Dramatic green paradise- Malemane & Apsaragonda waterfalls (Part-2)

 

After a well deserved breather we found the way to boost next step. defined rolled fashioned out of trees routs, Me and my trekking companions crawling up a steep rock surface somewhere we took help of roots and we were greeted by a glossy black rock face mocking with slippery, scattered footholds in the form of holes chiseled the giant solid rocks. The terrain was rough- slick sloping rock blocks, loose mud and unexposed path. We were fortunate not to suffer any major injuries.

 

In the end we continued for a while until I realize there was no easy way to reach top. So after exploring for 30 minutes turning around in lush bushes I headed to the top. I tried that and ended up ascending all the way to the creek where I found a couple of large logs right where I needed to cross.

 

After that, a short risky bushwhack took us right to the base (5^th step) of the waterfall. I think the only word I can say about the view is spectacular. A glorious sight, if live to see it but thanks to the strategically exquisite situation of this location if won’t have to run the risk unless have the typical guts.

We stayed there for quite some time admiring the scenery and the waterfalls before continuing down back .We took a short break there before heading back down as we knew we still had a long way to go. After a enough water sports retraced our steps back thru the new trail. After a short walk on the upper-side and passing the huge stony area, we found a ridge line that seemed doable to climb up but it was ended with nowhere.

 

We lost the trail in abandon wild forest and started climbing a bit downer side thinking that we could scramble up and make it. We had to switch back and forth many times as we walked on downed trees, bushes that have been carved to form the path. At some point, almost on top of the mounds, we found ourselves climbing down next to a fallen tree that almost seemed like it was put there so you could climb down. After a hard attempt we found a paled jeep track and a long walk we reached the starting point.

Apsaragonda waterfalls

 

I can say I’m happy I finally made the wonderful trip to Malemane waterfalls but somehow have the feeling I didn’t explore everything I wanted to explore more. So I guess I will have to come up with yet another trip to this area. The only thing is, having done this trail 2 times already; I need to give it a rest for a while. Perhaps next time I will approach it from a different route.

 

We had our lunch at my friend house in Honnavar and on back we glimpsed the beauty of Apsaragonda waterfalls and beach garden. Returned saner fitter and in love with life again may be it’s the fresh air, surprise drizzles, greenery....

Dramatic green paradise- Malemane waterfalls (Part-1)

 

Rainy trek, even though not as popular as any other like Joga,, was a refreshing experience to encounter the wilderness from a close quarter and the enjoying the nature of Western ghat. Trekking in western ghat at rainy offers in pounding rains all through the trek, chilling weather, unique wildlife bewitching beauty of water falls will charge with an utmost energy level.

 

I visited Malemane waterfalls long back in a well winter season. In my first visit I finished the voyage till the 1^st step with incomplete sense. After a long 6 years of waiting once again I had chosen to explore this wonderful place on this fine Monsoon with Ashok and Sunil on 20^th of August 2011.

 

We left Udupi at late noon and stayed night at convent place and we set off next day morning caught first bus to this place and 1 hour easy journey we reached the famous Veranjaneay temple had a grace of God Anjeneya and later anther 7kms journey on the same track we reached our initial spot.

 

We lay down from bus and relaxed for while from the road side we spotted the gorgeous Malemane waterfalls between thick Malemane Ghat forest ranges which dipping down from almost 400 feet striking height. We took some long shots of the waterfalls from the road; my friends weren’t willing to believe we are going to explore such a wonderful waterfalls was situated between such a dangerous dense jungle.

 

Once we got close to the creek, the trail got interesting Initial trail was pleasant in ambiguous slippery boulders jeep track were small streams crossing across the tracks and plunging into the right side of the main stream. We crossed few such streams and reached the main stream bed. The river volume was very high and rough but water was very clear and sanitize on such peak monsoon.

 

Main stream was overflowing and thick shrubs were covered the track so we decided to cross the main river with hand chain supporting. 20 minutes non-stop walk we reached to the first step of the waterfalls. It was stunning view from the bottom of the waterfalls were we enjoyed like a small kids.

