Shirley Waterfalls, Yellapur

Undiscovered virgin waterfalls, deep valleys, two major Rivers the Kali and Bedti numerous streams feeding these rivers, varieties of caves and much more, Yellapur has a rare combination of simply unsurpassed natural beauty to mesmerize a person. 

My frequent hiking companion Srikanth Datta and Shrinivas Salkni had been out for last weekend to wander around Yallapur and came across a couple of nice waterfalls. Just 15 minutes drive from small town and 30 minute scenic trek follows to reach Shirley Falls. After Jenkallu Gudda and Arebylu Falls, we got back to explorer and drove down to Shirley Falls. Shirley Falls was one of the nice waterfalls to have the best waterfalls photography.

We left the car and started to walk at 4 PM. From the small parking lot you can hike down to the base of the falls. Despite the bad weather we witnessed jaw dropping beauty of nature the view of fog slightly covering the evergreen forests was just a wow. It was like a painting, an art only the nature could create.

The trail is clearly indicated by markings. Continue on the trail winding up the mountain final destination will be just below the Areca plantations we just followed the scenic trail that eventually led us to the most beautiful waterfall. 

The hike to Shirle Falls is very easy and very pleasant the hike is only 5 km round trip.  I’ve realized I’ve added another feat in my life. What a splendid view It was a beautiful cascade plunges from 100 feet height.

There is natural cave like grotto carved from rock by the shimmering water and continued up a few steps, across the creek and went inside, passed the cave to reach the base of Shirley. What an incredible sight. Once we saw the waterfall none of us could speak it was worth everything, thundering waterfall was mesmerizing.

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. The walk back was just as pretty. We followed the path through the forest what an amazing hike.

Ajjigundi waterfall, Yellapur

Few things in the natural world are as aweinspiring as the sight of water pouring off the side of a high stone ledge and clamouring into a rocky pool beneath. Ajjigundi is placed perfectly to soothe the visitor’s body and mind with natural sceneries and fragrance.

 Ajjigundi waterfall is located 13 km away from Yallapur nestled between Areca plantation and forested area where the sun hardly reaches. The sun had awakened and was barely peeking through the hazy sky with a warm golden light. The crisp morning air echoed with our voices enjoying the country side we sung all along the track. The trail is short with a little bit of a descending to the waterfall.

The path to the Ajjigundi Waterfall is not too long, while climbing down towards the stream we heard the roar of the waterfall from a distance and finally we reached. The boulders and the branches of trees seem to frame the falls like a picture postcard. Cameras went on clicking there was no need of composing a scene for taking pictures. Just point the camera to any direction you feel and click it will be good picture.

The whitish gushing water cascading from the rock faces makes this waterfall highly attractive. The water was ice cold and some of the team member took dip on it. The clear waters of the sacred Waterfall the blue sky and surrounding densely forested hills made dream come true.

Trip to Sathodi Fallz

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.

Sathodi Waterfalls -Yellapur

After an exhausted journey we occupied the room and slept well. Everyone got up early and had heavy breakfast and were ready to leave by 8am.We hired 2 bikes and started heading along near Ganesh Gudi road. However it was still very early and the cold breeze was pleasing for me. We had to pass through the back waters of Kali River (Kodasalli) along the mud track.

We parked our vehicles to near forest gate and had taken few minutes walk through the forest. Since we had reached very early of the day probably we had avoided the usual crowd. Early in the morning when the first light falls on the waterfalls was so charming. The early morning freshness and sunrise amidst the waterfalls made its very memorable.

This majestic waterfall drops from Kallaramane Ghat and then joins further down to the backwaters of Kodasalli dam built across Kali River which has got rare and exceptional reptiles, rich and abundant forest with its wild habitat and enticing birds. At times they are just rushing along nearly horizontal rocks then they fall dramatically into a narrow canyon. The mist around makes the setting magical to view.

We showed up at a time when the lighting wasn't so great for photographing the waterfall we're practically looking against the sun. It was morning when we were there, but I believe that since this is a west-facing waterfall, the afternoons should yield a better photographing experience. The area of the falls provides ample opportunities for rock climbing and water sports.

Panoramic Mountain top views, tranquil backwater, the majestic beauty and timelessness of this awe-inspiring tropical rainforest, and breath taking scenery of the waterfalls are just spectacular outdoor experiences along the bike riding was indescribable in words and should be experienced.