Kallare Falls :A Mystical Natural Wonder

We ate breakfast enjoyed every sip and aroma of our coffee even our conversations were deeper. We all took our time that morning because we were about to face challenge, exploring the majestic Kallare Falls.

We set out on the roads to feel the mountain wind in hair spent most of the drive in silence completely overwhelmed by the beauty around us. It was a breathtaking drive after long ride we finally reached the village we reached the Gaddehall village at the heart of the Western Ghats, it was such an amazing experience to get a glimpse of the people’s lives there, the kids and the elders were some of the warmest people ever met. 

Then we started to walk through narrow village roads and crossed beautiful vast paddy fields left us speechless. I’ve never imagined that mornings in Gaddehall village could be this beautiful. After walking for a bit we entered forest zone. It was so green and lush and I could hear a small creek nearby. This forests are kind of magical local villagers believe this and I think I’ve become a believer too. The way the sun hits the tree tops, the leaves, and the stream, if it is not magical, I don’t know what is. 

After 30 minutes trek the trail reached to top of a nice little waterfalls. It was a small waterfall with a vast pond. We freshened up ourselves and spent enough time on that serene place. 

We carried on our adventure, I had No idea how many pools and cascades we were traversing and climbing, I honestly felt like I was in a constant state of awestruck. Each area was different every part had its own challenge and some parts were actually technically challenging. 

We came across the massive boulders and small small waterfalls across the upper stream walk, at one point it was almost 70 feet down, we reckon. Cool and refreshing water flows down like a fast-creeping carpet from there we took a different rocky and mossy trail to get further down. Kallre top followed by an exhilarating trek but what waited at the end of it was a sight for soar eyes! 

Abundant earth colors splashed all over, distinct forest scent and refreshing cool breeze stole all the weariness. The gorgeous large pools below the cascades and tons of bedrocks made it a beautiful place. The height and the inclined rock can sometimes scare the hell out of you. But I just put in my mind that I’ve actually waited for this moment to happen, so it was time for the adventurous side to turn on.

After the top, the next part of the hike was actually easier as the trail was more relaxed filled with grassland hills and slopes. This is the part where I really enjoyed the most. The sceneries were just amazing, it was so beautiful that I was beginning to let go of exhaustion that the first phase of the climb has caused me. 

We then trekked down going to the village and then hike going up to a ridge, we continued following a village trail but soon it was time to take a diversion and go off-trail, a point where we faced another exhausting walk down to a valley where Kallare Falls is located. 

One of the hardest things about trekking down a steep slope of staircases and uneven pieces of rocks and soil is straining knees. Once we reached the ridge or the point before going down to the falls, we rested for a while before we start deep descend to the fall. Finally we made way ourselves to reach base of the falls and after tiring hike.

The moment my eyes witness the waterfall spiraling down a cliff of around a hundred meters I knew we hit a jackpot of an unspoiled waterfall that very few people at that time experienced. It is a classic plunge type that beautifully pummel down in a huge rock as if eagerly waiting for its embrace. If I am not a mistaken a lovers myth can easily be told between the two because I am just amaze of how the rock perfectly placed to receive the flow of Kallare Falls.

The best thing about this waterfall, it is secluded and still unspoiled. No connection and mobile phone signal, so people actually interact, talk and bond. If you’re looking for a place to just unplug from the city life, well Kallare is definitely for you. It has this majestic appeal that leaves you breathless by its beauty.

For me this life is way better instead of staying in the city and doing the same routine each day the physical pain, struggle and adventure makes me better and in a world full of wordily things, going to waterfalls makes me feel more alive.

Once we finished the food we decided to explore more waterfalls. There are numerous waterfalls in different directions. The large trees piled up about 3 times my height showed the power o this stream. I could hear lots of rushing water; of course I had to investigate. It was a beautiful setting on little creek. We have seen several snakes along the trail, most of which are completely harmless.

Rounding the bend, on top of the first waterfall, we followed a shallow stream that is bordered by tall, forest-covered unclimbable cliffs, a wild roaring part of the stream where the current was considerably strong. In these noisy canyons our real adventure began. 

I knew there is hidden paradise here on Earth. The water falling on the side is like a curtain trying to limit your sight of the beauty which lies beyond that water. And on the center is the roaring plunge waterfall making a statement of power. There is so many rewarding things to do hear one of my favorite is floating in the water and admiring the vegetation & beautiful rock formation above me while keeping watch of the graceful flow of water towards me. Above that waterfall is an untold beauty waiting to be explored and the rainbow which appears late in the afternoon will put you in a picture frenzy.

The beautiful green foliage around made the spot surreal and perfect as well for a creative shot. Ultimately, it was an another beautiful experience for all of us waterfall chasers which fuels our aspiration more in search of such spectacles in nature. The water glows from an emerald to sapphire hue depending on where you are standing. This phenomenon probably made possible by the minerals in the water or the rock which surrounds the Waterfall. I surely have no way of explaining such beautiful occurrence in nature.

That moment was worth it. And it reminds me that in life, there are times when we are willing to go through hell because we know it’s worth it, that we know in the end everything is going to be alright.  Damn, this made me think of how deep and profound my learning’s and realizations through travelling. That’s why I truly believe that we all must travel; we must find a way to travel. It was around 5 PM when we all started to climb back to the village.

Kargodu falls

Kargodu falls, which has elevated the beauty of forest with the crystal clear water, gushing down the rocky path, is providing a magnificent view to the visitor. We planned to visit this unidentified waterfalls so as per our plan we started our morning with great breakfast, hot tea and Akki Rotti were right combination to get us going in full spirit, after a short bike ride we reached Kargodu village, we parked our vehicles and initial stretch goes through Areca plantations and later crossed a small bamboo bridge over a small stream.