 

Our next attempt was really crazy, mad some and hazardous exciting actions. No any routs will go after the 1^st step. We had only 2options on our mind first one is to climb 1^st step of the waterfalls from its bottom (In my 1^st visit I had climbed like so) but volume was high so we dropped the fist choice.

Last chance was that to climb 90 degree muddy rock heap from right side of the waterfalls and we were confront by a near vertical climb we started 30-40 feet height steep summit by one by one helping each other. I should thanks to Ashok because he made it to successful such foolish attempt it was.

 

But smile not stayed for long after small walk in shrubbery uphill abrupt fronts, one more rugged range which slightly less risky compared to first one. But here Sunil find some difficulty after climbing me and Ashok the track became lousier and dangerous but god helps finally he managed to climb from his own innovative track holding with small branches and routs. Finally we entered into thick dark jungle immediate right side top of the 1st step.

 

The most thrilling unprintable walk would started from this part we chosen dense tropical forest area instead of following the risky upper stream side, so we planed our own strategy and followed our own direction through the dense rainforest land to have a view of the main waterfalls.

Our journey went interesting in each step through extending beautiful stretches of forest. After 2 hours walk it provides spectacular views of the waterfalls on gap between 2 ridges while crossing one edge of the mountain.

 

It strengthens our enthusiasm and encourages us with new power. In one place we decided to climb down and follow the stream but we got shocked because here water flows rashly between 2 sharp rocks and plunges into 30feet down but it seems very dangerous to go downer. So we dropped second step and had take one more risky rout.

 

It strengthens our enthusiasm and encourages us with new power. In one place we decided to climb down and follow the stream but we got shocked because here water flows rashly between 2 sharp rocks and plunges into 30feet down but it seems very dangerous to go downer. So we dropped second step and had take one more risky rout.

 

At one place watercourse would passing between huge boulders and we decided to climb edge of the rock holding on wet rocks, trees, roots whatever we could find as rain and wind lashed at us. After a very risky attempt we finally made it to the small plateau on top of the 3^rd step of the waterfalls. A rock climb in the rain at dusk without any safeguards and equipments might seems lunacy but this was what the trek to Malemane waterfalls demands when after a serious of stretches of trekking up.

To be continued....

Manoli, Panchlingeshwara Temple.

After a comfy journey we had reached Manoli village at 2A.m. Manoli or Munavalli is a beautiful ancient city with religious and historical background. It was also a famed center with some famous Saints (Munis) were lived and faith guided in different activities. Evidence of this still we can see some status of Sages inside the Panchalingeswara Temple and also can see several old spiritual institutions (Muth's) on this village. It was not mere religious tolerance but active religious co-existence.

 

Nature has been gracious in Manoli of the land with supporting Malaprabha river. The Panchalingeswara temple is assemblage of Ten antithetic temples under one huge temple complex . As inscriptions dated 1145 & 1174A.D., the temple and nearest fort belongings to the Devagiri ruler Singhandeva.

 

Various dynasties that ruled here were patrons of art and architecture. As result of their efforts Manoli has been dotted with beautiful temples and forts.

 

The main temple dedicated to lord Shiva. This is a Ekakuta temple having with one Garbhagriha, Navaranga and beautiful Mukhamantapa. In Sanctum 5 Lingas situated in one Peeta (basement). The sculptures of Ganesha, Kali and Saptamatrikas were carved uniqueness of art tradition inside the main temple.

 

The outer wall, Shikara and inner ceilings and pillars were not much ornamented in these temples but sad thing is that whole area was painted badly and rubbishy without any sense. I saw 4-5 Hoysalas symbols on the top of the few temples in the same temple complex. We visited each temples and had spent enough time and enjoyed calmness of this area.

 

I impressed by the beauty of Devi and Kalabhairava sculptures with its great jewelery decoration and ornamentation. The sculpture of Kalabhairava is a great beauty, charm, ornamented and magnitude. The excavations of the Kalabhairava gave me a glimpse into the architecture and sculpture of that period..

 

This trip has made us to bring back to ancient times and its reflected Hindus traditions and arts and the remembrance of artists and sculptors of the past who have made us worthy inheritors of great culture. After visiting this glorious temple we headed to explore few more historical places in limited time.

Photos By - Me and Ashok SB