thumb|250px|Path leading to Sarvajna Peeta, Kodachadri, India
Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests (elevation - 1,343 metres above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Shivamogga District, Karnataka), 78 km from Shimoga. Kodachadri is the highest peak in Shivamogga district. It is declared as natural heritage site by the Karnataka Government. and it is 13th highest peak of Karnataka.
Etymology
The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi", which means Kutaja flowers, and "Adri", a Sanskrit word for mountain, both combined to coin the word Kodachadri. "Kuţaja" in Sanskrit means Girimallika or Jasmine of the hill (Wrightia antidysenterica). The hilly region that is full of "Jasmine of the hills" plants is "Kutajagiri". It is also called "Kutachadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha".
Location
Kodachadri forms a background to the temple of Mookambika in Kollur. It is located at a distance of 21 km from Kollur
Flora and fauna
Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park and considered as a biodiversity hotspot, dhole, gaur, Indian rock python and many more, of which several are threatened. He further records that, Kodachadri is visible from Merti Peak near Sringeri.
Forests
The Shola Forests and thick forest cover Kodachadri and the nearby hills and the place has a cool climate.
Iron ore
Kodachadri hill contains iron ore in its soil and test digging was also done here during the 20th century and it was identified that the stones found here have magnetic properties. However commercial mining in large scale did not take place at Kodachadri, though there are efforts to lease out the surrounding hills to mining companies to mine manganese and iron and local people have strongly opposed such a move in view of possible environmental damage.
Places of interest
Sarvajna peetha
thumb|250px|Front view of Mantapa or Sarvajnapeetha at Kodachadri
Sarvajna Peeth is a small temple like structure near the peak where Adi Shankara meditated. which was visited by Adi Shankara during his long spiritual journey, where he defeated other scholars in philosophical debate and opened the southern door of the temple. Another temple is located near travellers' bungalow and is believed to be the (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi. From this spot, it is a 2 km trek to the peak. Just below the peak, an almost vertical path leads to a small cave called Chitramoola, from where the Mookambika temple of Kollur, is visible. The path to Chitramoola has been closed by forest officials citing various reasons. As of now a pilgrim can go only up to Sarvajnapita.
Ganesha Guha
Ganesha Guha is near the trekking path to Sarvajna peetha.
Iron Pillar
One iron pillar of about 40 feet length is planted erect in front of Moola Mookambika Temple near peak of Kodachadri and it is compared with massive similar historic iron pillars located at Dhar, Mount Abu etc. It is also found to be less affected by corrosion, despite humid conditions prevailing there due to heavy rains. This iron pillar is considered as testimony of ancient Indian iron craftmanship.
Hidlumane Falls
Around 5 km from Kodachadri is Hidlumane Waterfalls and it can be reached by trekking on a bridle path.
Belakallu theertha
One more waterfalls called Belakallu theertha is located near Mudur, Jadkal (and 15 km from Kollur) and at the bottom of Kodachadri on southern side and involves easy trekking to reach.