Coorg Itinerary - Enchanting waterfalls - Abbey Falls

Break monsoon is the right time to visit the sassy waterfalls of western ghats. There is beauty coupled with energy. The surrounding greens add additional charm to the scene. The break monsoon also helps us to fully enjoy the roaring waterfalls without rain interruptions.

Our next mission to explore prominent waterfalls of Coorg district. Day-2 was reserved for this purpose. Western ghats means waterfalls and mountain peaks. It doesn't add any value if you do not visit the waterfalls of western ghats during monsoon season. Monsoon has just taken break and it was right time to explore the glory of waterfalls. Subsided rains and relatively dry path made it easy for us to closely enjoy waterfalls. The water flow was still significant since monsoon just slowed down.

Since most of these distant from each other, we decided to reserve the day exclusively explore waterfalls and perhaps wind up visiting Raja-seat during evening hours. Following were the waterfalls in our list and we explored them successfully.

(i) Abbey waterfalls

(ii) Chelavara waterfalls

(iii) Irpu waterfalls

(iv) Mallalli waterfalls

I know there are much more in Coorg, but current list had only these four. Out of four, Mallalli waterfalls was scheduled for next day during our return journey to Bengaluru. Except for irpu, all of the waterfalls were maiden visit for me. To my better half and kids, all of them were new!

Our first target was nearest abbey waterfalls. A short waterfall tucked inside the mountains, sandwiched between coffee and rainforest. We started early at 9AM and winding drive led us to waterfall in matter of 30 mins. Despite being near to Madikeri town, the hilly road makes it difficult to drive with  significant pace. We parked the vehicle in parking space. The parking area is wide charged at 50/- for LMVs. The place was crowded but not to an extent that would thwart smooth visit. Being long weekend, the rush was expected but I was happy to see relatively thin rush. Perhaps, the recent rains pre-empted few tourists visiting the ghat areas. A decent walk with smooth inclination of steps led us to the roaring waterfalls. The walk way is maintained well and surface was rough to prevent skidding. Since the rains had subsided, the slippery was restricted only to edges.

A 200-300mtr walk led us to roaring sight of waterfalls. There was great energy thanks to recent rains. The heart too roared with joy beholding the beauty of western ghats. It was pitch dark and hot. The dense jungle shrouded the region with darkness. The roar of waterfall was deafening and it was difficult to speak amongst ourselves! The area is completely fenced to prevent people from resorting to adventure. The elevated platform provides us a closer look of waterfall but the views are heavily fenced. The hanging bridge provides face-to-face view of waterfalls but the bridge was dilapidated and no signs of repair. I am not sure if they allow us to stand on hanging bride during peak seasons even if bridge would have been sane.

Apparently, abbey is plunge waterfall with short cascades a distant away. For the visitors, only plunge is visible clearly. At one side waterfall is covered by coffee plantations and other side dense jungles.

A decent stay of 30mins, we headed back towards parking area. On the way, I heard many endemic birds namely vernal hanging parrot, hill myna, yellow browed bulbul and many more. The roar of waterfalls was complemented by chirping birds. It has been long overdue thanks to zero holidays & work.

Here is short video from visit