Talasi Abbi waterfalls

It was still raining hard and we were all soaking wet on our way to Talasi Abbi Falls. We walked through a short stretch of forest and approached the Talasi Abbi Falls. Well, as expected it was beautiful.

Once you get on top of Talasiabbi, the view was even better. We did not just Talasi Abbi Falls take some photos and all it was also a chance to experience the cold and relaxing water flowing from it.

Talasi Abbi is more the 40 feet in height and 20 feet wide, some of us decided to bottom of the fall though there was no way at the left side sliding downhill was really difficult. There were parts that the climb was almost 70 degrees. After a risky attempt holding on to wet rocks, trees, whatever we could find finally we made it to reach almost base of the waterfalls.

The views from the base were simply stirring. The roaring sound of the falls which created fumes all over were relaxes my body and soul.

We weren’t able to swim because we still have to explore some parts of the province. But we knew that the water was cool and relaxing, by just wading into it.

Monsoon mania, Nagarabare Waterfalls

I fantasized to trek a place that was free from human intervention associated with risks and filled with challenges. Lush greenery, rich flora fauna, waterfalls all around, foggy atmosphere, frequent drizzles and refreshing breeze were my expectations.

Explore the remote and serene area was part of my two days travel plan to explore the couple of waterfalls in H.kal area. I’ve been planning to explore Nagarabare or Kallabbi waterfalls since many years but I’ve never been able to make it. It was my second attempt to hike during a heavy downpour in this region.

This time we were 12 participants who were eagerly waiting to embrace nature, our group is formed by core nature admirers and most importantly we respect it. We had our breakfast at a Hotel on the way hot coffee and Idli were right combination to get us going in full spirit.

The weather didn’t stop us from exploring the waterfalls but we struggled to find the right person to lead us towards the waterfalls. There are only 2 persons knows about this place  but they are hesitating to go waterfalls on monsoon, they usually don’t bring outsiders to the Falls which is highly risky and we couldn’t blame them according to them they don’t have any rights to bring any visitors without permission from the forest and wildlife department.

So what we did was we went to the respected departments and took the permission later, looked for the wildlife guard and when we finally found him he just advised us to do some formalities with the assistance of some friendly forest officers we went back to guide house. And at last we were assisted. Our plan became alive to explore Nagarabare Falls that late morning. It turned out that the entrance to the trail going to Nagarabare Falls is just near the house of Guide.

 When we went back to the main road just a few minute drives we find the forest gate on the left side of the road. It was raining by the time we arrived at the starting point of our hike. Upon entering the gate and passing through some narrow road we welcomed by a thick forest and hills and that’s where the actual trekking starts. It was raining hard that day so the trail was muddy and slippery. We were very careful rocks full of moss that when added with rain can be very slippery.

Though we were all soaking wet, the hike was fast! After like hiking for two hours, I finally heard the sound of the splash of water. Aside from the constant itchy feeling on my feet because of leaches, mosquitoes or ants we also endured the cold air and rain in the middle of the jungle. it was challenging, the steep trail and the mud.  I couldn’t remember how many times I slipped during the trek! But that didn’t stop us from being cautious. We were exploring the mountains; one wrong slip can be very dangerous. The sticky, claustrophobic jungle presses in on us from all sides as we scramble up the muddy path.

We were at the heart of the forest and mountain, a place where the temperature could drop when raining. We finally arrived.  I had some first glimpse of the waterfalls. There was still a bit of rain. I was soaking wet with sweat and rain, yet when I saw Nagarabare it was like all my body ache just went away. This has always been the effect of waterfalls to me.

Passing through some rocks we were finally face to face with this beautiful waterfall. Nagarabare is massive and grand. Sometimes when you see it in photos, you’d first think that this is just ordinary. But wait until you see it before your eyes.  It’s huge yet has a calming effect, taking all your stress and worries away. That’s the power of nature. 

We couldn’t resist looking at one another checking if our thoughts and feelings were the same.  Prashanth even said, “Amazing, right?”  It was huge, tall and majestic. The splash of water has created this dramatic mist, which was surprisingly relaxing. The wall of the falls was filled with green plants making it look even more spectacular.  Of course, we were able to take photos of the falls in wide shot, from afar. But the best experience happened when we got closer and closer.

When I got really close to the falls Wow! The first feeling was the amazement of its power as it touches the water and rocks. The wind can take you a back for a while, the water and mist was just inexplicable.  It was another awe moment for me, literally a jaw dropping experience, which was pretty much enjoyable because of the sweet taste of the mist when my mouth was wide open, totally amazed by this beauty of nature.

