Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Kerala

Vazhachal Falls
Vazhachal Falls is a rushing waterbody joining Chalakkudy River in the Thrissur district of Kerala state, south India. It is located approximately 3 km from Athirappilly. The route from Athirappilly to Vazhachal is marked by beautiful nature and a small waterfall right in the midway.
This is one of the best waterfalls in
India. Tourists coming to this spot spend days in this area
Soochipara Falls

Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall located 20 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in Kerala, India. Its height is 200 metres (656 feet).This falls is around 22 km (14 mi) from Kalpetta. This is one among different other waterfalls present in Wayanad. But Soochipara falls stands apart. A must visit place if you are in Wayanad.
Athirappilly Falls



Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India.
Located on the west-flowing
Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayur ranges, this 24-metre (80-foot) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.
Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through
2007.

Karnataka

Sathodi Falls
About 32 km away from Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District close to Sirsi, several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat and Plunge from a height of about 15m to create a picturesque waterfall and then joins the backwaters of Kodasalli dam built across Kali River. We can also view the coconut tree tops that went down under back waters. This is situated in the midst of dense forests. The forest department were building a pergola for tourist to rest as of December 2006
Winter, from early November to end of February.
Avoid rainy season, when hostile terrain and blood-sucking leeches make these falls
inaccessible.There is only one hotel near the waterfalls which opens around 9am and you should order in advance to get food early enough. Better to fill yourself at Yellapur and carry sufficient food and water.
Unchalli Falls

Unchalli Falls, also called Lushington Falls, is a waterfall created by a 116-meter drop in the Aghanashini river. The falls are located 30 kilometers from Sirsi, a town in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, Indian. The falls are named for J. D. Lushington, a District Collector for the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845.
The falls are reached by a five-kilometer trek from
Heggarne village through thick forest. Here the river makes a cavalcade of water falls and eventually leaps into steep valley to form a spectacular, picturesque waterfall. The falls are sometimes called Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound they make.

Shivanasamudra
Shivanasamudra is a small town in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri and is the location of the first Hydro-electric Power station in Asia, which was set up in the year 1902.The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River after the river has wound its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau and drops off to form waterfalls. The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river into twin waterfalls. This creates the fourth largest island in the rivers course. A group of ancient temples are located here and there likely was a village.
This is a segmented waterfall. Segmented waterfalls occur where the water flow is broken into two or more channels before dropping over a cliff, resulting in multiple side by side waterfalls. It has an average width of 849 meters, a height of 90 m, and an average volume of 934 cubic meters / sec. The maximum recorded volume is 18,887 cubic meters / sec. It is a perennial waterfall. The time of best flow are the monsoon season of July to October.

Magod Falls
Magod Falls is a one of the beautiful waterfalls of Karnataka, where the river Bedti falls from a height of nearly 200m in two steps forming a glorious waterfall. This is the best falls even during summer. The falls is so beautiful and serene, you will love it the first time you see it and ever after. It is a good idea to eat after Kalgatgi in a Dhaba. And also pack some food/water etc. It is also a good idea to keep a torch, Knife, Match Box, just in case. Right before you hit Yallapur, you should make a right turn off of Hubli-Karwar Highway.
Kalkatti Falls

