Kodachadri mountain peaks form the picturesque background for one of the most famous temples in India, the Kollur Mookambika Temple. It is also known as Kollur Temple, Mookambika Temple, and Kodachadri Temple. Mookambika Temple lies inside the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. Kodachadri is in Shimoga ditrict, Karnataka, India.

Inscriptions dating back to A.D. 1481 can be found inside the Mookambika Temple. Many kings were generous in donating to this temple. Keladi Dynasty kings need special mention in this regard. They were committed devotees to this temple. They used to celebrate their victories in this temple.

Lord Ganapthi is sculpted in the Deepasthambha or Lamp post pillar in this temple. It is known as Pillar Ganapathi or Kambhada Ganapathi. It is at the entrance after the Flag post. Mookambika Devi is the main deity in sitting posture as in Padmasana or Lotus position. Swayambhoo Linga is there in front of the main deity. Circumnavigating the Sanctum Sanctum is a custom at this temple. It should be done from the left side to the right side. There are many other deities inside the temple here.

Kodachadri is the 13th highest peak in Karnataka state at 1343 meters. It is part of the Western Ghats. Kodachari Hills were declared a heritage site by the Government of Karnataka. Kodacha or Kodashi means hill of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) flowers. The flower names in Sanskrit and Hindi are Kutaja, Vatsaka, and Kalinga.

Arashinagundi Falls and Hidlumane Falls are two famous waterfalls inside the forests of Kodachadri. The areas in and around Kudajadri are rich in flora and fauna. There is a sunrise point from where the breathtaking view of the rising sun is visible. There is also a sunset point to view the setting sun in the Arabian Sea!

Trekking is allowed in Kodachadri.

The ideal time to visit Kodachadri is from October to March.

How Do I Go to Kodachadri Kollur Mookambika Temple?

Kodachadri is about 78 kilometers from Shimoga City in Karnataka state, India. Jeep is the best mode of transport to visit the temple and the nearby falls.

Mookambika Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station (at Baindur alias Byndur Town), around 30 kilometers from the temple. Its station code is BYNR.  Mookambika Road Railway Station is also known as Byndur Railway Station. Mookambika Road railway station is about one hour’s journey from Udupi railway station by train.

It takes about 2.5 hours by train to reach Mookambika Road Railway Station from Mangaluru Junction Railway Station. It takes around 2 hours to reach Karwar railway station (headquarters of Uttara Kannada district) from Mookambika Road railway station.

The distance from Mangalore to Kodachadri is 116 kilometers. Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport.

Kodachadri is about 400 kilometers from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka State.

Accommodation at Kollur

Lalithambika Guest House alias Shri Mookambika Temple Guest House is owned by the Mookambika Temple. It is also known as the Shri Matha Chathra Family Guest House. It is on the Main road, very close to the temple.

There are many other hotels and lodges near the temple.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Buses From Kollar

As Kerala state is very close to Kollur Temple, there are a lot of pilgrims from Kerala to Kollur. Kerala State RTC buses are parked in front of the Lalithambika Guest House alias Shri Mookambika Temple Guest House mentioned above. The bus staff normally rests at the nearby RNS Guest House.