September 2015
Prologue
One way to explore Western Ghats is to look at the source of
the river!! A year ago I had visited a village at the foothills of Western
Ghats. There flowed a stream and for some reason I tried to look at its source
(in the map!!). During this journey I found that the stream formed a huge
waterfall. The falls was not known much in the internet world.
the river!! A year ago I had visited a village at the foothills of Western
Ghats. There flowed a stream and for some reason I tried to look at its source
(in the map!!). During this journey I found that the stream formed a huge
waterfall. The falls was not known much in the internet world.
Superb!! A little bit of more research revealed that my
Udupi friends had already explored this waterfall. Knowing them it was not a
surprise. After receiving some details
about this waterfall, I put this in my backlog.
Udupi friends had already explored this waterfall. Knowing them it was not a
surprise. After receiving some details
about this waterfall, I put this in my backlog.
 |
| A small pond with clear water |
Last week when I visited my native place for Ganesha
Chaturthi, I had some time which I utilized to explore this waterfall. I was
joined by my brother and my cousins.
Chaturthi, I had some time which I utilized to explore this waterfall. I was
joined by my brother and my cousins.
 |
| Walking along the village road |
Travel
A small road deviated from the state highway. We drove for
few km on this road to reach where a mud road deviated. It was time to park my
vehicle and start walking. We met a person whom we asked for direction. His
response was simple. “Just follow this mud track and just take left turn
wherever you find deviation”. No right-left-right-right-left concept!!
few km on this road to reach where a mud road deviated. It was time to park my
vehicle and start walking. We met a person whom we asked for direction. His
response was simple. “Just follow this mud track and just take left turn
wherever you find deviation”. No right-left-right-right-left concept!!
 |
| Crossing paddy fields |
We followed the directions as mentioned by the villager and
walked for about 45 minutes to reach the last house. From here we had to cross
the paddy fields to reach a small stream. The sound of the waterfalls was
clearly heard which energized us. After crossing the stream we entered into a
leech infested forest. The trail was clearly visible and we just ran on it to
escape from leeches.
walked for about 45 minutes to reach the last house. From here we had to cross
the paddy fields to reach a small stream. The sound of the waterfalls was
clearly heard which energized us. After crossing the stream we entered into a
leech infested forest. The trail was clearly visible and we just ran on it to
escape from leeches.
After 5 minutes the falls made dramatic appearance. What a sight!! It was a huge two step falls.
The undergrowth in front of us prevented from getting the complete view of the
falls. We were at the edge of the valley. I moved down a bit on that slippery
path to get a better view. The image of valley, waterfall, forests and hills
was simply amazing.
The undergrowth in front of us prevented from getting the complete view of the
falls. We were at the edge of the valley. I moved down a bit on that slippery
path to get a better view. The image of valley, waterfall, forests and hills
was simply amazing.
 |
| The first step |
It was hard to see the base of the falls. A small path
seemed to go down the valley. It was so slippery that we did not dare to go
down. All along the way, people had warned us not to get down into the valley.
Post monsoon season would offer better condition to get down the valley though
the volume of water would be significantly less.
seemed to go down the valley. It was so slippery that we did not dare to go
down. All along the way, people had warned us not to get down into the valley.
Post monsoon season would offer better condition to get down the valley though
the volume of water would be significantly less.
 |
| Second stage of the falls |
Epilogue
The feel of exploring place that is outside normal tourist
circle is something to experience. Hope
the place remains serene in the coming days and years.
circle is something to experience. Hope
the place remains serene in the coming days and years.
Coorg
Hi..Aravind…Did you go to school in Bhadravathi for couple years..Remember you had a brother..
Sarita Banerjee
Thanks for sharing the wonderful post. Your descriptive post took me virtually to the NGD waterfalls. The beauty of the place and the waterfall is captured beautifully in the striking photographs. I'm a nature lover and for me reading your post was truly an amazing experience.
aravindgj
Sarita,
Thanks for your comment.
Anu
Can I know which falls is this?