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.