Coorg Itinerary - Enchnating waterfalls - Mallalli Waterfalls

Our last destination before winding up memorable coord itinerary was "Mallalli Waterfalls". This was in my hotlist from long ago which was getting materialized soon. The day actually started slow since this was only the destination in mind. There was also a plan to visit Mandalpatti peak but we self-restrained due to unavoidable factors.

(i) The Mandalpatti peak would be crowded and getting public jeep would consume huge time

(ii) Once we reach Mandalpatti, a short trek needed to reach peak which would exhaust us.

(iii) Mallalli has significant down-trek and hence we would drain our energy if we visit Mandalpatti

(iv) Lastly, the long drive to Bengaluru was due and hence straining much would fatigue my body especially.

Above factors led us to restrict our visit Mallalli and relish it wholeheartedly. That was sane decision as well. Post breakfast, we set out for 2hour long journey through winding road towards Mallalli. The weather was hot , humid and sunny. Hardly any sign of Monsoon season. The drive is tad strenuous due to eternal curves. The roads were good and flanked by coffee plantations. Unfortunately the abode of rainforest is just coffee canvas shrouded by intermittent tall trees. Apparently looks like thick jungle but just to find coffee plants hiding beneath the mirage. These things never change and culling of pristine rainforests continues.

As we neared the waterfall region, it was densely populated by true rainforest trees. At last some relief from coffee plantations. This is area unaffected by coffee mafia perhaps. The dense jungles reminded me of Sharavathi valley which was truly preserved. The clouds were thick, floating over hills. The rains were sparse and light. The mobile signal was feeble or unreachable. The signboards were rickety but readable. This enabled us to easily reach waterfall sight. The last 3kms was serene with narrow roads and thick jungles. The darkness was due to dense forest cover rather than clouds. After rejoicing through thick forest, we reached the parking lot of waterfalls.

At first sight itself, you will be enamored by the sight of waterfalls. Rapping through the treacherous valley of rainforests, Kumaradhara river plunges from great height to form Mallalli waterfalls. Later the river meanders through the valley of thick forests rapidly. The region is protected under Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The west flowing river eventually conjoins Netravati river at Uppinangadi and merges with Arabian Sea near Mangaluru.

The waterfall base can be reached by climbing down curvy 750 steps laid over the trail of hill. The overall trail is in good condition except for minor cracks during heavy rains. The downhill is manageable but uphill is arduous. We saw many tourists toiling to reach back to parking lot! Many people were seen resting for longer periods at every ascension.

The view of waterfall throughout the descent is splendid with every spot providing unique perspective of waterfalls. Thick clouds kept engulfing the region but fortunately zero rains. A check-dam is constructed before the waterfalls which limits the energy of waterfall. The exuberance of waterfalls is multiplied if check-dam releases water but may also result in flash floods risks. The guard in waterfalls informed us that the waterfall entry is neve restricted during torrential rains. Reachability itself is difficult during such periods and rarely see any visitors. The amount of water released is negligible during monsoon season thanks to copious rains. It may matter during dry periods though!

We reached the base of waterfall in 15 mins post capturing multiple views of captivating waterfalls. As we neared the waterfall, the energetic water bouncing off the strong boulders sprayed pristine water on us. There was option to play in waterfall in earlier days during dry days. Now authorities have banned the play thanks to irresponsible dolts who lost lives due to recklessness. Never play with nature is never followed some tourists. This hurts their family most and also people like us who just want to dip our leg in pristine water.

A stay of 20+ mins it was time to return to the parking lot :-(. Heart becomes heavy when heading back. We too toiled climbing 750 steps back to parking lot but reached safely & comfortably. Mallalli was long pending dream which was finally realized. There are other waterfalls nearby but couldn't make it due to time constraints. 

Here is video from our visit

With this we concluded our memorable 2 day Madikeri itinerary. That was joyous and worth the money!

Coorg Itinerary - Enchnating waterfalls - Irpu Waterfalls

Once Chelavara visit concluded with stocked up delight, we set for last waterfall of day which was none other than "Irpu Waterfalls". I have special place in my heart for this beauty. This would be my second visit. The last visit was nearly a decade back and that too in winter. The break monsoon visit would be unique one since I would be beholding roaring Irpu. The Irpu drive was further south of Chelavara which would consume 90 more minutes. The thunderstorm rains were active in South Coorg and we experienced it on the way to Irpu for few kms. That was intense rain for around 5-10kms enroute. The Sun popped up after we travelled 25+kms. That is the strange part of thunderstorm season. Fortunately, we did not experience rains during our stay in Chelavara falls which helped to us thoroughly enjoy the waterfalls.