All of us were having our own moments with the falls. Some were taking selfies, while others were planning if they could make even closer. When the group made way towards the falls for a swim I stayed for a while to the rocky parts to take some photos for the campaign as for me, I just enjoyed it. I sat on a rock tasting the water, the mist, enjoying the strong wind that compliments the entire experience. 

It’s tall about 150 feet, looking at its splendor, Nagarabare is like a two layered waterfalls, a creation of nature. Below is a wide body of water perfect for a photo op while the one on top is a huge falls directly coming from the mountain. It was like a force to be reckoned with; the water creates this huge and resounding splash. . The best about Nagarabare Falls is the rich nature surrounding its beauty. You could hear the chirping birds and the calming splash of water. The water was so cool it relaxed my tired muscles after an exhausting hike under the rain. 

Once you get to Nagarabare Falls, you better get the best out of it, so never settle to exploring the lower part. Get to the top to enjoy the best view. Looking at the vast pond and the nature surrounding it made me realize two things. One is get out and experience outdoors!

After having lunch and fully enjoyed Nagarabare Falls, it was time to go back.   The hike going back was even tougher than I expected. We went through this steep assault from the falls going up and since it was still raining it was a struggle for the difficult muddy trek while we were all soaking wet these are the kind of experiences that made us tougher.

There are a lot of stories told to us by locals there they have many versions and it’s ridiculous! So it is better to just say that it is still a mystery. I was so thankful to Arun and Suresh, for helping us. It was another moment a realization that locals are there not just to help you with the directions towards the mountain but to also keep you safe.

Nishane Gudda & Doddagudda – Agumbe

There is a unique enchantment that occurs sometimes when find an unknown territory that results in seeing the world differently. Who travel for the sake of travel he will find himself on a journey an adventure that transcends his expectations and imaginations. Western Ghats still today offers many unexplored territories and species. Western Ghats have many heavenly peaks and many are famous hill stations.

 The mountains always enthralled me! So are the clouds, the joy mounts when both these mingle together and produce a visual spectacle! Once again I was very much excited to travel around Agumbe region just to enjoy the feel of the dense forest of this land. Agumbe is unique for many things it offers many unexplored territories and species. Getting onto the peak of Agumbe is nothing.

The morning that we landed Agumbe first we visited 14^th century beautiful Gopalkrishna Temple of the Hoysala period; we had decided not to waste much time in city so that first we took permission from concerned department. We had light food and started to head towards NishaneGudda. Anyway the sky was pretty clear for the first few hours of the morning.

 As we approached forest, crossed a dazzling brook and certainly sense the cool breeze and there we see in front of you the majestic and sudden elevation throughout chunky jungle.

The glory that it gets in the early mornings, when sun rays passes hits between trees something that is indescribable! The way is abandoned as the accessibility is a bit tough and enormous blood sucking leaches are horrible! The leeches were everywhere and were looking very well built.

 As we trudged through overgrown weeds and twisted branches we took right deviation after 500 meters climb stopped at ledge and realized that we were directly at open grassland place. The grass was green and so were the deciduous forest patches! All in all the feeling was fantastic.

 It was after an hour of leisurely walk that we reached the pinnacle of DoddaGudda; this afforded a panoramic view of the area & we become conscious of the magnitude of these forests. So it forms a nice open space around the thick forest and ideal for the bird activity. The forest beneath was echoing with the whistles of the Malabar Whistling Thrushes!

 Later we get back to the same track and headed for next level. After 15 minutes hike we landed the top of NishaneGudda. Dense forests, small and attractive waterfalls provide rich treat to the eyes. Warm weather and heavy rains are ideal for the numerous waterfalls drop over the mountain walls and hill sides. The abundant growth of tropical vegetation covers the whole Valley with thick forests.

 Cold wet air from the cost ascending up these mountains lent a nip to the soggy air while the sun continued to be hidden by the languorous clouds.

We hit by the sudden showers while we were climbing down through the grasslands, all of sudden clouds rolled over and it rained off the rain wasn't extremely heavy and dint have much impact on us. Every trouble melts away when you see the huge dense clouds hitting right at the high peaks of the Agumbe! The eyes start to think if it’s a reality or any kind of illusion!

While we were on back when the forest is covered with clouds and the heat from the canopy forms fantastic scenery. On a sunny day can find the horizon glittering of Arabian Sea. 

Agumbe has always been very close to my heart, an amazing place. You should see it to believe it! All these will remain green in my memories in the time to come. All in all that day was the day which I enjoyed the most.