Have you ever dreamed of visiting a waterfall that is not only beautiful but also has a rich history and culture? If yes, then you should definitely add Iruppu Falls to your bucket list. Iruppu Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Coorg, Karnataka, that is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. It is also a sacred site for Hindus, as it is believed to be connected to the epic Ramayana.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous trek, or a spiritual journey, Iruppu Falls has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this amazing waterfall, including how to reach, when to visit, what to do, and where to stay near Iruppu Falls.
How to Reach Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is located in the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats, about 80 km from Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg district. The waterfall is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from various cities in India. Here are the best ways to reach Iruppu Falls:
By Road:
The most convenient and scenic way to reach Iruppu Falls is by road. You can drive your own car or bike, or hire a taxi or a bus from nearby cities like Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, or Calicut. The road journey will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes of Coorg, such as coffee plantations, spice gardens, and misty hills. The distance and duration of the road trip from some of the major cities are as follows:
City Distance Duration
Mysore 110 km 2.5 hours
Bangalore 260 km 5.5 hours
Mangalore 170 km 4 hours
Calicut 140 km 3.5 hours
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations to Iruppu Falls are Mysore Junction and Mangalore Central, which are well-connected to other major cities in India by regular trains. From the railway stations, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Iruppu Falls. The distance and duration of the rail journey from some of the major cities are as follows:
City Distance Duration
Bangalore 260 km 3 hours
Chennai 500 km 8 hours
Hyderabad 800 km 14 hours
Mumbai 1000 km 20 hours
By Air:
The nearest airports to Iruppu Falls are Mangalore International Airport and Calicut International Airport, which are connected to other major cities in India and abroad by regular flights. From the airports, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Iruppu Falls. The distance and duration of the air journey from some of the major cities are as follows:
City Distance Duration
Bangalore 260 km 1 hour
Chennai 500 km 1.5 hours
Delhi 2000 km 3 hours
Mumbai 1000 km 2 hours
Best Time to Visit Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is a year-round destination, as it offers a different charm and beauty in each season. However, depending on your preference and purpose, you can choose the best time to visit Iruppu Falls. Here are the pros and cons of visiting Iruppu Falls in different seasons:
Monsoon (June to September):
The best time to witness Iruppu Falls in its full glory is during the monsoon season, when the waterfall is at its peak flow and volume. The surrounding forest and hills are also covered with a fresh green carpet, creating a stunning contrast with the white water. The monsoon season is also ideal for nature lovers and photographers, who can capture the mesmerizing views of the waterfall and the rainbows.
However, the monsoon season also comes with some challenges, such as heavy rainfall, slippery roads, leeches, and mosquitoes. Therefore, if you plan to visit Iruppu Falls during the monsoon season, make sure to carry an umbrella, a raincoat, a torch, and insect repellents. You should also avoid swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall, as the water level and current can be dangerous.
Winter (October to February):
The best time to enjoy Iruppu Falls in a pleasant and comfortable climate is during the winter season, when the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. The winter season is also ideal for trekking and camping near the waterfall, as the weather is clear and dry. You can also enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks of the Brahmagiri range, which add to the beauty of the waterfall. However, the winter season also comes with some drawbacks, such as reduced water flow, foggy mornings, and cold nights.
Therefore, if you plan to visit Iruppu Falls during the winter season, make sure to carry warm clothes, a bonfire, and a sleeping bag. You should also book your accommodation in advance, as the winter season is the peak tourist season for Coorg.
Summer (March to May):
The best time to avoid the crowd and the heat at Iruppu Falls is during the summer season, when the temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C. The summer season is also ideal for swimming and relaxing in the pool at the base of the waterfall, as the water is cool and refreshing. You can also enjoy the views of the clear blue sky and the lush green forest, which create a soothing effect on the eyes.
However, the summer season also comes with some disadvantages, such as low water flow, scorching sun, and dehydration. Therefore, if you plan to visit Iruppu Falls during the summer season, make sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water bottles. You should also avoid trekking and camping near the waterfall, as the heat and humidity can be exhausting.
Things to Do at Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is not just a waterfall, but also a destination that offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to have some fun, explore some nature, or seek some spirituality, Iruppu Falls has something for you. Here are some of the things that you can do at Iruppu Falls:
Swimming:
One of the most popular and enjoyable activities at Iruppu Falls is swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The pool is shallow and safe for swimming, and the water is clean and refreshing.
