Kundadri

If you have ever driven down to Agumbe from Shimoga, chances are you would watch the sunset and drive back. While driving to Agumbe, there is this place called Guddekere. From there, a turn to the right leads to Kundadri hill which is 8 km from Guddekere . That’s what I did, on my way to Agumbe. Took a right to Kundadri, which is an adventurous place for trekking lovers. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. This hill is a gigantic monolithic rock. One can reach the hill top by good asphalted road and also trek from base to the top of the hill. The walk up the hill using the shortcut route is a great experience .If you drive to the hill, after the parking lot, one need to use the stone-paved path that leads to the top. Atop this hill, is a `Jain Basthi’ (Jain settlement) which is said to be of 17th century and next to which are three ponds. Kundadri is named after a Jain Monk Kundakundacharya.

Kundadri, surrounded by lush green provides a picturesque scene of both sun rise and sun set. On a sunny day, you will find the horizon glittering, Guess what the glitter: The Arabian sea at Udupi! One can also camp near Basthi and camping in the open at this hill top on a full moon night is an exhilarating experience. On a full moon night one can experience sun rise and moon set at the same time.From the hill top you can see the twists and turns of the Thirthahalli-Agumbe road.
One can reach Kundadri :
By road : From Bangalore, one has to take the National Highway NH-206 to reach Shimoga and then take NH-13 (Thirthahalli road) to reach Thirthahalli. From Thirthahalli take the Shimoga Udupi road and at Guddekere, take right to reach Kundadribetta.
By rail :The nearest railway station is in Shimoga. Numerous trains run from Bangalore ,Mysore and Hubli to Shimoga.
By air : The nearest airport is in Managalore and is 190 Kms from Thirthahalli.
Accommodation : one can pitch tents at the top of the hill and stay overnight or can stay at Agumbe too.