Trek to Kodachadri and Hidlumane Falls

 

Kodachadri had been on my mind for a very long time. After having kept it in my bucket list I couldn't go there for various reasons. So finally, the day came, I could make this trek happen in July 22-23. 

Almost every one of us booked our seat in Okha express which starts from Ernakulam Jn at 8.30 pm. I met few of the team members in Ernakulam Station itself.

Day 1

We reached Mangalore Station at around 4 am and proceeded to hotel for refresh. So, we got ready using the basic amenities provided by the hotel. After having rest for some time and a deserved hot tea, we started our journey in a Minibus. It was raining heavily throughout our journey.

Our first destination was Udupi temple. We had pit stop for breakfast.  There was heavy rain when we reached the temple. We had darshan of the Lord through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. After taking the blessings of Lord Krishna, I walked through the corridor. There is a Goshala (Cow Shed) inside the temple complex. Then I came out of the temple.

Udupi Temple

Next to the temple is Madhava Sarovar or pond. 

Madhava Sarovar

Then we headed for Mookambika Temple. There was a little relief from the rain when we reached the temple. I took a special darshan pass for Rs.100. After Darshan, I bought Ladu as prasadam.

Mookambika Temple

It was already 1 pm. After having lunch, we decided to visit Nagara Fort, and this is known as the last capital city of Keladi rulers. This fort was also called Bidanur or Bidnur earlier during the 16th century.

Nagara Fort

Walking to the top of the fort is also scenic and is worth visiting for all nature lovers. 

Nagara Fort

Out next destination was Savehaklu Dam. It was raining heavily when we reached the dam site. Our plan was a walk down near the reservoir. But due to rain we dropped our plan and proceeded to the homestay.

Savehaklu Dam

It was already 8 pm when we reached homestay. We dumped our backpacks in the rooms allotted. Had a delicious dinner.

Day 2

It rained heavily in the early morning. We walked through the jeep road from homestay till the check post. After taking permission, we entered into the wilderness of the forest and walked towards Hidlumane waterfalls which is 5 kms trek through forest.

After few hours trek through forest, we reached Hidlumane where we found a small house with a small shop, and they allowed us to have our packed breakfast and refresh. We met some other groups from there. From Hidlumane, the trek continued towards Hidlumane falls. We then crossed paddy fields and then the trek turned to forest. We walked through dense forest, crossed several water streams and some areas were little slippery. Before Hidlumane falls, there are other two waterfalls.

There was a huge rocky terrain ahead of us and ropes was installed to help trekkers to hike through slippery patch. The narrow path after the rock climb was a short trail that led to Hidlumane falls.

We climbed over a few boulders to get close to the falls. The waterflow was high and some other group members helped us to cross the falls. All our tiredness washed away when we crossed this beautiful waterfall.

Hidlumane falls

Further trek would cover 6 kms to reach Kodachadri Peak. After crossing falls, we continued our trek through forest and then grassland. Soon we reached the road. Walking with greenery and fresh wind makes life easier here. There were many jeeps waiting for the those who want to go to the top.

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We took halt there for some time and proceeded our trek through jeep track. which soon ended in front of Moola Mookambika Temple of Goddess Aadhi parashakthy.  The jeep service is only till here. One iron pillar of about 32 feet length is placed in front of this base temple, which is considered as the Trisula used by Goddess Mookambika to kill the demon Mookasura. It is considered to be around 2400 years old. 

Moola Mookambika Temple

Next part of the trek is from vehicle parking to Sarvajnapeetham. Rain god had already blessed, and we passed through beautiful landscapes. After two kms of hike, we reached a small place and a temple covered with fog where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated. We were covered by mist and unable to see any natural beauty around.  

Sarvajnapeetham

After spending some time, we started our descend. We would descend to homestay from peak in a jeep ride for a much-awaited late lunch. The ride gives you bumpy but adventurous off-roading experience.

It was indeed a memorable trek with a 17-member enthusiastic team. When we met at Mangalore station on 22nd morning, we were strangers. But when we said goodbye in the same station after two days, all of us had become good friends.  This was the biggest takeaway from this trip.

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Areeckal Waterfalls

Two weeks back, when I went for the Chimmini trek, I missed the Choorathala Waterfall and a bath beneath it since there were no rains. However, since then the State witnessed heavy rains. I was looking for a one-day outing with family, and so decided to visit Areekal Waterfalls, near Kochi.

We set out from Kochi in the early hours of the morning, fully prepared and thrilled by the journey ahead. The distance to Areekal from Kochi is about 40 km and takes around one hour to reach. And of course, I could have a joy ride in my new car with an amazing view of nature and rubber estates on both sides of the road.

There were two entrances to reach the waterfalls. If you are selecting first entrance through Top Station , you have to descend around 100 steps to reach the base. I took the second route , through View Point , to reach the place. Entry fee is Rs.20 per head. There were heavy rush in the spot. When I asked to the lady in the counter about the daily  rush, she replied that there were days when two thousand tourists visited the place.

We were already listening to the rhythm of the waterfalls as we were getting closer. A concrete footpath with metal fencing conveniently led to the falls. When I reached the place, I saw the beautiful view of the 100 feet waterfalls cascading down with layers and layers.

I clicked as much to get the full view of the falls. It is pleasant to stand down the falls by watching nature at its best  as the water falls and water sprays all around.

Then was  the time for bath. The was a small pond formed beneath the falls. I jumped into the pond without changing my dress and moved towards the falls. The water was cold. One of my friends helped me to climb a little above the falls and we sat and enjoyed the falls.

After spending enough time, I came out of the falls. There was a small shop selling tea and snacks. I had tea and snacks, well deserved especially after a long bath under the waterfalls. There are changing rooms to change your clothing.

Spent some time to see the beauty of nature and listen to the music of water and store those wonderful scenery in mind.

A well-deserved weekend outing with family.

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