10 kms away from Kemmannugundi is another Fall called Kalahasti or Kalkatti Falls where the water cascades down from a height of 403 ft. amidst fascinating scenery. Legend associates this place with sage Agasthya and a serene and a gorgeous local temple constructed in a narrow gap between rocks, is attributed to the Vijayanagar times. An annual jatra of Veerabhadra is held here for three day during March/ April which attract pilgrims from all over.
Jog Falls
Jog Falls (Kannada-ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತ ), created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India and the 7th deepest in the world. Located in Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi
August-December is the season of best flow and best time to visit. Jog is situated at 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) away from Bangalore.
Nearest Bus Stations - Jog, Sagara. One can reach Jog from direct buses to Jog from Bangalore. Alternative way is to take direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 409 kilometres (254 mi) from Bangalore, 104 kilometres (65 mi) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara.
Nearest Train Station - Shimoga. One can take train to Shimoga from Bangalore and can travel to Jog in buses from Shimoga.
Airport - Bangalore airport is the nearest operational airport. Another convenient airport is Mangalore
Irupu Falls
The Irupu Falls (also Iruppu Falls) are located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a fresh water cascade and is situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarhole. The Falls are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, derived from the name of the tributary of Cauvery which starts from these falls, the Lakshmana Tirtha River. A forest trail leads from these falls to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu. Irupu falls is a major tourist attraction as well as a pilgrimage spot. A famous Siva temple, the Rameshwara Temple is situated on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River,en route to the Falls. This temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri
The best time to visit the Falls is during the monsoons, when the Falls is at full capacity and is a breathtaking sight. Irupu is situated at 48km from Virajpet, 260km from Bangalore and 120km from Mysore. The Falls can be visited by the highway from Gonikopal to Nagerhole National Park off the Kutta Road after Srimangala
Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls (Kannada:ಹೆಬ್ಬೆ ಜಲಪಾತ) are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.
An 8km trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250 ft. in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls.) Don’t miss a refreshing dip in this herb-infused water. Distance from some cities in Karnataka. Kemmangundi – 8km Bangalore – 238km Tarikere – 35km Mangalore – 180km
Gokak Falls
The Gokak Falls is a waterfall located on the Ghataprabha river in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The waterfall is six kilometers away from Gokak, a nearby town.
After a long winding course, Ghataprabha river takes a leap of 52 metres over the sand-stone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge of the rugged valley. Except the width and colour of the water, the general features of the fall, its height, shape, and rapidity resemble Niagara Falls on a smaller scale. The waterfall is horse shoe shaped at the crest, with a flood breadth of 177 metres. During rainy season, the thick reddish brown water sweeps far over the brink of the cliff with a dull roar that can be heard from some distance. There is a hanging bridge across the river, measuring about 201 metres. Its height above the rock bed is 14 metres.
One of the interesting features of this place are the monuments from the
Chalukya era that are present on either banks of the rocky gorge.
There is an old electricity generation station which used to generate
electricity during 1880s. A ropeway connects the power station to the cliff top.
July to September is the best season to visit the place. The Gokak Falls can be developed into a fine
tourist attraction.
Godchinamalaki Falls

The Godachinmalki Falls is a waterfall located on the Markandeya river in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India. It is 16 kilometers away from Gokak, a nearby town. It is located in a deep green valley on the west side of Konnur Road.
The Godachinmalki falls, also known as Markandeya falls, is located in a rugged valley, which is approachable from Godachinmalki
village by walking through an irregular forest route for about 2.5 kilometers. It can also be reached from Nirvaneshwara Matha near Yogikolla, only by foot. Another route is from Pachapur via Mawanur, which is about 6 kilometers. Presently this water fall is not easily accessible.
There are actually two falls formed here. The Markandeya river takes a first fall from a height of about 25 metres and flows into a rocky valley. After a short distance from the rocky valley, it takes the second fall from a height of about 18 metres. Later Markandeya river joins Ghataprabha river near Ghodgeri.

Chunchanakatte Falls
Chunchanakatte Falls is a waterfall on the Kaveri River, near the village of Chunchanakatte in Mysore district, Karnataka, India. Water cascades from a height of about 20 meters.It is in the Western Ghats. Here the river falls in two small cascades before joining again to flow as one.
Chunchanakatte is the holy place where Lord Sri Ram during his vanvas stopped by and availed the hospitality of a tribal couple called Chuncha and Chunchi. The significance of this place is that the sound of the powerful falls can be heard all over except inside the sanctum sanctorum of the centuries old temple, the story goes that Lord Ram was tired of the constant complaining of Sita Mata and gave a curse saying that the tongue of a woman should not be sharp and since Cauvery (river) is considered to be female the noise that the river generated would not be heard in the sanctum sanctorum of the lord. It is also said that when Sita Mata was tired and weary and wanted to have a bath, Lord Ram directed Lakshman to fire an arrow at a rock, once Lakshman fired the arrow, water in 3 different shades started pouring out, one with turmeric, one with oil and one with shikakai (fruit for hair - natural shampoo). These shades are visible even today when there is considerable amount of water flowing in the falls. Before the powerplant was established, this place was like paradise on earth with nature at its best. This locale has been used in a lot of regional (kannada) movies and has been a haunt for many of the film stars and politicians, most famous being Dr Rajkumar. This region is mainly inhabited by farmers and employees of a local sugar mill and of late the power generation plant.
Bennehole Falls

