Kodachadri Betta, located in the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a must-visit for trekkers and nature lovers. Whether you’re coming from Bangalore, Shimoga, or Kollur, the journey to this stunning peak is both scenic and exciting. Here’s how you can effortlessly reach Kodachadri Betta, focusing on train, air, and road options from Bangalore.
From Bangalore to Kodachadri: Your Adventure Awaits
Travelling from Bangalore to Kodachadri offers multiple options, including road trips, train journeys, and even flights combined with local transport.
1. By Road: The Popular Choice for Trekkers
Covering approximately 390 km, the road trip from Bangalore to Kodachadri is one of the most preferred options, especially for trekkers who opt for package tours. Here’s what you can expect:
- Travel Details: Most trekking groups and tours offer non-AC buses that depart from Bangalore in the late evening, allowing travellers to rest during the overnight journey.
- En-Route Stops: Some packages include scenic stops along the way, adding more excitement to your road trip.
- Time: The bus journey typically takes around 8-9 hours, bringing you to the base camp early in the morning.
2. By Train: A Comfortable Journey to Shimoga
If you prefer travelling by train, there are multiple trains from Bangalore to Shimoga, which is about 115 km from Kodachadri. From Shimoga, you can easily rent a jeep or take a local bus to the base of Kodachadri Betta.
- Train Options:
- Siddaganga Intercity Express (Train No. 12677): Departs from Bangalore City Junction (SBC) and arrives at Shimoga Town (SMET). This train runs daily and takes about 6-7 hours.
- Vishwamanava Express (Train No. 17325): Another daily option from Bangalore to Shimoga, takes around 6 hours.
After reaching Shimoga, it’s a 3-4 hour scenic drive to Kodachadri base camp, making the train-and-road combination an easy and comfortable choice.
3. By Air: Fast and Convenient
For those who wish to travel faster, flying is a great option. While Kodachadri doesn’t have a nearby airport, the closest one is in Mangalore, which is around 140 km from Kodachadri. You can easily find flights from Bangalore to Mangalore.
- Flight Details:
- Airlines: Multiple airlines such as Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate daily flights between Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) and Mangalore International Airport (IXE).
- Flight Duration: The flight takes about 1 hour.
After landing in Mangalore, you can take a private taxi or a bus to reach Kodachadri. The drive from Mangalore to Kodachadri takes about 4-5 hours, passing through stunning landscapes and forests.
Combining Train or Air with Road Options
Once you reach either Shimoga by train or Mangalore by flight, you can rent a car, or jeep, or take local transport to reach Kodachadri. Both routes offer incredible views, making the journey an integral part of the adventure.
From Kollur to Kodachadri: A Short Scenic Route
For those starting from Kollur to Kodachadri, the journey is much shorter, about 20 km. Kollur is a famous pilgrimage town, and the road to Kodachadri is smooth and accessible by private vehicles or rented jeeps. The drive takes about 1 hour.
From Shimoga to Kodachadri: A Convenient Option
The distance from Shimoga to Kodachadri is about 115 km, and it takes around 3-4 hours by road. The scenic drive is full of natural beauty, making it a comfortable and visually enriching experience. Jeeps and taxis are easily available, and the roads are well-maintained.
The Kodachadri Trek Experience
After reaching the Kodachadri base camp, your adventure truly begins. The Kodachadri Trek is 24 km (round trip) and takes you through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain trails. The trek is easy to moderate, and suitable for both beginner and experienced trekkers. Along the way, you’ll visit Hidlumane Falls and the ancient Kodachadri Mookambika Temple.
Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Western Ghats, making the climb worth every step.
Heading Back: Kodachadri to Bangalore
Once your trek is complete, you can either return from Kodachadri to Bangalore by the same route or explore nearby attractions before heading back. Most travellers prefer to take the overnight bus, allowing them to rest after the trek and return refreshed.
Whether you’re travelling by train, air, or road, reaching Kodachadri Betta from Bangalore offers a variety of options suited to every traveller. No matter which route you take, the journey itself is an adventure, leading you to one of Karnataka’s most stunning trekking destinations.
