loved ones every day. An enemy that won’t negotiate, will not tire, who gets stronger by the day and will not stop anytime soon. During these hysterical times, all that we have ever wished, prayed and hoped for is waking up with family and friends hale and healthy without being defeated by the virus. To be able to travel safely is beyond luxury and hence every cell in the body oozes gratitude!

Not wanting to risk international or even inter-state travel at this time, we opted for somewhere serene, quiet and at a drive-able distance from Bangalore. Malnad region was an obvious choice, with magnificent landscapes and an opportunity to get some sunshine and sweat to the hiking pants, that was slothing around in the wardrobe-turned-cold-storage. Kodachadri is nestled is the Mookambika Wild Life Santuary in Western Ghats of India. A trail to the peak makes for a marvelous day trek.

A picture is worth a thousand words and above picture of railway track on the way to Kodachadri, speaks volumes about my state of mind. I don’t know where this track leads to from here but surely the train has stopped and out of sight. I don’t even know when the train will be back on the track, but until then I will stop by at this station on those epoch turquoise tables to smell those bougainvillea whilst being kissed by the midday sun and musing on the fall colors. Who knows what wisdom this pause will inspire that will determine which train to take or simply go off track and trek the rest of journey in forest and meadows. I could get used to this pace that instills gratitude at every step. I am not restless at this terminus of life but contented that deeply stems from the realization that whatever I have is a lot.

Practical details

Getting here: 8 hours drive from Bangalore. Or get to Mangalore by air and a 3 hour drive to the base of trek.

Recommended Stay: Paradise Wild Hills Resort

Best time to trek: Around the year, though October to Jan is more pleasant.

Trekking:

1. Work the logistics of a guide and transport to base of trek at the resort. Also the resort will offer packed lunch for the trek.
2. After breakfast by 7-30 am, reach to the trek base at Kathinahole. Its a 10 -15 minute drive from the resort. You can drive your own vehicle and park at the forest check point in Kathinahole or the resort can arrange for drop and pick up after the trek.
3. After check at the forest, start the trek by 8am. Distance is about 20 Kms (10 kms up and 10 kms downhill). The uphills and downhill can be done on same trail or downhill can be an easier trail on a wide path. It takes 7-8 hours with average fitness and walking through the trail “smelling roses”.
4. The trek has 2 sections: Kathinahole to Hidlumane falls is forest trail and also passing through paddy fields closer to the falls. After crossing the falls, all the way to summit is via the meadows.
5. Carry packed lunch/snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap/hat, 1 or 2 litres of water. There are water sources at falls and also at temple premises near Bhattarana mane, that is 1.5 kms ahead of the summit.
6. There is option to take a Jeep downhill and it can be booked by the guide. This makes sense if there is desire to spend more time at the summit.
7. The trail can be done without a guide too but we chose a guide anyway to stay on the track and also to fuel local economy.
8. The rest is a photo story of the picturesque trail…

Drive to Malnad

Kodachadri Trek: Forest Trail

Kathinahole to Hidlumane falls.

Caution: Once you reach Hidlumane falls, there are 3 levels of the falls. Getting from 1st level fo 3rd level, the small section of trail(~ 20 minutes) is like rock climbing and can be challenging. Tread this section carefully.

Kodachadri trek: Meadows

Hidlumane Falls to Summit.

Kodachadri trek: Downhill trail