It had been a long time since I went for a solo trip, almost a year. Unlike the last year, 2019 kept me quite busy that I could only go for fewer trips. So, after settling down in my new job I have started to travel again.
While researching about my next destination, I came across Kodachadri Trek. I went through some of the pictures on social media and instantly made up my mind. I decide to go for Kodachadri Trek along with a group of strangers and I have to share the exhilarating experience I had.
After contemplating so many options I booked for a package of 2 days 1 night through one of the local traveling agency.
Kodachadri is a mountain peak standing 1,343 meters above sea level. It is Karnataka’s 10th highest peak. The basepoint for Kodachadri trek is Nagodi/Nittur, a village in Shivamogga. The trek includes relatively steep climbing and rugged paths, it requires you to make your way through thick forests, gentle streams and quite literally climb a waterfall which becomes a whole another ballgame during peak monsoons.
The Journey
Bangalore to Kodachadri Base Point
I stared from Bangalore on Friday night after being picked up from one of the pickup points. I was tired and nervous too as I would be traveling with strangers (the introvert inside me was struggling to cope up). Well, Shivamogga is 300 KM and the base point for the trek was another 80 KM. We were supposed to reach the base point at 7 AM where we would stay in a home stay.
The night passed with people dancing, chatting and telling stories. We reached the home stay at 7:30 AM, it was 9-10 hours long journey
The Trek
After getting freshen up we had a delicious breakfast prepared at the home stay. And then we were all set to go. Trek leaders decided on everyone's position in the group and other important instructions were given, most important being not to litter during the trek. I strongly believe that as a traveler keeping our surrounding clean is the least we can do for mother nature. We should always be setting examples for others.
From our home stay, the base point was very nearby. We started to stroll through a road, the entire village was looking so beautiful amidst the drizzle of rain. Just after a few minutes, we heard the sound of rushing water. I was so amazed to see a little brook flowing below the bridge. How monsoons turn everything so lovely and add a pinch of magic in everything.
Monsoons!! Yes, it was raining continuously and most of the times furiously. I don't remember taking off my raincoat even a once. I felt like I'm wearing a cape all the time.
After some time, we entered the forest area; dense, muddy and wide varieties of flora. We all went on, trying to maintain the grip of shoes in muddy paths.
Hidlumane Waterfall
This waterfall was bliss indeed. A huge waterfall with a strong force of water that looked so surreal.
Everyone rushed inside the water, I was being skeptical about getting drenched. I had spent days in bed after being caught fever & cold and certainly didn't want to fall ill again. But then you live only once, I jumped inside.
Our trek leader knew something that I believe not many people know. He told us that behind the falling water there's rock, we can go inside crossing through the fall and just chill there. Whatttt!!!!
I couldn't believe him until I saw others going inside with him. "No, I love my life I don't want to die!!!" The trek leader then tried to explain to me how this could be my only opportunity to do something that I might never get to do again. So easy to convince me.
After one failed attempt, there I was just below the waterfall where I could hardly breathe and can see nothing. My heart was pounding, I pushed myself to climb a few steps to reach the spot. I was there!! I couldn't believe, my heart was still pounding, not sure if it was out of fear or the adrenaline rush that I was experiencing. Imagine sitting on a rock which is inside a waterfall and all you can see is water falling around you and those faded views of the outside world that you can see through the water. And we were singing out loudly sitting there fearlessly (I won't lie I was bit scared LOL I'm hydrophobic but still love such adventures).
When Real Struggle Kicked In
So far everything was good but people started to get curious about how much distance was left to cover and every time trek leaders would tell us "We're almost there." BUT we still had miles to go. We stopped for a quick lunch break. It was raining furiously, and winds were strong, we managed to stand there and finished our packed lunch boxes. You can refill your water bottles from the water stream near the lunch area.
And before the laziness kicks in we had begun trekking. We had another steep hill to climb, the destination was faaaarrrr away. By this time, we hadn't come even the halfway and in front of us was a huge hill which was clearly demanding some steep climbing, it was challenging.
After crawling slowly, we reached the top and guess what that was not the peak. Well, after reaching this point you will find a road accessible to jeeps, but trekkers are supposed to trek to the top. All your efforts will be duly paid off by the views.
Made it to the PEAK!!!
Another few KM to reach the IB point from where it will take another hour or so (approx. 2 KM) to reach the Kodachadri Peak. Through a difficult terrain, we finally made it to the top.
The sad part, it was all foggy and we couldn't witness the sunset. When the sky is clear you can easily see the Arabian Sea and the marvelous view of Western Ghat. There is a sunset point as well but for that, you have to hike for another 10 minutes. Despite the fog entire surrounding was looking magical. We sat at the edge of a rock, calming ourselves down. 14KM!!! I was screaming inside with pride.
And one group picture in front of the 800 years old temple was mandatory. We gathered, was about to pose when it started to rain furiously. So furiously, clouds turned black and we knew that it's time to head back. But the good part is we managed to get some pictures. YAY.
When we reached home stay, bhajiyas and tea were waiting for us. So, We freshened up quickly, wrapped ourselves in warm clothes and enjoyed the evening. After a scrumptious dinner and rounds of interesting games, we retired for the night.
On our way back to Bangalore we visited Nagara fort. A beautiful set of architectural ruins that offers picturesque views of Western Ghats. And post that we began our return journey to Bangalore with a head full of memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Read more such interesting stories on my travel blog Gusty Gadders and don't forget to follow on Instagram.
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