Coorg and its neighborhood districts, lavishly adorned with misty highlands and lush green lowlands, is alluring. It looks all the more gorgeous during the monsoon. Streams and rivers in the highlands of Western Ghats plunge down from great heights to form waterfalls. The district is home to a number of such silvery waterfalls which really offer a magical and awesome sight.
Waterfalls, the enchanting beauty spots of the forested hills, have lured millions of tourists to Coorg. The district boasts of several popular waterfalls including Abbey Falls, Mallalli Falls, Irupu Falls, Chelavara Falls, and many other smaller falls. Devaragundi Falls is another waterfall situated close to the border of Kodagu district.
Abbey Falls
Situated 7 kilometers from Madikeri, Abbey Falls is the most scenic waterfall in this region. It cascades beautifully down the rocky slopes from an altitude of 70 feet to a pool. The hanging bridge built across the nearby gorge gives a fantastic view of the waterfall. The lush green environs make the roaring waterfall a splendid sight too.
Mallalli Falls
One of the spectacular waterfalls in Kodagu district is the Mallalli Falls situated 24 kilometers away from Somwarpet. Mallalli Falls is formed by Kumaradhara River which takes a plunge from a height of 200 feet down the Pushpagiri Hills in the Western Ghats. Mallalli Falls, the highest waterfall in the district, accompanied by green forest, mountain ranges and valleys is an amazing beauty.
Irupu Falls
Irupu Falls is a fascinating waterfall with picturesque surroundings situated in Brahmagiri Hills between Srimangala and Kutta in Kodagu district. It originates from the River Lakshmana Teertha in Brahmagiri Peaks and gushes down from an altitude of 170 feet amidst thick forest. The famous Rameshwaram Temple is nearby. The distance from Srimangala and Kutta to the waterfall is just 10 kilometers.
Chelavara Falls
Chelavara Falls in Cheyyandane, known for its grand size, is one of the most picturesque waterfalls. It is formed by a stream that plunges from a height of 150 feet into a large pool which is more than 50 feet deep. The waterfall is at a distance of 13 kilometers from Kakkabe, 23 kilometers from Virajpet and 43 kilometers from Madikeri.
Devaragundi Falls
Devaragundi Falls is situated in Thodikana village (in Dakshina Kannada district) close to the border of Kodagu district. The water from the springs flowing down the forested hills forces itself through crevices and comes gushing out to plunge into a big pool. The waterfall looks greatly swollen after the rains. The voluminous waterfall will soak the visitors standing nearby with its spray of water. The distance to the waterfall from Mallikarjuna Temple, Thodikana, is 2 kilometers and from Sullia 15 kilometers.
Coorg: Drenched in the rain
Coorg is bedecked with several other small and big waterfalls sparkling on the hillslopes, waysides and in the forests. Misty mountains, charming landscapes, stunning greenery, roaring waterfalls, an amazing variety of flora and fauna are some of the enchanting facets of Kodagu that bring you closer to nature. It is a preferred tourist destination because of its all-time cool weather. But monsoon is the best season to visit the waterfalls when the water rises high and flows rapidly. You have the opportunity to dance in the rain in the most natural setting possible. A visit to Coorg in the monsoon will literally make you dance in joy. Relax in the resorts, hotels, and homestays situated amidst evergreen plantations of coffee, cardamom, black pepper and orange and get a feel of the romantic atmosphere here.
What to eat
Tickle your taste buds with the authentic local cuisines. Panthi Curry which is said to be the most delicious pork curry in the world is served with Akki Curry (Rice Roti) or Kadambuttu (Rice Dumplings). Other dishes of chicken, mutton, and fish are also served. The vegetarian hotels operating in the area serve a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. The resorts and hotels offer all kinds of dishes to suit your tastes and preferences. Moreover, you can also have a taste of Coorg's own products such as honey and coffee before you take leave of the mystic land.
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