Friday, October 21, 2011

Waterfall in INDIA



The Waterfalls in India

The waterfalls in India are as spectacular as anywhere else in the world and some even more so. You can find these natural spectacles all over India and at all times of the year but to see the India falls at their best you need to head to the Ghats in the south during the monsoon season.The abundance of rain result in thousand of magical and thunderous waterfalls everywhere you look. This list is just a list of the 'best; waterfalls in India but be assured - you will see hundreds and hundreds of them.

What is it about waterfalls that we like so much>



Who knows...? Perhaps it has something to do with the power of nature, the principles of gravity, the seductive power water has over man as one of the basi elements. Whatever it is, thousands of people every year travel to see these, some of natures finest miracles.

Hogenakkal Waterfalls

Location : 

Hogenakkal is located on the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu border. It lies at the distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore. Hogenakkal waterfalls are the part of river Kaveri and is about 250 meters above the sea level. It is one of the beautiful places in the state. When the water hits the rocks a fine cool spray rises, that is the reason these rocks have been given the name 'Smoking Rock'. The best time to visit the Hogenakkal waterfall is between mid July to mid August when the water is at its peak. During this season water level rises from 20- 30 feet more. Hogenakkal falls are not the single waterfall but the series of waterfalls.



hogenakkal-waterfallsSignificance of its water : 

Taking a bath in the waterfalls of Hogenakkal is considered as extremely beneficial for the health. It is so because of the widely grown herbal plants in the nearby areas. The place is widely known for the curative power of its water.



Oil Massage : 

This is the place where you can take bath along with the rejuvenating oil massage. You may find lots of people there to do massage for the visitors. The massager's or the maliswallas are expert in their work with the right knowledge of 14 massage points in the human body. Some of the major benefits of this oil massage includes - It increases circulation especially to the nerve endings, tone your muscles, increased mental alertness, smoothen the skin, improves elimination of impurities from the body and gives you better and deeper sleep at night.



Boating :

A visit to the Hogenakkal waterfalls is incomplete without taking a ride in the waterproof basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic stretched over light-weight wicker frames. These boats are locally known as Teppa. These are among the oldest water crafts in the world. The boats man steer the boats through the rapids of rising water giving you the thrilling experience. You can also engage on photography of the beautiful surrounding areas while taking the boat ride. Enjoy the full flow of the water and the fantastic view of the waterfalls from the boat.



Trekking and Swimming :

Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. The water is quite challenging. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The treks are usually simple. Hogenakkal waterfall is the popular site among the film makers. There are many films songs shotted at this destination. For example a song 'Dil Hai Chootasa....' from the film Roza was shot here.



Food and Clothing : 

The regular meals are available here, but you have to give the order in advance. The most favourite among the tourists is the fried and spicy fishes. Tourists are recommended to wear comfortable and loose clothes while visiting the place. Also carry along with yourself the mosquito repellent and dry snacks.



Tourists Attraction : 

The foremost attraction of the Hogenakkal falls is its vertical drop from the height of 20 meters with the thundering sounds. The area supports the rich floral system. The whole area covered with the tall trees and thorny vegetation looks a paradise. You can simply spend time at leisure enjoying the natural beauty or you can also indulge in the nature walk to the nearby areas. You can also hire the guide to give you the better insight of the area.

Athirampally and Vazhachal Waterfalls

Location : 

Athirampally and Vazhachal Waterfalls are located at the at the distance of 90 km from Kochi. They are located in the district of Thrissur close to the Sholayar forests ranges in Kerala. Athirampally is approximately 63 km and Vazhachal is approximately 68 km Thrissur. After running down 80 feet Athirampally fall joins the Chalakkudy river. The pristine Vazhachal waterfall is located amidst the dense green forests and is the part of the Chalakkudy river. You can visit the waterfalls any day between the 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit the waterfalls is after the monsoons, between the month of September to February. Athirampally and Vazhachal waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls in the country.



athirampally-and-vazhachal-waterfallsTourists attractions : 

Vazhachal is quite popular among the tourists for its exotic flora and herbal plantations. The major attraction among the tourists are the two water themes parks namely the Silver stone and Dream World, which are located west of Athirampally. The scenic Thumpurmuzhi gardens are beautifully tucked between the two theme gardens. Another waterfall which is quite popular in the area is the Charpa fall, situated on the eastern side of Athirampally. Tourists have the golden opportunity to venture into the fascinating Malakapara tea gardens. You can make a visit to a beautiful Vachumaram lake, where you may get the chance to spot the wild elephants and spotted deers.



Picnic : 

If you are looking for a break from the busy routine life of yours, Athirampally and Vazhachal waterfalls are the best place to seek. The natural spell bounding beauty of the area has made it a favourite picnic spot among the nature lovers. This is the place where you can spend time at leisure exploring its rich flora and fauna. The natural beauty of the Athirampally and Vazhachal is hard to describe in words.



Shopping : 

Next to the Vazhachal waterfalls is the Moolika Vanitha Swasraya from where you can get the exquisite samples of the herbs, honey and herbal soaps at an reasonable rate. You can also shop for the bamboo wall hangings and hats from here. You may find number of stalls on the roadside selling wild honey. You can explore the handicrafts items made by the local villagers and buy them for the near and dear ones.



