Bengaluru :
With rains drenching the hilly, wooded landscape of the Kodavas, it is time to visit the Kodagu district in Karnataka, the birthplace of the mighty Cauvery.
Originating at Talacauvery, the Cauvery gently flows from the Western Ghats and in the process, traces a long journey of 800 kilometers in the South-Eastern direction and empties in the Bay of Bengal. With monsoon gaining vigour once again, the coffee land especially during the months of July and August, is at its best. It is a sublime experience to visit Madikeri and surrounding areas that are home to many a waterfall.
As these are located in dense jungles, one has to trek and walk a few kilometers to take a peek at silver cascades in both the Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri hill ranges. Both these hill ranges are home to many waterfalls but the Mallali Falls near Somwarpete and Irupu near Virajpete, attract many tourists before, during and after the monsoons.
A fresh water cascade, the Irupu comes to life during the heavy downpour that is so common in these hilly ranges. This (also called the Lakshman Tirtha Falls) is situated on the highway to Nagarhole and just 20 kilometers away from the National Park. One has to walk at least half a mile to reach this place which is in the midst of a forest and far away from the cacophony of urban life.
Enjoying the sounds of the serene hill ranges and the gushing foamy waters, one can relax and forget all about urban stress. The roaring sound of the falls can be heard from a distance as one walks on the rocky twisting pathway with the chirping birds and the lush forests for company.
The pristine scenery resonates with the chirping of birds one has never heard before. The falls criss-crossing the hills and the forests tumble down from a height of just 150-200 feet while the spray of the gushing waters during monsoons is so intense that one can get easily wet. However, it is not safe to venture into the waters as the currents are strong. If you planned a visit before the monsoons, you can stand literally below the falls and get a soothing shower.
But do not miss visiting during the monsoons as Irupa falls from a cliff in all its mesmerising glory. If you are interested in visiting the nearby temple, you can take a peek as legends associate it with the visit of Ram and Lakshman when they were searching for Sita.
There are good spots to relax and enjoy, clean, wholesome vegetarian food but make it a point to place your orders in advance if you are visiting this place in a group. If you are carrying food and drinks, do not litter the place with plastic debris as it is a fragile ecology and home to many birds and animals.
Just two to three hours drive from Madikeri, one has to take the Virajpete route to reach this breathtaking place where the waterfall plunges from the Brahmagiri peaks in all its beauty and finally joins the Lakshman Teertha River. Since it is a very popular tourist spot, the place is easily accessible via tarred roads, concrete steps, viewing seats and affordable lodging and boarding facilities in and around the densely wooded ranges.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Meera Bharadwaj / July 30th, 2015
