Sigandhur Ferry Ride and Kodachadri Hills

Sigandur is a beautiful place and small village surrounded by green and backwaters of River Sharavathi in Sagar Taluk of Karnataka state.The main attraction of Sigandur is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chowdeshwari which is called as Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple.

There are two ferry's which carry vehicles as well as people from one end of shore to other. It takes around 2 hours to reach Sigandhur from Shivmoga by a car

Having seen this in pictures, We decided to take this route to reach my native Mangalore. Though longer than regular route B'lore-Shivmogga-Mangalore , route via Sigandur ferry ride added to fun and excitement.

Being Saturday afternoon, crowd was less and in about 1 Hour we could get on the barge. Ferry staff have mastered the art of loading maximum vehicles on it. By seeing the size of vehicles they decide which one to be sent first and where it is to be parked. I had to drive in reverse to park it on the ferry and got out to enjoy the ride.

Point To Note:

1. On busy days like Sundays or during temple festival seasons, there can be huge rush of vehicles and since the number of barges/ferries is limited (only 2), if you wish to cross the river with your vehicle on the ferry, you may have to wait for several hours to get your turn. A more practical way will be to cross the river without the vehicle and take an auto on the other end, if you wish to return back after visiting temple. Else go very early in the day.

2. Some taxi drivers just refuse to get their vehicle on board the ferry, fearing vehicles might rub against each other during the ride and might get damaged. We got the middle area on this ferry and nothing happened. Ferry or Barge is highly stable as it crosses the river and there’s no swinging. If going by rented vehicle, highlight this part before starting and ensure that driver has no issues. Just be sure to keep an eye on the vehicle as some people tend to lean against it or sit on it etc as the boat moves.

3. Parking Fee: Rs 10, Ferry fee Rs 15 for cars, Re 1 per passenger

4. Open till 5PM only, do not be late. (I’m told there can be more trips during peak season/festivals) and the guys will operate the ferry one more round if paid well, but haven’t tested these)

5. Local vehicles, Buses get priority over tourist vehicles

Kodachadri Hills

Kodachadre Hill forms a background to the famed temple of Mookambika in Kollur. It’s placed at a distance of 21 kilometre from Kollur and 15 kilometre from Nagodi village in Hosanagara taluk. From Bangalore, one has to go to Shimoga (285 km) and from there, one can take public transport to reach Nagodi village (Hosanagara Taluk). From Udupi, it is three hours journey to Nagodi village, from where trekking starts. Kodachadri peak is connected with an all rough jeep road (partially metalled) on which only jeeps can travel. As this hilly road is not maintained properly, only expert local jeep drivers can take the jeep to the top. Jeeps are available for hire at Kollur and at Kattinahole village near Kodachadri base. Motorcycle riding on this highly uneven, steep, mud track with sharp hairpin curves with gradients, may be challenging and risky.

An alternate route is to travel overnight to Nittur. The trek is a 12-km route from Nittur from Kodachadri gate.

The trek takes 8-10 hours to complete and should be undertaken only by experienced trekkers with fitness levels at their peak. The best time to undertake this trek during the October-February time period.

Few More Pictures