Kodachadri
Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests in the Western Ghats in Karnataka. 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. The important animal life include Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill,Paradise Flycatcher,Emerald Piegeon, Tiger, Panther, heyna, Bison,Python and many more, of which several are endangered.
The Shola Forests spread over the surrounding hill range as well as on Kodachadri hill range is unique. Shola forests are said to be the life of steams and rivers of such hills. Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara- Nilsakal, at about 20 k.m from this place.
Kodachadri is also a popular trekking route among the people of Udupi district and surrounding villages. Particularly, for students and for those who are beginners, this trekking route is ideal with fair difficulty and availability of hot food at the end of trekking. It is around five hour trek from Nagodi village, near Kollur. In summer, it will be real hot to trek and during rainy season, it is almost impossible for freshers to trek due to heavy rain,cloud, chilly weather and leeches. Rainy season trekking can be undertaken as a unique experience, and trekking during winter is ideal.