Swimming in the pool is a great way to beat the heat and relax your body and mind. You can also splash some water on your face and head, as it is believed to wash away your sins and purify your soul. However, you should be careful while swimming in the pool, as the rocks can be slippery and sharp. You should also avoid swimming in the pool during the monsoon season, as the water level and current can be dangerous.
Nature Walk:
Another popular and enjoyable activity at Iruppu Falls is taking a nature walk through the lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall. The nature walk is an easy and short trek of about 1 km from the parking area to the waterfall, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The nature walk is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna of Coorg, such as coffee plants, pepper vines, orchids, ferns, butterflies, birds, and monkeys.
You can also spot some rare and endemic species of plants and animals, such as the Malabar giant squirrel, the lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri langur. The nature walk is also a great way to breathe some fresh air and rejuvenate your senses. However, you should be careful while taking the nature walk, as the path can be steep and slippery. You should also avoid littering and disturbing the wildlife.
Pilgrimage:
One of the most unique and meaningful activities at Iruppu Falls is going on a pilgrimage to the Rameshwara Temple, which is located near the waterfall. The Rameshwara Temple is a sacred site for Hindus, as it is believed to be connected to the epic Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana passed by this place while searching for Sita, who was abducted by Ravana. Lord Rama was thirsty and asked Lakshmana to fetch some water. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the hill, and a stream of water emerged, which is now known as Iruppu Falls.
Lord Rama then installed a Shiva linga at the spot, and named it Rameshwara, meaning “the lord of Rama”. The Rameshwara Temple is a simple and serene temple, where you can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple is also a popular destination for devotees during the festival of Shivaratri, when thousands of pilgrims visit the temple and take a dip in the waterfall, which is considered to be holy.
Attractions Near Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is not only a waterfall, but also a gateway to some of the most amazing places in Coorg and beyond. If you have some extra time and energy, you can explore some of the nearby attractions that will make your trip even more memorable. Here are some of the attractions near Iruppu Falls that you should not miss:
Nagarhole National Park:
One of the most popular and exciting attractions near Iruppu Falls is the Nagarhole National Park, which is about 10 km from the waterfall. Nagarhole National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, bison, bears, and birds. The park is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a thrilling safari in the park, where you can spot some of the rare and endangered species of animals and plants.
You can also enjoy a boat ride on the Kabini River, which flows through the park, and witness the scenic beauty of the forest and the water. The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 300 per person for Indians and Rs. 1100 per person for foreigners.
Thirunelli Temple:
Another popular and fascinating attraction near Iruppu Falls is the Thirunelli Temple, which is about 25 km from the waterfall. Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. The temple is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests, and is known for its architectural and spiritual significance.
The temple is also believed to be the place where Lord Brahma performed a yagna, and where Lord Rama cremated his father King Dasharatha. The temple is also famous for its holy pond, called Papanasini, which is said to wash away the sins of the devotees. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:
Another popular and adventurous attraction near Iruppu Falls is the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 30 km from the waterfall. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area that is spread across the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats, and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers, as it offers a diverse and stunning landscape of hills, valleys, forests, and streams. The sanctuary is also a habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as elephants, gaurs, wild dogs, sloth bears, and leopards.
You can enjoy a challenging trek to the Brahmagiri peak, which is the highest point in the sanctuary, and get a panoramic view of the surroundings. You can also visit the Pakshipathalam caves, which are a natural formation of rocks and boulders, and are a nesting place for many birds. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 200 per person for Indians and Rs. 1000 per person for foreigners.
Iruppu Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and the mystery of the waterfall, the forest, and the temple. It is also a place where you can explore some of the most amazing places in Coorg and beyond, such as the Nagarhole National Park, the Thirunelli Temple, and the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Iruppu Falls is a place where you can have a refreshing, relaxing, and rewarding trip that you will never forget.
If you are interested in visiting Iruppu Falls, you can book a hotel or a tour package near the waterfall with Tripoto, your trusted travel partner. Tripoto offers you the best deals and the best services for your travel needs. You can also check out the reviews and ratings of other travelers who have visited Iruppu Falls, and get some tips and insights for your trip. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Iruppu Falls today, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
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