{"id":1053,"date":"2015-06-18T08:13:03","date_gmt":"2015-06-18T08:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gops.org\/?p=1053"},"modified":"2024-07-12T12:55:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T07:25:11","slug":"kotachadri-adventure-meets-with-devotion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gops.org\/?p=1053","title":{"rendered":"KOTACHADRI : ADVENTURE MEETS WITH DEVOTION"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kodachadri, situated in the Western Ghats in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, is undeniably one of the most stunning tourist spots in India. A visit to Kodachadri could be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and thrill-seeking drivers. It is located 1343 meters above sea level and is approximately 30 kilometers away from the temple town Kollur. The area is surrounded by verdant hills and is home to a diverse range of wildlife and tropical flora. The valley has been designated as a natural heritage site by the state government.<\/p>\n

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LOST IN THE WILDERNESS : A WALK THROUGH THE KODACHADRI MOUNTAIN RANGES<\/p><\/div>\n

The term Kodachadri (Kodachadri in Kannada, Kutajadri in Sanskrit, and Malayalam \u0d15\u0d41\u0d1f\u0d1c\u0d3e\u0d26\u0d4d\u0d30\u0d3f) originates from the Sanskrit words \u2018Kutaja\u2019 and \u2018Adri\u2019. Kutaja refers to a species of Mountain Jasmine flower (\u0d15\u0d41\u0d1f\u0d15\u0d2a\u0d4d\u0d2a\u0d3e\u0d32, Kutakappaala or Giri-Mallika) while Adri signifies a hill. The Kutaja plant also possesses Ayurvedic medicinal qualities.<\/p>\n

The breathtaking vista from the summit of Kodachadri peak is captivating. The peak can be reached via a challenging trekking path spanning approximately 9 to 12 km through thick woodland. This trek is designed for individuals in good physical condition and necessitates authorization from the forest department. Alternatively, it can be accessed via a 30 km off-road jeep route from Kollur town. The final 9 km of this route consists of a narrow, unpaved track with sharp inclines and hairpin turns.<\/p>\n

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DARE DEVIL DRIVERS WITH THEIR JEEPS CLIMBING KODACHADRI HILL<\/p><\/div>\n

Only skilled off-road drivers can successfully navigate the challenging trail up the hill. The local taxi operators are experienced in driving the reliable Mahindra CJ series jeeps and are familiar with every twist and turn of the narrow muddy road that leads to the summit of Kodachadri hill. I was amazed by their ability to maneuver through the rugged terrain in their 2-wheel drive vehicles. Their strategy involves driving relentlessly, resembling daredevil enthusiasts, without prioritizing the safety or comfort of their passengers. As a result, passengers often feel as though they have been through a rough journey, much like a jumbled crate of eggs.<\/p>\n

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THE TREACHEROUS OFF-ROAD TRACK GOING UP THE HILL<\/p><\/div>\n

A suitable 4X4 jeep might be able to navigate the terrain with more ease. However, the local drivers dominate the road and their aggressive demeanor could result in a traffic jam at any time on that narrow path. The jeep has a capacity of 8 passengers and they charge 350 Rs per person. If you wish to travel alone, you will have to pay the full fare for 8 people, which amounts to 2800 Rs. We hired a jeep by paying the full amount to transport just the two of us. The driver warned us that the ride would be quite rough due to the lack of sufficient weight in the vehicle. We soon realized this to be true as we were tossed around like astronauts in a space station. Our driver had no intention of making any stops during the ascent, and I continued to snap photos while bouncing up and down. Along the way, we spotted a herd of bisons grazing in the valley below. It took nearly half an hour to reach our destination.<\/p>\n

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Watch a short video clip of the jeep ride :<\/strong><\/p>\n