There are scenic places and then there is Agumbe. Famous as the Cherrapunji of the South, this small village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka is home to dense rainforests, thunderous waterfalls and also boasts of being part of a World heritage site by virtue of belonging in the famed western ghats. Thanks to its density of rainforests, Agumbe is also home to the venomous King Cobra and also finds scientific appeal as home to India's only rainforest research station. So, if you can brave the jungle trails and do not go in expecting any kind of luxury travel experience you will enjoy Agumbe a lot. Here is a travel guide to the tourist places in Agumbe.
How to Reach
How to reach Agumbe by road and distance
From Bangalore - 363 km, 6 hr 50 mins, From Udupi - 62 km
From Mangalore - 102 km
By Air: Mangalore is the nearest airport, it is 106 km away.
By Train: Shimoga(90km) and Udupi(55km) are the nearest Railway stations
By Road: Buses are also available from Udupi, Mangalore and Bangalore
Photo Courtesy: Harsha K R
Sunset View
This place is located on the way up the hills that lead to Agumbe. On a clear day, you can get a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea, which lies many miles away, from here.
Photo Courtesy: Arun Kamal Ghanta
Waterfalls
Don't miss out on the Kunchikal Falls, which is the highest waterfall in India, at a height of 1493 feet. Other waterfalls include Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi, Jogigundi and Koodlu Theertha.
Photo Courtesy: Mylittlefinger
Trekking
Most of the waterfalls also serve as trekking points so do check out the trails like the one to Barkana falls (not suggested during monsoons) and the Onake Abbi falls. Koodlu teertha is another waterfall worth trekking to which also has a sunset point enroute. You can swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfalls.
Photo Courtesy: Balajirakonda
A Longer Trek
If you are looking for a longer hiking trip, we would suggest the Agumbe to Sringeri trek. Enroute you will see the beautiful Narasimha Parvata in the middle of the forest. The top of the peak is famous for its view of the sunsets but it has to be a clear day without clouds or mist to view this. Be on the lookout for leeches and the lndian King Cobra, the most venomous of all snakes in India.
Photo Courtesy: Kalyan Varma
Malgudi Days and More
If you have time, visit the more than 100 year old house of Kaveri Akka, which was where the iconic tv serial, Malgudi days, based on RK Narayan's book was shot. Note: This is not a tourist spot but is recommended for fans of the tv series and also for someone who wants to look at the local way of life. Also visit India's only rainforest research station.
Photo Courtesy: Vaikoovery