In the district of Shimoga in the state of Karnataka, here is a small hamlet called “Agumbe” which is a popular tourist destination. This place is popular for its natural beauty and great climate. Due to the heavy rainfall that Agumbe receives it also known as “The Cherrapunji of the South” named after Cherrapunji a small town in Meghalaya in the north east. This village comprises mainly of exotic waterfalls. The beautiful landscape and an extremely calm atmosphere only helps add charm to this village. This village is also blessed with a variety of flora and fauna which adds to the greenery. So if you are true nature lover then “Agumbe” is the ideal place for you.
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How to reach Agumbe ?
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Agumbe Map
By train
Since there is no direct railway connection to Agumbe, the Udupi railway station which is 54 km away from Agumbe is the closest station. While Shimoga railway station which is 100 km away from this village is the other rail option that could be used.
By road:
There are numerous bus services available from Bangalore that are operated by the KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation). While there are number of bus services also available from Udupi, Shimoga, and Mangalore to Agumbe.
By air:
The closest airport to Agumbe is the Bajpe Airport in Mangalore. Taxi services are then available from the Mangalore Airport to Agumbe.
Climate and best time to visit Agumbe
The summers in this village is dry and hot with the temperature varying from between 30 degrees to 35 degrees. The monsoon season begins from June and extends up to September. This village receives heavy rainfall during monsoons and is the best time to enjoy waterfalls and the rainforests. Winters which begins in December and ends in February with the temperature recorded during this period being approximately 18 degrees is the best time to visit as the climate is not harsh making trekking a possibility.
Places to Visit Around Agumbe
Jogigundi Falls: This waterfall falling from a lofty height is considered to be India’s highest waterfall. It has four streams which are known as Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. To access this waterfall, one has to travel for a while on a vehicle and then trek the rest of the route. The source of this waterfall is a pond where the Malapahaari River water gets accumulated. The water flows down through a cave that has been created by the rushing waterfall.
Barkana Falls: The water of this waterfall originates from Seeta River. To access this waterfall, one has to trek from the Western Ghats through Gumbo Ghats. The whole area abounds in lovely flowers, herbs, and bamboos. Early part of the winter season is the ideal time to visit this waterfall.
OnakeAbbi Falls: This beautiful waterfall can be accessed through trekking. A series of steps leads to the waterfall. The top of the waterfall offers a splendid view of the stream.
KoodluTheertha Falls: This is a must-see waterfall whose origin is Seeta River. One has to cover 3-4 kilometers to reach the waterfall. The pond is considered very sacred as many saints used to carry out penitence long time ago.
Kunchikal Falls: It is considered to be among the highest waterfalls in India. The source of this waterfall is Varahi River. There are also plenty of small waterfalls encircling the glamorous Kunchikal Falls. The magnanimous beauty of this waterfall is a real feast for the eyes.
Sunset Point: It is located on one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats on the Udupi-Agumbe Road. It is from this location that the sun setting over the Arabian Sea can be seen.
Other places of interest nearby: Sringeri, Udupi, Karkala, Kudremukh, Malpe, Maravanthe, Kollur, and Bhadra are some other notable tourist sites of interest that can be planned on a weekend from Agumbe.
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