Weekends are usually for relaxation and a break from daily life. However, for some weekends are getaway opportunities to escape chores of city, If you are seeking such place within a convenient two-hour drive or ride from Udupi, then Kundadri must be at the top of your list. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats in the Shimoga District of Karnataka State, Kundadri is a hill adorned with dense forests, offering a blissful retreat for souls.
Renowned for its 17th century Jain temple dedicated to Parshwanath Thirthankara and also known to have served as a sanctuary to Acharya Kundakunda. The main deity of this temple is Parshwanatha, the 23rd Tirthankar. As you explore Kundadri, you will come across three ponds on the hill, one adjacent to the temple, a larger one known as Papanashini and two smaller ponds named Nagakanye and Lotus.
According to an article from the Deccan Herald newspaper The hill derives its name from Kundakundacharya, a Jain monk who is believed to have stayed here and engaged in severe penance about 2,400 to 3,000 years ago. In the temple premises, there exists a footprint, purportedly that of the esteemed seer Kundakundacharya.
Papanashini:
Papanashini, with a depth of 65 feet, stands as a testament to nature's resilience. This pond's water level remains above 63 feet even during prolonged periods of drought, and it does not exceed 65 feet even after heavy rainfall, During the cleaning of Papanashini in 1965 and 1986, damaged idols of Mahavira Tirthankar, Bahubali, Adinatha Tirthankar, and Padmavathi Amma, which were destroyed by Tipu Sultan, were discovered and now reside within the temple premises.
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Nagakanye:
Nagakanye pond, situated at a depth of 14 to 20 feet is surrounded by a myth that serpentine deities, known as Nagakanyes, take bath in its waters.
Lotus Pond:
The third pond, known as Lotus Pond, boasts a depth of 10 to 12 feet and is adorned with numerous blooming lotuses.
Lush Flora:
Much of Kundadri is covered with dense flora remembering the rainforests of Agumbe, To reach Kundadri one can travel through Hebri and the breathtaking Agumbe ghats taking a diversion at Guddekeri. The post-monsoon mornings or evenings are recommended for a visit. It is most advised to travel to Kundadri on post monsoon mornings to enjoy its calm stunning panoramic views. From the entrance gate it is around 4 kms of drive or a delightful walk.
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As you reach the top of the hill which offers a safe and comfortable space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The majority of the hill is covered in lush forests, creating a mesmerizing experience as the mist gracefully covers and unveils the scenic vistas. If the temple is open, one can also take the opportunity to explore, although it is usually closed during the early mornings.
Memorable ride to Kundadri:
Our ride to Kundadri began on a serene Sunday morning from Udupi at 5:00 am. We embarked on a scenic ride towards Hebri, passing through the Agumbe ghats. By 7:00 am, we arrived at Kundadri, joining fellow travelers waiting for the gates to open. We chose to walk to the hill which was about 4-5 kms from the main gate. The decision to walk proved to be a wise choice as we discovered hidden scenes that would have been missed if we had taken a ride to the hill. Finally, reaching the top, we found a peaceful spot on the peak's ground, where we could relax and breathe in the refreshing morning breeze, took a walk around, capturing picturesque moments, watching the morning mist covering and unveiling the landscape.
As we made our way back towards Agumbe, we stopped at a most known viewpoint of Agumbe to soak in the breathtaking scenery. Our brunch-turned-breakfast at Hebri before concluding our memorable journey. By noon, we arrived back in Udupi, carrying with us the memories of Kundadri.
We need to be careful of our actions around such places which have survived centuries from nature's hardest forces and it won’t be justice to such places to lose their serenity because of human beings, and if conserved well these are the best assets we leave to the next generations . We must take care not to litter, scribble, or do any kind of harm to sculptures around, or do anything that could harm nature or spoil the beauty of the place.
It is essential for us to recognize the significance of places like Kundadri, which have withstood for centuries and the forces of nature. Preserving their serenity is a responsibility, making sure that future generations can also enjoy these treasures. We should be concerned not to litter, deface sculptures, or engage in any activities that could harm the natural environment or harm the beauty of the place.
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