Kodachadri

Kodachadri is a mountain peak (altitude - 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name is a corruption of the Sanskrit word "Kutakachalam." Kodachadri forms a picturesque background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. Tha rain forests loom in a perpetual layer of mist around the peak.

This peak is where 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. You will find a "Sarvajna Peetha" of Sri Shankaracharya at the top.

Adi-Mookambika temple at Kodachadri village is believed to be the "moola sthana" (the origin) of "Sri Mookambika Devi".

It is also an excellent locale for Trekkers and backpackers.

The Karnataka govt. has plans to tar the road right up to Shankarapeedom. Environmentalists allege that this would destroy the peace and tranquility as well as natural habitat of many species in the region.

How to reach there

* Nearest Town Kollur - 20 km
** Kodachadri can be reached from Kollur by jeep on a 40 km long winding and slippery mud road with many hair-pin bends.
* Mookambika Nature Camp - 4 km south of Kollur
* Nearest airport is Mangalore - 147 km
* Nearest Railway station is Kundapura on Konkan Railway route.

External links

* [http://www.sathvikmail.blogspot.com Kodachadri trek]
* [http://manjunathkp.googlepages.com/kodachadri Trekking in Kodachadri]
* [http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/jun10/articles13.htm Iron Pillar in Kodachadri]