26 December 2020
Situated amidst the plantations and forest, a true nature getaway which we visited recently. Till date, we were not knowing about this tiny majestic waterfall. One of the post in twitter which I accidentally came across introduced me to this natural beauty. Since my visit to native was due, I had earmarked this place to have a go during my year end vacation.
The day had arrived but we were pessimistic. It was core winter season which is largely dry period. The monsoon had withdrawn almost 3 months ago and we were not sure if the river had reasonable water flow to term it as waterfall. The web reports suggest that beauty of waterfall is restricted till December only with maximum flow during monsoon season. Generally waterfalls of Western Ghats sustain the beauty till February. This waterfall although lies amidst the dense forest is not Western Ghats originated river which implies doubtful water levels at this point of time. The Shambhavi river which is the source of the waterfall, originates nearby Karkala which lies at foothills of Western Ghats and not from peak. Apprehensions apart, read outcome at end of post.
Being just 25kms from our house, the route to this place 95% known except the final village path. Even the village deviation was perfect. The village path is partially concreted and rest of the construction is under progress. Initially, we lost the route but able to track back with help of locals. We had missed the mud road leading to falls which maps clearly showed. Once the car slid along mud road, the direction was perfect. The signboard instilled confidence in us and strengthened our route to waterfalls. The last 1km approach road is muddy and collapsed intermittently. On reaching dead-end, we parked at the waterfall location still with confused mind. The roar of the waterfall from the undesignated parking area, the signboards cleared all our doubts. Marginal walk of 200mts, we are at the waterfall spot and ready to rejoice. You know, till we reach, the location is still an enigma.
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| Majestic coconut trees surround lush green paddy fields |
The nature was fabulous and plunge was energetic. That was the first impression while beholding the waterfall. Our scepticism cleared after viewing the energetic December plunge. The waterfall is sourced by flow of Shambhavi River which originates at Bajagoli near Karkala. The name is derived due to village it is located in. The waterfall has layout similar to Chunchanakatte falls near Hassan which is also a short plunge waterfall. There are tiny but lengthy cascades at Parapaadi but ignorable. Plenty of check-dams are constructed to store water for drier days. The water let out from check-dam serves as means of waterfall continuity during drier days. The plunge is natural during monsoon season and mind-blowing. Check if you can visit during August-September month. It is possible to reach the base of waterfall through a short & easy trail provided the volume of water is manageable. The view from base is simply stupendous.
Conclusion and Request:
Overall worth the visit. The waterfall does not have signboard from main road. Please do not litter the place. We saw plenty of alcohol bottles crushed and scattered near the waterfall location. The plastic trash too is blemish. Please note that any malice activity would instigate the locals to permanently block the way to waterfalls with help of authorized officials. Just keep quiet and enjoy nature :-).
Reaching waterfalls:
Follow google maps, they are bang on target. If you are lost in village road, seek help of locals. The roads are dilapidated and may be difficult to drive 4-wheeler during peak monsoon season. Need to walk 200mts from parking location. There is no designated parking place and hence no parking fees. If the flow is normal, it is possible to play in waterfall. The cascade from nearby check-dam till the plunge provides plenty of space to play. The area after plunge even though does not look scary (the gorge depth is not known), is not worth risk due to narrow terrain. The rocks are hard which implies slippage may be disastrous.
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| The signboard to waterfalls few meters past mud road |
Food:
Best time to visit:
Best time to visit is during break monsoon season which generally falls during August-September month. The energetic plunge or glory of waterfall is not guaranteed after 3rd week of December till outset of monsoon. It may be difficult to visit during peak monsoon season due to unsolicited natural disasters.
Finally the much awaited "Outcome"
Never heed to the online feedbacks completely. Have your own discernment to visit the place. If it looks good, then great. If it does not look good, then you have the route for next visit. In case even if the waterfall did not have sufficient plunge, it easily enabled me to visit during monsoon season since the route is familiarized. Just go for it especially if its nearby. The locals mentioned that the water flow never dries up and there is something to enjoy during every part of year! On ending note, I say sometimes luck shines. There was unseasonal heavy rain 2 weeks later which brimmed the Shambhavi river. Probably, during that time, the waterfall would have unexpectedly reached maximum glory!
A short video to conclude the post
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