We had our plans to get up at 0530 to see the sunrise, we were woken up by 330 itself by the gung-ho NCC students who started getting ready 2 hours before.. 🙁 somehow we tried to rest until its 0530.
At 0545 when we started our another trek, it was pitch dark and had no visibility. Fortunately, torches showed us the way forward. We started climbing as did the 45 students, they parted ways after a while and we took a different rather dangerous route to the top of the hill. It was about 6 when we reached there and no sign of Sun yet.
we chatted for quite sometime & meanwhile cameras were set up and waited for sun 🙂 After a while, we could see some light and as it brightened a bit more, we saw mesmerizing hill tops covered with clouds. It appeared as creamy layer of snow flowing down the valley. It was beautiful ! Sun rose and golden color had spread all around ! cameras clicked hundred times 🙂
We descended down the hill and had a nice heavy breakfast at Bhatta’s house. By 9 am, we checked out of the Bhatta’s place.
It took us about 45 mins to 1 hour to descend down 5kms n reach Kaka’s hotel. It is slippery during monsoon season. ( We had taken more than 2 hours to reach the top 😀 )
ARISHINAGUNDI FALLS >
We had lemon juice at Kaka’s place n asked for route to Arshinagundi falls, the guy didn give us the complete route rather marketed a guide costing 300 INR. We took half info from him and started towards the directed route. On reaching about 2 kms away from Kaka’s hotel, you get a collapsed or rather absent Transformer ( Two electric poles on the left side of the road ), we took a left. Remember, there is no direction there :). After walking, climbing, skidding, slipping through ups n downs we reached a stream which was blocked by a tree. We lost the direction there ! We wandered here n there for 15 – 20 mins, exploring all directions :D. A while later, a group came in who had a guide along and gave us the right direction.
It was close to 1330 hrs when we reached the falls. Its about 5 kms from Kaka’s hotel. The falls is amazing ! Water falls from nearly 100 feet and directly falls on pile of rocks and flows down smoothly. Water density is not so much during this season, however you cannot reach the falls during the monsoon time 🙂 Ajay & Vatsa took a swim while myself n Madha enjoyed the water fall and Mr Shivakumar took a nice nap 😀 . I took some snaps n we packed bags. Our next destination, Kollur, 6 kms more :(. We had to take bus from Kollur to reach Udupi before 2100.
Last bit of trek, which was to climb uphill for nearly 0.6 kms, we felt the toughest. It was at an inclination of 60 – 70 degrees and had no plain land whatsoever. we struggled a lot. With empty stomach, with no water on board, all of us were drained out completely. We finally reached Kollur at 1715 with a lot of struggle n pain.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS & LESSONS LEARNT >
a. Get yourself fit n healthy before you even think of trekking in Kodachadri
b. Kodachadri trek is simpler compared to trek to Arishinagundi falls
c. During Monsoon, its doubtful to reach Arishinagundi falls
d. Inform Seetharama Bhatta well before you plan your trip
e. Carry less luggage 🙂
f. Dont ever miss Sunrise ! its a wonder !
g. Plan to camp there, as it seems to be good.
h. Millions of leeches during monsoon
i. Love Kodachadri, keep it clean & tidy
j. Witnessed forest snakes, so better be with proper shoes n trousers
k. Kollur – Karikatte gate : 12 kms by road,
Karikatte gate – Kaka’s hotel : 4 kms by road
Kaka’s hotel – Kodachadri top : 5kms by air 🙂
Kaka’s hotel – Arishinagundi : 2kms towards Karikatte gate, take a left diversion, trek through the forest for 4 kms.
Arishinagundi falls – Kollur : 6 kms through forest & 1.5 kms by road
l. Charges / Expenses @ Bhatta’s place : 30 per meal, 25 for stay , 10 for breakfast & 5 for coffee/tea.
m. Guide is not very much necessary, ofcourse go ahead if you can afford one.
n. Jeeps do take you to the top but with a hefty price tag of 175 INR per head.