 Then we trekked on grassland plateau and then we entered the forest passing through a small hamlet towards the valley. Without taking rest we forwarded, the weather was extraordinarily favorable. We soon reached thick woods of the higher region and found ourselves enveloped by a virgin forest of gigantic elegant trees.

 The beauty of this forest is inexpressible a certain anxiety nevertheless fills the wanderers souls. The deep stillness of the forest eerie rushing of the wind through these huge trees needles and sublimity of nature’s powerful forces made an impression on me that I will never forget.

 Further our journey goes through many bushes thick bamboo roofed forests. Once we saw the waterfall none of us could speak the tough trek were forgotten it was worth everything I thanked god being alive to see one of his wonderful creation the thundering waterfall was mesmerizing getting cool showers from the fall all our tiredness vanished.

 After running over a stretch of rocks to this place the brook tumbles downward around 80 feet with tremendous force into a rock basin where the water scattered in a million droplets come together again and then flows tranquilly into a small ravine. It is with difficulty that on climbs down into the base of the falls but however arduous the scrambling down just as rewarding is the sight one finds below. It was an authentically splendid scene all around stood rocks luxurious adorned with handsome plants and shrubs. It seems god might have taken the place for a masterpiece of tasteful gardening.

 When illuminated by the sun, streams of waterfall forming a bright silver band down over the rocks producing an uproar that is doubly frightful in the beautiful space and the dark green leaves plantains adorn the waterfalls. We felt so good watching the falls it was like gallons of milk pouring down the hill time stood still everything around was mute except for the sound of the waterfall.

 After we had enjoyed the stately tableau for long time we pulled ourselves away from the beautiful sight with great reluctance headed back the same way it was quiet quick we reached back in one hour. Throughout our journey was filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies fluttering, Beautiful pebbles in grass bright like shining pearls, Colourful Mushrooms ,Evergreen forests, flowing very pure water in the brook, So many chirping birds and little variety of species, Romancing trees, Green covered hills and valleys all around it was a very wonderful experience. 

 It was that moment of happiness, joy and ecstasy that everyone unanimously exhibited after being amalgamated with nature for just two days!! Of course the real life out there in wild is calling us to fuse to make us realize the true happiness. 

Gijgini Waterfalls

 As soon as my vacation is approved, I packed my bags, drive all the way from my place.  I always wanted to explore around AG valley and let me tell you it was fantastic! Come have a look on it. Far away from typical touristic places, it is truly a hidden gem. It took us 3 hours to reach my friend Mahabala’s house! First day we explored few new waterfalls around there. Second day we spent the whole day hiking deep forests to explore Gijguni waterfalls. It was amazing!

 After trekking for about an hour from the village soon we started descending which was gradual and was towards the main stream. Soon we were heading into dense bamboo jungle filled with surprises!!  After descending 100 meter we were back to thick woods. After negotiating with the bushes and thorns we made our initial hike skipping the stream & entered into the thick tinny bamboo forest, soon to be lost in the thick and sloppy ridges of AG Valley.

 We had to climb the thorn filled ridges, move along with thick vegetation cover and descend along slippery rocky terrain. We carefully descended down the slope. I could hear the falls roaring from long and within next few minutes with tough attempt between thick jungles we reached directly in to front of Twin Falls.

  Once we reached the stream, we got a breath-taking view of Twin waterfalls and where we climbed down from it was impenetrable jungle that we came. The view from here was magnificent. It was a wonderful set of approximately 100 feet wide rock slab surrounded by green forest is bisected by two powerful bursts of water in the small distance.

 Two separate streams of water cascade down the black much stretched rock, which is divided by huge rock walls and converging around 10 meters away from these waterfalls, the water is almost transparent white as it tumbles down below from 40-50 feet height.

  In the First cascade the thick spouts of water rush over the rock and land in a small pool of water and next one has a thinner, spread out flow of water, making it seem more delicate than the others.

 We spent here around 30 minutes - From here we proceeded towards the second stage. We walked a length about 100 meters and we reached the top of the Gijguni. The view from the top was mesmerizing. After the excitement subsided we started planning the route for the base of the Gijguni main step.

 We searched the way to go down to the falls; we took a diversion from the top to reach the base. I scanned from top nothing looked easy but I can see the way to make it possible to reach the base. It was difficult to clamber down on the steep slope, brushing aside low branches and roots, scrambling over moss laden rocks until I came across some rocky area where we able to see the falls in the nearest distance.

 Anyhow we made the way to the base of the falls over more boulders to witness the majestic of Gijguni falls. It was so beautiful that words are not enough to describe the falls like, way it looks like is unique, rocks formation, tranquillity of icy water and the small ponds is an asset to Gijguni falls. It has on more small stage after this level with big pond.

 After diving, swimming, filling up icy waters, we rested for a while. Almost everyone had taken a nice dip in the water. And it was time for me to take the pictures. Everyone had their rounds for taking their profile pictures and quickly we took a group shot. The astounding sight pleased my senses and made me realize that all those adjectives that are synonymous to stunning will be aptly expressed at that moment!

 Nothing thrills me more than to discover new waterfall that is mysterious in wild.  It turned out to the best and most enjoyable trek under fabulous Gijguni falls.  No words to express as everyone were delighted and overjoyed with ecstasy. After all, what you need in life is that moment of happiness under the misty skies along with likeminded souls in the lush green with thundering waterfalls and gusty winds moving your soul!!