Agumbe - A Treat to the Eyes
Agumbe is a small village in the Thirthahalli taluk in Malnad region of Shivamogga district. What makes it special to make it into the tour list is, it always finds a place in top 5 for the most rainfall receiving place in India every year. This scenic hill station lies in the Western Ghats belt at around 2000 feet above sea level with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. Visiting Agumbe is an enchanting experience with a picturesque beauty coupled with trekking trails and soaring rainfalls. One of India's very famous TV series ‘Malgudi Days’, had this place as the fictional town ‘Malgudi’. This place has made a significant contribution towards the protection of biodiversity with its wild flora and fauna species. Apparently, this hill is known for its waterfalls in every corner thanks to the rainfall it receives.
The waterfalls that can be accessed by every visitor is listed here. Located in the midst of dense forest close to Agumbe centre, Barkana falls has a height of 850 feet, originating from river Seeta. It offers a spectacular sight. Onake Abbi waterfall is another waterfall close to Agumbe centre. A muddy trail takes us to a magnificent sight of the falls cutting through the rocks. The waterfall is completely dry in summer. Jogi Gundi Falls is not like any other waterfall where water falls from a height. It comes from an inclined flattened surface with raw force. One of the famous places in any hill station and also in Agumbe is the sunset point. It is one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats offering a bewitching view of the setting sun on the horizon of the Arabian Sea.
This place is only a just 10 mins drive from the town. The town is also famous for a 14th century temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple attracts a considerable number of tourists from all over to this small hamlet for its stunning sculptures. There are 108 steps leading from the basement to the shrine denoting 108 names of Lord Krishna. It should be noted that Agumbe is not a commercialized hill station. It should be noted that Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) is the only of its kind in the world. So, one can not expect sophiscated options for food and overnight stay. It can be included in the itinerary as a day excursion from the nearest possible cities Udupi and Shivamogga.