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Feeling stuck within the confines of the concrete jungle? Well, if you're near Mysore city, you're lucky – because real jungles and waterfalls are at your beck and call!
Mysore, Mysuru, or ‘City of Palaces' are three different names, but all three will lead you to one place. A place epitomising vibrant Indian heritage, enticing history buffs from all over the globe through its thought-provoking monuments and structures, finest art forms and alluring culture— yes, that’s Mysore for you.
Also called the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore somehow has that near-perfect balance of modernity and old-city charm where one can happily get lost in the sea of culture, royal palaces, delectable food, ancient buildings, amazing dance forms, and, of course, the countless happening places with a twinge of modern sensibility.
But apart from these, it has the hugely popular Mysore Palace. The city also boasts of awe-striking natural beauty, which can be experienced at the waterfalls in and around Mysore city. So without any further ado, here are a few of my recommendations for waterfalls to visit near Mysore, to take a short break from everything artificial.
Go ahead, plan, and visit to let yourself be simply surrounded by the bewitching, yet lesser-known natural wonders of Mysore.
Close your eyes and imagine this: wind rustling through leaves, smooth rocks beneath your feet, wingbeats of butterflies whirring in the air, a temple bell tolling in the distance. Overcome by an inexpressible feeling? Well, what if you could experience all of this for real too?
Because that's what you can experience at Chunchanakatte Falls! The temple bell you imagined, that's the famous Kodanda Rama temple that lies on its banks. Legend says that when Goddess Sita took a bath in its holy waters, the waters were tinged with a shade of turmeric-yellow.
If you're someone who loves to click pictures, you can take plenty of those here. This waterfall has two sixty-foot-tall jumping points where you can satiate the adventurer in you. For those of you who just want to bask in the grandeur of this beautiful waterfall, sit down, let the deafening thunder of falling water pound your soul, and let the misty spray refresh your face.
Enough of the inputs. I’d leave you with a final tip: carry your binoculars, all you nature lovers. Who knows, if you're lucky, you might even spot a migratory bird or two amidst the rich green of the waterfall.
Distance from Mysore: Approx 54 km
Nearest Major Town/City: K.R. Nagar
Best Way to Reach: By bus or by a taxi
Think of the word ‘cataract’. What's the first thing that comes to your mind? Eye? Think again. A cataract is also, in actuality, a type of waterfall. You'd be surprised to know it's the most common one; the one you generally imagine when someone says waterfall! The steep drop, one jump-off point, and the like.
Iruppu waterfall is an excellent example of a cataract waterfall. The Lakshman Theertha River, originating from the Brahmagiri Mountains, plummets downward from seventy feet to form the Iruppu Falls. The lush, green surroundings of this waterfall and the accompanying chirps and chitterings are drowned out by the perpetual thunder of the gushing water that will constantly shake the very ground beneath your feet, letting you feel how Mother Nature can be beautiful and powerful, all at once.
As per the locals, this waterfall possesses mysterious cleansing powers and taking a dip in it, or even touching the water on Mahashivaratri absolves people of their sins. And that's why Iruppu Falls is thronged by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri every year.
Iruppu waterfall is also quite close to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which makes it a great destination for wildlife photographers as well. The explosion of greenery, blue skies, and petrichor-scented air; wouldn't that be too good a place to be? You'll practically feel your racing heart slow down when you arrive. Mine certainly did.
Distance from Mysore: approx 120 km
Nearest Major Town/City: Gonikoppa
Best Way to Reach: Take a bus to Gonikoppa, and from there, take a taxi to reach the waterfall.
Do you remember those adventure movies where explorers have been trekking for days on end, worn out, and suddenly after breaking through the final line of trees, they come across a majestic grassland with a waterfall on one side of your view? (I'm thinking of an Indiana Jones-Bahubali crossover, just saying) Yup, that exists! It's called Shivasamudram Falls!
About 893 meters wide, Shivasamudram Falls is also known as the Cauvery Falls. It is the one and only Cauvery River that breaks apart at a thousand different points just before it plummets 320 feet down into the gorge.
Shivasamudram waterfall has two points—the Gagana Chukki and the Bara/Bhara Chukki—from where one can jump off to take a plunge into its pools. The trek up to these points would be worth an effort. There are benches all along the banks where you can sit down and watch the sunlight dance and glint on the falling water. The mist spray with such a view is just a bonus.
If trekking isn't your cup of tea, then the Chennakeshava Temple lies a little away from the falls and is open for visitors to pay their respects. You can explore and revel in the ancient Hoysala architecture there.
Fun fact: Asia's first town to get energy from hydroelectricity, Kolar, is also located nearby. It's the same place where the famous movie K.G.F. was shot. About 120 years old, these hydroelectric power stations still happen to be functional.
Distance from Mysore: approx 75 km
Nearest Town/City: Kollegal
Best Way to Reach: By bus or by a taxi to Shivasamudra town
The sharp, rich scents of spices and coffee fill your lungs as you approach Abbey Falls. The ceaseless roar of water makes for a wonderful backdrop for the coffee and spice plantations close by.
At some distance from Madikeri, this waterfall is nestled in a blanket of greenery. To reach there, you have to drive up to its entrance and then cover the remaining short distance on foot. Several smaller streams come together to form the sparkling cascade that Abbey Falls is. It topples down from seventy feet into a pool that eventually joins the River Cauvery.
The hanging bridge will give you another wonderful vantage point of the falls that'll rob you of your breath. Standing on this bridge during monsoons is a sure ticket to being completely drenched by the spray of water. I highly recommend it. It's like being a little kid again, playing in the rain for the first time.
Here's a wholesome historical titbit you should know: In the British era, Abbey Falls was known as Jessy Falls, named so by the first British chaplain who visited it. He was so enamoured by its beauty that he named it ‘Jessy Falls’, after his daughter, Jessy.
If you are also tired of the city's hustle-bustle, the beauty of the waterfall will leave you breathing easier. If you seek more adventure, exploring the spice and coffee plantations will be right up your alley. You can also visit the small shrine of Goddess Kali situated near the hanging bridge.
Distance from Mysore: approx 120 km
Nearest Town/City: Madikeri
Best Way to Reach: Take a bus to Madikeri, and from there, take an auto or taxi
The Balmuri Falls is an ideal place to be if you're looking to escape the smoke and noise of the city. The lush greenery and sunlit waters will be a treat for your eyes and frayed nerves. I promise you'll leave the place in lighter spirits and a new-found love for waterfalls in Mysore. This waterfall descends from a mere six feet. There's a catch, though. It's not a natural waterfall; it's man-made.
When the water overflows the check dam built across the Cauvery, it forms a long, lovely cascade of shining water, eventually resulting in Balmuri falls. Dip a toe in and you'll feel the sensation of calm rushing through your body. In addition, you can also go for leisurely walks and enjoy the seasonal boat ride. If you're looking for a good swim, March to August is the best time. But if you want the best views, the monsoon is the time for you friend.
Distance from Mysore: approx 17 km
Nearest Town/City: Mysore
Best Way to Reach: Take a taxi or rent a bike to reach Belagola village, from where you can just hike to the waterfall.
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