Kundadri Hills trek, Agumbe. Photographer Sudarshana
On the way from Theerthahalli to Agumbe, in the Theerthahalli Taluq, is the hill station of Kundadri, which is turning into a nice trekking trail for adventure tourists.
An Overview of Kundadri
In the Theerthahalli Taluq of Shimoga district is the beautiful and popular Kundadri Hill, a monolithic rock formation with a Jain Temple at the top. Rising 3,200 feet above sea level, the Kundadri hill is a cool destination that’s an ideal spot to visit during summer.
Covered in lush green forests, this hill is a holy pilgrimage place for Jains and also a fine spot to do a bit of trekking and climbing, for adventure enthusiasts.
The hill is named after a Jain monk Kundakundacharya who is said to have performed severe penance here. The 17th Century Jain Temple will be especially crowded during the time of Makara Shankaranthi.
Trekking in Kundadri
As it is a pilgrimage destination, there is a neat tar road that leads to the temple to enable cars and buses to ply the route. But, there are also trekking trails in the jungles surrounding the roads. These trails run through thick forests and they can be a bit challenging for beginners, but the trail is scenic to say the least. Once you reach the summit, the strain of the climb will be long forgotten.
The summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region, with streams flowing at the foothills into the lush green jungle. The backwaters of the Varahi Dam in the distance add to the scenic setting.
On clear and cloudless days, this is a fine place to get a stunning view of the sunrise and sunset, if you are here at the right time. The temple itself is a beautiful spot. There are two small ponds near the temple and these are covered in lotus blooms throughout the year.
Kundadri Hills is one of the numerous tourist destinations surrounding Theerthahalli and Theerthahalli is a favored destination by itself. This is the place where Sri Parashurama is said to have washed his axe, in the Tunga River. It was hence known as Rama Theertha, which later became Theerthahalli.
Tourists can make Theerthahalli their central location and visit other places like Udupi, Koppa, Shimoga, Agumbe, and Kundadri during this trip. Theerthahalli itself has many attractions like the Rameshwara Temple and the Venkataramana Swamy temple.
How to Reach Kundadri
If you’re driving or riding, on the way from Theerthahalli to Agumbe, you will reach a place known as Guddekere. From here, take a right turn and proceed a further 8 km to reach Kundadri.
- By Air: Mangalore, 190 km from Theerthahalli, is the nearest airport.
- By Train: Shimoga is the nearest Railway Station. From Shimoga, you can get buses to Theerthahalli.
- By Road: Take National Highway NH-206 which will take you to Shimoga. From Shimoga, take NH-13 to reach Theerthahalli. Then, find the Theerthahalli-Agumbe route, look out for Guddekere and turn right.
Kundadri is a fine destination to visit, regardless of whether you are on a holy pilgrimage or want to admire the natural beauty of the region through an adventure trip. All you need to do is pack your bags and plan your trip efficiently.
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