Burude falls

Prologue

I had visited this place 19 years ago with my uncle. Burude falls was a difficult place to reach during those days. The path after the main road was not clear, and we had to wade across a stream on the way. It also involved a long walk to reach the waterfall. A local lad “Thimmappa” had volunteered to guide us to the waterfall. When we tried to give him some money, he had refused it. His help and the innocent behaviour had etched in our mind permanently. Whenever I travelled between Siddapur and Kumta, and see the signboard for the falls, my memory would go back to that experience.

I was curious to know the changes that had taken place in the last two decades. So, I made a plan to see this waterfalls with my uncle and cousin sister.

Travel to Burude falls

The deviation from the Siddapur-Kumta highway was easily visible. A signboard after Kyadagi, just before a bridge showed the direction to the falls. As we drove, the changes in the last 19 years were clearly visible. The asphalted road had replaced the old mud track. Also, we could not recognise any of the surroundings!! Our memories are short, and many trivial things get dissolved as time flies!! The place where we had crossed the river now had a bridge.

Thanks to the signboards that were placed at all deviations, there was no need to ask locals for direction. The road gradually became narrower, and the forest cover increased. The asphalted road gave way to the mud road on the final stretch, but it was good enough to drive the car. Finally, we reached the dead-end which had a small parking area and a sit out.

At Burude falls

We were the first ones to reach the place that day and unknowingly to us the guard had followed us on his bike after he spotted us on the road. His name was “Vinayaka”, and he registered our names and phone number in his book. He was also a lifeguard and would spend most of his day in the waterfall. He cautioned us to be careful while getting into the water as there were many incidents of death in that area. I felt he did a good job as I could not find any traces of trash in the area.

Unlike last time, there were steps constructed to the base of the falls. It meant that people could comfortably get down ¾ of the distance. To cover the remaining distance, one had to go over the rocky area, which is not difficult for a reasonably fit person. We were told that people are allowed only till the end of the steps during monsoon as the raging waters make it riskier to go down further.

It is a multi-step waterfall. We saw the first three stages of the falls while getting down with the second step being a prominent one. Interestingly, only a small part of this long step is seen once you get down to the base. The water then plunges into another step before taking a big jump into the valley joining the Aghanashini river. I could only see the last step from the top, and it was not even possible to see the base of it. It looked extremely risky to move any further.

Trivial

I had taken the photo of our guide who had helped us during our last visit, but I had forgotten his name. When we showed his photo to guard, he took some time but then he said that it was “Thimmappa”, who was staying in that area!!

Helpful tips

• This waterfall is situated near Siddapur-Kumta highway in Uttara Kannada. It is about 25 km from Siddapur.
• The signpost clearly mentions the deviation on the main road. Boards are also placed at all deviations. It is about 5 km from the main road.
• Relying on Google maps is not a good idea as the route it suggests is not accurate.
• We could take our car to the falls easily. It may be difficult during the rainy season.
• The parking area is limited. Parking could be a challenge if there are too many visitors.
• I have heard that this falls hold some amount of water throughout the year.
• Post noon may be a good time for photographs as the sun is behind the falls in the morning.
• The waterfalls is also known as Ilimane falls, where Ilimane is a village nearby.

Other waterfalls in Uttara Kannada

• Magod, Sathoddi, Vibhooti falls and Shivaganga falls
• Unchalli falls – (here and here)