Bennehole is one of the scintillating waterfalls in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. It is formed when Benne Hole, a tributary of the Aghanashini River, falls from a height of 200 ft.
This spot can be approached from
Sirsi, about 26 km away. At a distance of six kilometers is Kasage, which is on the way to Kumta from Sirsi. The best time to visit here is in early winter.

Barkana Falls

Barkana Falls (Kannada:ಬರ್ಕಣ ಜಲಪಾತ) are among the ten highest waterfalls in India. They are located near Agumbe in Shimoga district of state of Karnataka. Barkana falls are formed by Sita river. Currently Barkana falls are the prime source of one of the hydro electric projects in Karnataka.
Abbey Falls (also Abbi Falls)

Abbey Falls (also Abbi Falls) (Kannada: ಅಬ್ಬೆ ಜಲಪಾತ / ಅಬ್ಬೆ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್) is in Kodagu, in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. It is located 10 km from the town of Madikeri and 270 km from Bangalore.
From here the water flows into the Kaveri River.
The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools.
During the monsoon season the water flow is very high. During the dry seasons the flow is considerably diminished. Transport
From Madikeri the falls are accessible by a narrow road to the coffee estate. A path through coffee and cardamom plantations leads to the waterfalls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons have brought plenty of water

Jharkhand

Dassam Falls
About 40 km. away from Ranchi on Tata Road falls a village named Taimara near which flows the Kanchi river, Falling from a height of about 144 feet Kanchi river makes a pretty fall called Dassam falls known as Dassam Ghagh also encircled with charming scences. The tourists are warned not to take bath in the falls or at least be careful while bathing in the stream.
Jonha Falls
Jonha falls also known as is about 40 kms away from Ranchi on the Purliya Highway. Also known as Gautam Dhara it is a popular picnic spot near the Kanchi river. The scenery around it is very picturesque. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Gautam Buddha and a rest house here. Every Tuesday and Saturday a fair is organized in Johna.

It is approachable by both Road and train. The fall can be admired by descending around 500 steps. There is a tourist rest house which contains Lord Buddha temple. The river Kanchi flows nearby.


Hundra Falls





Hundru Falls’ one of the most picturesque falls surrounding Ranchi.It is 45 kms from Ranchi on Ranchi-Purulia Road.. Water of the river Swarnarekha falls from an altitude of 320 feet, and creates an amazing cascade, which are famous as Hundru falls. The Hundru falls is considered as the loftiest waterfall of the state.

There is a nice pond at the bottom of Hundru fall, which is an ideal place for bathing. The fantastic scene of falling water from such a huge height attracts people to the place in droves.


Himachal Pradesh

Bhagsu Falls

11 km. from Dharamshala town Known for its old temple, a fresh water spring, water falls and slate quarries. Bhagsunag can be approached by road. The Bhagsu fall is one of the main attractions of Mcleodganj. You can take a dip in the chilly water of fall.