We reached Irpu waterfalls which is protected under Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The parking space is ample but filled with slush being monsoon season. Considerably less visitors here as well. It was noon and distant thunder portended afternoon storms. The area had received about 50mm rains couple of days which is enough to thwart your visit. Fortunately, clouds were still distant and we quickly moved to waterfall area.

An entrance fee needs to be paid to reach waterfall. It takes around 10-15mins walk to reach the waterfall area. The initial stretch consists of crossing dilapidated hanging bridge across the stream following course of waterfall. Its ironical that despite paying entrance fee, the infra is still pathetic. We were scared to walk over it since the bridge was ill-maintained. The last stretch is bit of uphill with stairs. Also the ground moisture with dead leaves made it slippery. Fortunately, no leech infestation or they did not climb us :-)

It was mesmerizing to view the adrenaline of Irpu during monsoon season. Absolute nature spectacle dancing through multiple cascades. Except the primary cascade, the other advantage is that one can easily rejoice in waterfall safely even if the water current is considerably high.  The primary plunge is risky to reach when velocity of current is high. Its possible that authorities would allow when force reduces during winter. The kids too played for a while dipping their foot in water for a while. Since there wasn't any backup clothes, we refrained from dabbling in water.

All about falls:

The river Lakshmana Teertha originates from Brahmagiri hill range, cuts through the pristine rainforests jumps from cliff of approximately 51m in form of charming Irpu waterfall. From here, it flows north-west in direction and merges with Rama-Teertha river and finally joins River cauvery at Mysore district. This river cuts through Nagarahole National Park as well before reaching Cauvery. The fascinating Malabar banded peacock butterfly is commonly found near waterfall. The Brahmhagiri trek starts from this waterfall itself.

It was enchanting to watch Irpu again. The waterfall has multiple cascades and its topography helps people to rejoice safely in water. Possibilities of mishaps are rare unless people lose control. The forest guards also request the visitors to safely play in water and keep the forest clean.

We had spent decent time in Irpu before heading to Coorg town. Since there was much more time left in day, we spent additional hours munching in eateries. The quality is OK but they serve in large quantities costing high price which was surprise. Every tourist location is place for extortion propelled by local authorities. Fortunately, we took just one plate of Fried Rice which was enough to feed all of us. There was no stock of ice-creams or refrigerated items due to electricity outage from past 3 days as per vendor. There wasn't a hint of mobile network too! It started raining in midst of food consumption which made us to to shift from umbrella table to concrete covered seating. The rain was moderate and lasted only for few minutes. The intensity wasn't matching the roars of thunder. Fortunately, our visit had concluded and no worry of rains :-).

I took a short nap for 20mins odd before driving back to coorg town. It was pleasant visit and always enticing. Here is memory from our visit!

Coorg Itinerary - Enchanting waterfalls - Chelavara Falls

Once abbey was done, the maps showed 90 mins of journey to reach Chelavara waterfalls. The waterfalls is situated nearby Napoklu and need to travel further south. The map took us via Virajapet highway with deviation in middle. Throughout the journey, the beauty of paddy fields, heavy clouds, lush green forests entertained us. As we got closer to destination, the area turned darker due to thick forest cover.

The waterfall route is narrow and hardly any people presence. The roads are manageable but need to be cautious during heavy rains. Fortunately, it was only light drizzle coupled with sunlight during our visit. After reaching destination as pinned by google, we couldn't spot any waterfall. Our past heuristics enlightened us to drive further from the pinned location since the mobile signal wouldn't be available. After drive for around 300mtrs, we suddenly spotted a waterfall. The rickety board confirmed that it was Chelavara waterfall.

The plunge waterfall is visible sideways but no front views possible. Few visitors went overboard and thus loosing life. This prompted authorities to close the waterfall visit to the base. One can only view from distance which is heavily fenced. This is how shabby authorities are. Just close the location rather than improving situation. Unlike other prominent falls of Coorg district, this place has limited visitors. Not even a single vendor was present at this location. 

A narrow and rugged trail for around 100m leads to viewpoint which is kind of cross section view. The front view is not possible since visit is prohibited. From distance, we can partially view the front portion of waterfall since the area is blocked due to dense forests and coffee plantations. Oh yes! There are coffee plantations here too which implies urban population do exist.

Not much activity could be carried out here since the views are limited and there are no facilities for visitors. Here is short pulse from the visit!