Unchalli falls, Uttara Kannada District

Yet another picturesque waterfall of Uttara Kannada district formed by pristine Aghanishini river cascading through the dense western ghats and plunging towards the deep valleys of rainforest. On our concluding day of Sonda visit, we visited this waterfall enroute to Kumta from Sirsi. This waterfall is bit far from the Sirsi-Kumta highway which is about 25 kms. Although it looks like small distance, the winding road through dense jungles will make you feel like travel distance of 100 kms. This was pre-planned and was executed without any hiccups.

The waterfall is situated in Heggarane village of Sirsi (or Siddapur) taluk of Uttara Kannada district is also knowns as Lushington falls (named after his discovery). It looks like 10 yrs back, the waterfall was only reachable via trekking from Heggarane village for about 5 kms. Now the road network is properly laid which takes you to nearest possible location.

It seemed like longer journey due to winding and narrow roads. The authorities collect fees from traveller at the forest gate near Heggarane separately for automobile and individuals. We reached the parking lot comfortably after curvy journey from Sirsi. There is ample parking space and well maintained. We could hear the roar from parking lot itself. From here, a trek of 500m leads you to viewpoint of waterfalls. Either you can opt for muddy trail or adjoining stairs constructed from concrete. While the muddy trail is slippery, the stairs are too not easy to manage due to their above normal spacing. The path though completely precludes the sunlight due to the presence of gigantic rainforest trees.

There are three spots enroute to final viewpoint. The first one is large space where you can relax after arduous trek. The second one is viewpoint where you get side-view of waterfall and the final one is where you can enjoy the gushing ocean. We reached the final viewpoint and delighted to view the mesmerizing natural splendour roaring with deafening sound. The view would be breathtaking during monsoon season. I could not resist photographing the site and captured motion pictures too! We had healthy time of 30 minutes spent here in the lap of nature. The uptrek was filled with fatigue and perspiration despite the winter season. By the time we reached parking lot, we were completely soaked in sweat. After having short drinking break, we left the beautiful natural delight and enthralled with visit.

Reaching the spot

Turn on google maps and you reach comfortably. Enjoy the drive through the dense forest with paltry human presence. Make sure to fuel and service your vehicle well in advance. There are no repair station along the path except the towns Kumta and Sirsi. Also there is public transport to the location. Bank on your vehicle to visit.

Food

Carry your own food. A petty shop located at the waterfall site but sells minimal food supplies like beverages & biscuits.

When to visit

Monsoon is best time to visit but not without battling with biting leeches. There may be disappointments during monsoon season due to natural calamities or valley being engulfed with monsoon clouds and thus obstructing view of waterfall. During rains, it may be difficult to trek unless you have firm grip shoes. November-December time frame is ideal season to visit the waterfalls without any obstacles. During our visit during December, there was enough water gushing towards valley with loud voice. The viewpoint was getting sprayed by water from waterfall blew by the artificial breeze created by waterfall plunge. October timeframe would also be viable provided no unseasonal rains crop up.

Last but not least, the dustbins are erected throughout the trail. Please do not litter the beautiful location. Understand these are homes of wild animals and respect their habitat. 

A short video to conclude the blog. Hope you enjoy!

Balamuri Ganapathy Temple, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore

01 Nov 2019

Being holiday on eve of Karnataka Rajyotsava, we decided to visit the balamuri ganapathi temple located at Sahakarnagar, Bangalore. I spotted this beautiful temple just a week back while buying deepavali crackers. I was enthralled by the Shiva statue which tempted me to visit the temple on this holiday. Here are some of pictures from our brief visit

It was easy 2km drive to temple with the moderate traffic. The temple can be easily near Sahakarnagar ground and seems to be well known.  The parking space is available at temple premises but has limited area. Since the visitor count was minimal, we could easily park our car without minding the traffic police. This also helps focus our mind on supreme lord than automobile :-)

The main deity is as name suggests is ganapathy with trunk twisted towards right side. Needless to say, the temple has no historical significance. It is a temple of modern times. The temple inside has wide opening with plenty of space. The temple is neatly maintained and granite floored. There is sense of devotion arising as you enter the temple despite the modern attire. Tiny shrines surround the temple namely, Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Shiva, Goddess Kannika Parameshwari, Goddess Banashankari & Navagrahas. The primary attraction is none other than the Large statue of Lord shiva at the entrance. 

Divine skies to end our short visit. I lament not to be near lakefront to enjoy the colourful skies. Eventually, more than colourful attraction, divinity was of primary importance. To reach divine realm, surrendering the senses is the first step.

Winter Moves On

February 29, 2020

Those were the days when pandemic was still at early stages in India. We could freely move around the places and enjoy the spring evenings. This is one such experience. Let us pray for the pandemic to end soon and the life on earth regains normality.

It is a leap year and hence month of February extends to 29th. A week after MahaShivaratri, the summer feel is already felt in Bangalore. The empty skies are filled with clouds. The heat is building up. The spring blossoms have sprung up and more importantly the buffeting winds have subsided.

Last week, the intense winds bode the onset of spring. Those seasonal winds also carry lot of infectious disease which confuses human body and causes common cold. Today after a gap of two months, we visited Rachenahalli lake park and I was elated to capture the early scenes of spring evening. The clouds added marvel to the entire scene which tempted me to grab few shots after a prolonged dry season. 

There has been reports of rains too in coast and thus dipping the mercury levels. Even the bangalore city needs couple good spells of rains which can contain pollution for 2-3 weeks. Hopefully, rain gods would soon shower good news over the city. Alarmingly, the MET department has already warned of intense heat for the month of March and May. 

Crepuscular Shower

16 Nov 2019,

One of the old experience but not yet posted to blogger. Hope you like it!

I was on a routine visit to temple on a cloudy evening. The winter November still hosting isolated clouds over the skies of Bangalore for unknown reason. There isn't any cyclone over adjoining seas, neither any low pressure nor active north east monsoon around the region. Not sure about the source of stray clouds hovering from past week.

Before turning astray, let's cut to chase. Today I had fantastic glimpse of crepuscular rays along with the distant isolated shower. The fact was, this activity appeared at same location. The horizon was abuzz with tropospheric drama soon became locus of attraction. I immediately veered my bike towards the lakefront with long U turn. It consumed more time but the excitement in capturing such scene is priceless.

The smiling rays cajoling showering clouds was one of my unique experience. This maiden experience was worth beholding despite the roundabout and additional time incurrence. While the clouds & sun bedazzled the sky, the rains added much more charm to the scene. There was distant rain shower along with shower of rains. Combinedly, I termed the activity as Crepuscular Shower to signify dual activity. The extra time was worth spending.