Mattigatta Waterfalls

Trekking can bring in a sense of peace and will experience the immense natural value of our surroundings. We do all this for a sublime sense of peace and tranquillity that should not elude us.  The natural landscape was at its very best and a showcase of waterfalls amid rich and dense jungles is on offer in Uttarakannada.

 On the first weekend of November, four intrepid souls set out from different places to the Western Ghat, Driving in the early morning through mist choked roads, stopping only for morning breakfast along the way we were grateful to reach the small village where we began our trek. We parked our scooter in a field at the edge of the. Just a few kilometers into to our destiny place consists beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear pools and mountain peaks offering unparalleled views of the countryside. Our sense of adventure was kindled by the uncharted and untested route ahead of us.

 The day was warm and sunny, perfect for a trek. As the trek started the initial moments went in just trying to capture every bit of the view surrounding us and realizing the fact that it was a pretty steep climb.  The falls are located not too far from the village but still it’s isolated. 

 We began walking in mud track leading from the village to the mountain range beyond. While passing the road we had seen waterfalls form long distance. The initial trail wound through the dry hill road until we came to the Hedge’s house where the trail began. We located the cool mountain stream which was to serve as our navigational aid. The downhill path passes through arrack-nut plantation once we entered the forest zone the trail started to ascend and become steep.

 Frequently, I would look down and see what I thought was the end of our descent to the streambed. Light would shine through the trees and the trail appeared to start going downhill. I was getting so fatigued by the difficult trail and heavy pack. We started by using the strong jungle vines and small plants guiding us down the base. The climb was exhausting and I would have panicked about my team in few times.

 The final climb towards the streambed was riddled with steep sections of rocks. When we arrived at stream, everyone was thrilled. It presented a new challenge that I wasn't sure we could withstand. Our efforts were rewarded by beautiful views of the waterfalls.

 After hopping around the stream-bed boulders for a while we came upon a narrow pass. The width of the stream was very narrow I was a little shocked to realize that we would have to scale the side of the gorge to reach the base of the waterfall. My team has done some climbing with bare feet after a few meters we continued by using small vines and crooks in the rocks.

 Shortly thereafter the trail seemed to end in a deep pool formed by the increasingly narrow gorge. I took off my pack to swim through the slot canyon in an attempt to see whether we could continue along the stream.

 I took a long swim against the cool water, the water was deep. Lucky for us it was rather less volume otherwise I don't think we all would have been able to make successful to reach the bottom of the waterfalls. Although it’s slippery under the falls might end up falling on the rocks. We all had refreshing bath under the falls getting drenched under the waterfalls and showered with cool and refreshing water.

 Mattighatta waterfall is actually a string of few streams mainly Hasehalla stream on the low hills surrounding and the entire stream dwindling and relief to see such a large pool of water falling from 350 feet height  and further pass into a narrow river canyon. The Hasehall stream flows down in three steps. Even in the month of December, the river had enough water to make the waterfalls majestic. The high rising rocks on either sides adds to the beauty of the falls.

 The base had thigh-deep water. Reaching the base of such a beautiful waterfalls in such a remote location was a very fulfilling experience. During rainy season, Mattighatta falls could easily add more arms: a nondescript section seen at the top of the rocks could easily turn out to be majestic falls by itself.

 When we reached the base of the waterfalls we felt a deep sense of accomplishment for doing something what we didn't think we were capable. We immediately quenched to pond, the rushing water pounded on our weary muscles like a sort of massage, giving us renewed vigour.  After having fun on those smooth giant rocks spending some time in the water we proceeded back to the tumultuous noise of the city looking forward for a weekend again to be in the lap of nature.

 On return the walk was not an easy walk we had to climb all the way steep up and then reached back to the village. One of my dreams came true to spend quality time in the laps of the Nature and also discover uninhabited and undiscovered land in Western-Ghat.