Burude falls was once a trekkers paradise. Tough to reach, treacherous trails, biting leeches and dense jungles. It was impossible to view this falls during monsoon season due to tough terrains. I had aspirations to visit the falls while trekking was active, but now clean approach exists till falls. Hence this was just a visit than trekking. However, my long dream of visiting falls finally fulfilled!
We drove along Kumta-Siddapura highway as instructed by google maps. The roads are half great, half worn out. The dense jungle starts at mid way which is outset of Sharavati Wildlife sanctuary. The roads are way too curvy with less visibility. River Aghanashini runs almost parallel to the highway and can be sighted intermittently throughout the drive. Once the steep ghat section road is over, you reach the junction which shows deviation towards burude falls. The government has constructed 7kms of approach road from kumta-siddapura highway to reach waterfalls. It is well laid but single lane. Two car crossing is also difficult. Fortunately, hardly any visitor during our arrival. With ample time left and less crowd, it was easy to explore the waterfall.
The authorities have constructed resting platform as well at the arrival point as well at view point. The view point is around 200-300 steps in length. Once can beautifully watch the energetic waterfalls plunging from deep dense jungles of Western ghats.
It is possible to reach the base by trekking for 200mts along tough terrain. The trail consists of long boulders, stream paths, slippery muddy tracks. Few boulders are so high that one needs to crawl to cross. At times, the trail is narrow and slippery. Somehow I managed to reach with kids with hefty sweating. I would say, it is worth visiting the base of waterfall to view the beauty!
Burude is cascade falls which has 6 stages I guess. Only 3 stages are visible from the location. The waterfall merges with Aghanashini river at terminal point. Many death incidents have been reported here and please stop being heroic with nature. Despite the foggy mind, I decided to go for it. This was not adventure but an experience. The reason I decided to trek down despite ordeals is because of foreseeing such incidents by mischievous people. If incidents of death is frequent, then authorities would be forced to close the trail to waterfalls. It is also rarity to visit the waterfalls considering the distance. Hence it is better to complete every activity as visitor than restraining ourselves.
The waterfall is also known as Ilimane falls due to village Ilimane where it is located. Burude means skull in Kannada. Not sure why such name is given to waterfall. I will update the blog when I gather information. The waterfall was energetic despite the monsoon exit more than 2 months ago. Its sound was vibrating and reverberating through the dense rainforest from significant distance. Also the native rainforest birds were chirping amidst the dense jungle. Some of our relatives who were with us experienced leech bites too! We enjoyed for nearly 90 mins at this location. The down-hike and return hike in total might consume more time depending on person. If you are skeptical, do not hike and just enjoy from distance. Gently play in water, do not go for adventure. Your life is precious or just enjoy the beauty of roaring waterfall.
The waterfall is easy to reach via road. Follow google maps and drive further 1.5kms. The location pinned in google maps is not accurate since mobile signal is not available exactly at burude falls. Hence drive needs to continue for at least 1.5kms to reach the falls parking area. One feels lost once google indicates on arrival of location because of absence of signboards. But do not panic! Follow the road further to reach destination. The last 500m is muddy road through dense jungles. So don't be boggled and intimidated! Follow the path and enjoy the magnificent nature. We were too anxious once navigation ended. But signboard after few mtrs distance enhanced our confidence. Anyway, skepticism ends only once you reach final destination :-). The roar of waterfall is only the confident factor once you loose navigation. Additionally, download offline maps when you have network (Siddapura or Kumta).
Here is short from our 90 mins visit. Mathighatta and Bennehole falls are planned during next visit to Uttarakannada
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