Goa

Dudhsagar Falls

The Dudhsagar Falls are amongst the top 100 highest waterfalls in world. Situated on the border of Goa and Karnataka, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls takes a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the wooded mountains of the western Ghats. Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with crisscrossing streams. The view from the top of the falls is breathtaking. The falls looks even better at magical light of dawn.
Getting there
Dudhsagar falls are in the forests of western ghats. The falls can be reached by a train from Margoa. The train takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, taxis and buses can be hired. Motorcycles are not recommended as the way to falls have many rivers and canals, which often overflow. Reaching Margoa is easier, as Margoa is connected by direct trains to the nearby states. The Dambolin Airport in Vasco-da-Gama is 5 Km from Margoa.
Accommodations
There are not much options near Dudhsagar falls. There is a Forest rest-house, owned by KTDC, near the falls. Else visitors can stay at Margoa and plan a one day trip to Dudhsagar Falls.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Andra Pradesh

Talakona:

Talakona is located 59 km. from TIRUPATI, famous pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh. This area was declared as biosphere reserve during 1989-90 on account of rich variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic(available only in this area). I visited Talakona with family very recently after having darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
The Talakona forests host certain rare, threatened and endangered animal species like Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko etc. Panther, wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Chital and Sambar are also present. We could spot Jungle Fowl and Giant Squirrel during our half a day trekking and wandering. The guides told that Elephants started visiting this area these days and they are using this as corridor connecting Koundinya wildlife sanctuary. Endemic species like Red Sanders, Cycas beddomeii and Enteda (giant climber/Liane with 1 metre long fruits) are available here. Sandalwood is also available. This area is also known for valuable medicinal plants.
Kapila Theertham:


The Holy Temple of Kapila Theertham is the Only Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in over a 50 mile radius of the Holy temple Cities of Tirupati and Tirumala that abound with temples of the Vaishnavait Deity Vishnu. This Huge temple stands at the entrance to a Mountain Cave in one of the steep, vertical faces at the foot of the Amazing hills of Tirumala, where the Waters of the Hill stream of Paapa Vinasanam fall as a huge waterfall. A huge stone statue of a seated bull "Nandhi", Lord's Shiva's steed, greets devotees and passers-by at the entrance to the temple.
One of the Holiest of Hindu saints, saint Kapila Maharshi, was said to have lived here and worshipped, meditated in this very cave before the idol of Lord Shiva and hence the name "Kapila theertham", the word "theertham" meaning a Holy lake or Holy pond that formed due to the waterfalls.

Ethipothala Falls:

Just about 11 kms from the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam are the Ethipothala waterfalls on the Chandravanka river, a tributary of the river Krishna. Amidst beautiful scenic surroundings you can marvel at the shimmering water as it cascades down 70ft into a lagoon.The picture postcard beauty of the place with verdant valleys together with numerous cave temples that dot the hilly countryside have made this a favourite picnic spot. Ethipothala also boasts of a crocodile breeding center where you can get a fascinating glimpse of these reptiles from close quarters and observe their fascinating habits in their natural habitat.

Chhattisgarh

Tirathgarh Falls



Tirathgarh Falls, the picturesque waterfall of Kanger river cascades down from a height of 100 ft in the form of steps. The Tirathgarh falls will enchant you with its pristine beauty. The fury and splendor of these milky waterfalls is best seen just after the monsoon when it stretches to 160 meters width and falls 100 mtrs deep on the Mugabahar river. Tirathgarh is about 38km from Jagdalpur and is actually situated in Kanger Valley National Park. This place is a favorite picnic spot, especially for large groups looking for a day-long picnic in a forest.

Chitrakot





Chitrakot Falls: Chitrakot is a waterfall on the Indravati River, located near Jagadalpur, in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. This river is a tributary of Godavari River. The height of the fall is 100 feet.The breadth of the waterfall varies as the water level in the river goes down drastically during summer. However during monsoon the river flow touches both the banks of the river, and is filled with silt. In contrast during summer the water carries no silt and looks different. The area around the falls is largely forested. Nearby is the Kanger Ghati National Park. Also nearby is the Indiravati Tiger Reserve. The day before the photographs were taken the region was cut off due to floods, so the photographs here will show you close to the maximum strength of the water. However when most visitors visit and in the government tourism website done find them much narrower but taller.