Day-1:
It is always nice to capture waterfalls when they are in full flow. Belkal Theertha was in my list since long. I started from Karkal, drove through Shankaranaraya-Jadkal-Belkal. The road narrowed and narrowed as I passed villages, finally near Temple it was hard to manage this small bridge and immediate turn.
This waterfall is known as Govinda Theertha by locals, they go quite frequently there and believe taking dip here is very auspicious.
It was very cloudy and monsoon was very active for the last few days. Started to walk from there and within 2 minutes I was at the Forest check point. Providing necessary information, took entry ticket and camera tickets and started to walk.
Based on my request, one of the local came along with me. It was a week day and we were the only 2 people in the forest.
The walking trail is quite simple as there is no deviation in the path. It took about about 1 hour to see the first glimpse of fall.
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| Waterfall seen from Temple |
Ascending up for few minutes, I could see the fall. Water splash and rain both were exchanging turns quite well and it was hard for me to take good photos/videos.
I waited for more than 45min, that too didnt help me to get clear views.
Managed to climb up carefully to go little side of the fall to avoid water splash. After taking many pics and videos, started back.
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| Closer view of the fall |
Day-2:
Morning had walk to Ananthapadmanabhaswamy temple, which is 450 years old. It was nice to read about it. Calm and beautiful ambience made a perfect start of the day.
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| 450 year old temple at Karkala |
Had breakfast at Hotel Prakash, packed food and started my drive towards Hebri. I had planned to visit Kudlu theertha. I was at the deviation point 9:30am. Board mentioned that Falls is closed due to heavy rain. Talked to Forest guard there and he told that way to falls is crossing river and due to high downpour, entry is prohibited. I was totally disappointed about my day plan.
Thought for a while, done some quick browsing and planned to drive towards Tombattu village. I had heard there are few waterfalls near this.
From Someshwara, drove towards Halady and took right turn at Halady junction towards Amasebailu. Finally it was about 11pm I reached Tombattu village. It was raining heavily and went to near by shop to enquire about waterfalls.
As usual I got initially de-motivating replies about the waterfalls, not good to go in rains etc. After talking for a while, seeing my interest Mr. Udupa came forward to help me. He requested his friend to along with me. This region too is coming under Wildlife area and hence it is required to take permission.
From the last house, it is about 1 hour steep ascent. There is literally no trail or the water sound. Without guide, it is impossible to reach this place. With all the leech bite, we were finally at the base of fall.
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| HK falls |
Seeing my interest, Mr. Udupa told about a small waterfall near to village and we went without wasting any time.
Mr. Udupa was very kind enough to help a stranger. Thanked him and returned back to Karkala. I have travelled to many remote villages in western ghats. Feel happy and thankful to great people who help strangers whole heartedly.
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| Small waterfall nearby village |
Towards Hosangadi route, I visited Irkegadde, very nice place.
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| Irke gadde |
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| Irke gadde |
Day-3:
Google maps indicated a small cascade near by Karkala. I followed map and soon was at calm and quite place Durga falls. Could see blue sky for a short while, managed to get good picture.
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| Durga falls |
Drove towards Hornadu-Kalasa and returned back to Mysore.
Thanks to Rajesh Naik and Aravind G.
