I
visited the Sathodi falls during the February month with Manju and his group. I
visited this waterfall twice in a year of time the first time I saw the falls
in post Monsoon season we happened to show up fairly early in the morning so
that couldn’t took good clicks against the sun.
Considering
that it was pretty hot and humid during our second visit at gorgeous sunny day thus
I believe that the water volume I witnessed was probably either at its best on early
summer or close to it. We had to pass through the back waters of Kodasalli
along the rough mud track. The access to the falls was strangely not well
defined trail leading to it.
There
are many streams that join together in the Kallaramane Ghat and cascade into a
15meters picturesque Sathodi falls. This is popularly known as the Mini
Niagara. This falls forms a part of the Ganeshgudi forest range. It presents a
great view when one sees it cascading down from a mountaintop with lush green
hills as its backdrop.
As
it touches the ground it flows towards the backwaters of Kodasali Dam and
finally mergers into it. The serene environment of the adjoining area is
instrumental in attracting travelers to the Sathodi Falls.
After Vehicle Park 10 minute’s easy walk across the Kali River
back water laid us to the bottom of the waterfalls.
At
that time, there were a handful of people cooling off in its waters or just
chilling out in the shade caused by the nearby overhanging cliffs. The bright
sun also made the scene very bright making it tough to take that long exposure
shot which leaves the shady confines of the gorge and tumbles into an open
amphitheater baked by the sun.
We
got drenched at the winds as well as the maid of the mist, after spending for
30 minutes few of us decided to take bath on rime water and we also got to hear
and feel the power of the falls from very close distance. There was solid
composition of red, crystalline limestone. The mighty rocks have been roughened
by the vagaries of burning Sun uncontrolled winds and torrential rains.
This waterfall caused the rocks of this layer and those layers
underneath to erode and break away the falling rocks some larger than a house
fell down to the stream bottom. It is these rocks which restricted the water
flow of the Sathodi which has resulted in the rapids in Monsoon time.
Brown Vine Snake
Ahaetulla nasutus
Variety Isabellinus Vine snake Non venomous. They have a
slender but long body with a pointed head. The pointed beak-like nose and the
horizontal eye slit is characteristic of these snakes. Its head is the same
width as its body. The under side of the body is light brown or yellow. When
threatened it flattens its entire body to exhibit the white and black color
present between the scales. They are so completely blended in their surrounding
environment that they are almost invisible.
Yet another enjoyable blog read. thanks for reminding us, as we thought of going there for sometime. keeping posting the good work Rakesh!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures . Loved the snake picture very much .
ReplyDeleteCame across your wonderful blog on the Facebook page of Gurunarasimha yuvakara balaga. Wow! Truly Amazing photography! You also seem to have a penchant for discovering hidden jewels in the Southern landsape and displaying the same in an never-seen-before light!
ReplyDeleteNice place for family trip... Good place..
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. The falls look beautiful.
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ReplyDeleteBrown Vine Snake is reaaly different.Nice Pics
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