Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Do you want to know where Angels lived? Are you in to explore some amazing magic in the lap of nature? Travel with us to the gorgeous Apsarakonda.
"On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it", says Jules Renard! True, there are many hidden gems in the lap of nature. Travel with Native Planet to one such 'Piece of Heaven' called Apsarakonda near Honnavar to feel the angelic beauty of nature.
Bridge in Apsarakonda
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Apsarakarakonda,an eco-tourist place wrapped by the scenery which is a feast to the pair of eyes is a must-visit to everyone. A journey for about 8km from Honnavar takes you to this mystical place maintained by the forest department.
Vehicles are not allowed in the region. So, park the vehicles at the entry point and continue your voyage further to explore the beauty she reveals to you.
Water Stream
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
A small bridge with a canopy of trees welcomes you to enter this utopian world. A calm stream cascading under this bridge makes you want for more and trust me it is no exaggeration if we say that "Lust for Travel" will reach its peak as you take a tour around this beautiful place.
Legends of Apsarakonda
Apsarakonda means 'the pond of Angels'; no doubt, it has remained so!
Apsarakonda Falls and the pool below
Photo Courtesy: Sudarshana
A popular legend says, once Apsaras or Nymphs got attracted to this place and had a relaxing bath in the Apsarakonda Falls. Thus, the region came to be known as Apsarakonda.
According to the folklore, it was the place of sadhus and saints; they lived in the caves and meditated for hours. It was these sadhus who established the temples of Umamba Maha Ganapati and Ugra Narasimha.
Pandava Caves
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
One of the caves in Apsarakonda is named after the Pandavas. The myth says, Pandavas of Mahabharatha lived in one of these caves during their exile.
Tourist Attractions in Apsarakonda
Stairs to the heaven
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
In such a place, nature itself is a big attraction, isn't it? Well, travellers have to climb around 155 steps to reach the temples and the waterfall. Whereas, a deviation to the right goes directly to the beach.
Apsarakonda Waterfalls near to the temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Apsarakonda. The water plunging from the height of 10ft is a pure bliss. Visitors can also play in the pool below but be warned about making noise.
Mesmerising Apsarakonda Falls
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Any disturbance is going to irritate the snakes living in the surrounding caves. So, be careful while playing in the water. The caves near the waterfalls are a restricted area and we recommend that you do not violate the rules and try to explore them.
Umamba Maha Ganapati Temple
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Umamba Maha Ganapati Temple and Ugra Narasimha Temple are the ancient shrines in Apsarakonda. In time immemorial, sadhus used to enter these temples through the caves. Now the caves are closed and a different entrance is built for the visitors.
Ugra Narasimha Temple
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Even to this day, the water from Apsarakonda Falls is used in performing Abhisheka for the temple deities.
Eco Beach or the Apsarakonda Beach is yet another picturesque destination here. In fact, it is soothing to see a beach with no shacks, no shops and no people!
Stream joining the Eco Beach
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Eco Beach with safe currents provides the best of nature. The clean sandy shores with amazing scenery are worth visiting in Apsarakonda.
Amazing View Point
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Every step here is a viewpoint; however to catch a glimpse of the entire place, you may have to climb back from the waterfalls to reach the view point.
Interesting Fact About Apsarakonda
Though it is a coastal line, the ground water within the 5km radius of Apsarakonda Falls is sweet. Any borewells dug in this region gives drinking water. Beyond this 5km radius, the water is saline as it is closer to the sea. It is one of the specialities of Apsarakonda.
Rejoicing in the woods
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
So, do not miss out on visiting Apsarakonda as it is one of the best-unexplored destinations in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit Apsarakonda
The greenery defines this mystical destination. Visit Apsarakonda from July to October to experience the monsoon magic at its best in Apsarakonda. Even the winter months from October to December are also good to travel here.
Another View of the Bridge
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
How to Reach Apsarakonda
Honnavar is around 125km from Udupi. First, reach Honnavar and then proceed to Apsarakonda.
By Bus: Frequent buses are available from Udupi to Honnavar. The Government buses going to Hubli and Sirsi go to Honnavar. You can also hire cabs or taxis from Udupi or Honnavar. From Honnavar autos are available to reach Apsarakonda. In fact, a road trip from Udupi to Apsarakonda is a good idea as well!
By Train: Honnavar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Apsarakonda.
Stone Sculpture
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Note: A place such as this is a must visit, but it is our duty to protect its untarnished beauty. Please do not litter the place with plastic bottles and papers.
Important Things to Know About Apsarakonda
Apsarakonda has entry from all the four sides; however, travelling alone or staying overnight is not recommended.
Do not drink and get into the waterfalls as the place is full of snakes and it is also one of the sacred places.
Information Board About Naga Bana
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
Since this place has a lot of serpents, it is known as Nagabana - a place dedicated to serpent gods.
What not to miss in Apsarakonda?
Do not miss out on the buttermilk sold in the Umamba shop as you complete your expedition.
Umamba Shop
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
There are giant monkeys in this place and sometimes you may get confused to the statues erected in the park; but their sight is truly amazing. There are a lot of seating locations created by the forest departments for travellers on the way to Apsarakonda.
Happy exploring and Team NativePlanet signing off! If you have any comments or suggestions please mention it below and do subscribe to our newsletter at www.nativeplanet.com to know more about Travel!