Things to Remember : 

Tourists are requested to maintain eco tourism in the area. Do not throw the waste anywhere unnecessarily. Do not smoke and do not consume alcohol. Please mind that swimming is strictly prohibited in the area. Tourists are recommended to wear comfortable clothes while visiting the place. Carry along with yourself insect repellent and first aid box. You are requested not to feed the animals especially the monkeys as the waterfalls are plastic free zones.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Location : 

Dudhsagar waterfalls are located in the district of Sanguem in Goa. It lies at the distance of 60 km from Margao near the Goa Karnataka border. The falls take a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the wooden mountains of the western ghats. It originates high up on the river Mandovi's watershed. You can very easily reach Dudhsagar waterfalls by hiring a taxi or a bus from Panaji or Margao. The ideal time to visit the Dudhsagar waterfall lies after the monsoons, from the month of October till December.



dudhsagar-waterfallsInformation of Popularity : 

Dudhsagar Waterfalls are listed as one of the highest waterfalls in the world. They are the fifth highest waterfalls in India. The waterfall appears as if the streams of milk are flowing down from the mountains. The name of this waterfall is referred to the Konkani name for the falls, Dudhsagar means 'Sea of Milk'.



Flora and Fauna :

Dudhsagar waterfalls are the tourists hotspot because of its sylvan surroundings. The falls are located amidst the blissful tropical jungle. Lots of naughty monkeys can be spotted on the forests tress climbing, jumping and playing among themselves. Dudhsagar waterfalls is the popular birding site among the tourists. You can carry the binoculars along with yourself to indulge in bird watching. You may notice lots of species of butterflies and bees at this place. Apart from the birds and animals the region holds the rich aquatic life.



While you are at the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, a visit to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary can not be missed. It is the largest wildlife Sanctuary in India. The main attraction of the park are Royal Bengal Tigers, Barking deer, Blank Panther, bonnet macaque, common langur, civet, flying squirrel, gaur, leopards, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and wild dog.



Swimming : 

Tourists can indulge in swimming in the pools created by the fall. Swimming at these pools is extremely delightful and safe too. The water is really climb. You can even try to climb the head of the falls through the bushes falling into the pools. During the monsoons the falls become much more lively and active. The natural beauty all around the Dudhsagar Waterfalls has also made it a popular picnic destination among the tourists.



Trekking : 

Dudhsagar Waterfall is famed as the trekking destination. It is the trekkers paradise. Tourists are recommended to wear the comfortable clothes while trekking. It is good to carry the rainy coat along with yourself. The trek passes through the lush forests, giving you the opportunity to have encounter with the wilds. You can capture the beautiful sceneries of the environment in your camera. You will be fully entertained with the calls of the jungle. You can even feed the monkeys with the bananas on the way. Beware of the poisonous snakes on the treks which could be dangerous. Otherwise trekking here is quite a fun.

Abbey Waterfalls

Location : 

Abbey falls is located in the district of Kodagu in the state of Karnataka in India. It lies at the distance of 10 km from Madikeri and 270 km from Bangalore. The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoons. They lie amidst the private coffee and spice estates. Abbey fall is an absolute gem for all the nature lovers.



abbey-fallTourists attractions :

Lovely coffee and cardamom plantations are the treat to the visitors eye. Even during the summers there is plenty of water in these falls. The area is well connected to the road. The roar of the water can also be heard from the road nearby. Venturing into the coffee plantation sand exploring this waterfall is complete fun for the tourists.



Birding and Photography : 

Do remember to carry your binoculars along with yourself, as it is popular birding site. Abbey is a home to many resident and migratory birds. Spot the minute species of birds. Feel how the chirping of birds, fills the air with love and music. The falls are the haven for the photographers. You can capture the beautiful sceneries of the nearby inn your cameras.



Picnic : 

Magnificent hills and greenery around this fall makes it a popular picnic destination among the tourists. Locales as well as the families from the nearby areas are often seen here on the weekends. The fall rushes down in steps to flow as a small river and merges with the Kaveri river during its course. Alluring nature trails and exotic flora makes this place good enough to be visited again and again. Complete peace and tranquility of the region is the another reason why tourists to Abbey wish to spend more and more time here. It is among the favourite locations among the filmmakers.



Excursion :

There are many sightseeing places around Abbey, which are worth seeing. It includes Iruppu waterfalls, Tadiyandamol, Talakaveri, and Bhagamandala.

Jog Waterfalls

Location : 

Jog fall is located in the district of Shimoga in the state of Karnataka in India at the distance of about 400 kms from Bangalore. Jog is the highest waterfall in the country. The best time to plan out the trip to the Jog fall lies in between the month of August and December.



Other names of the Jog Waterfalls : 

Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa falls, Jogada Gundi are the other common names of the Jog falls.



jog-fallDescription of Waterfall :

The Jog waterfall is formed by the River Sharavathi, which falls from the height of 259 meters. The river originates at the point called Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk. It flows in the north west direction through the western ghats forming the jog falls and in the last it merges into the Arabian Sea at Honavar. Sharavati river splits up into four tracks namely Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. The highest and most dignified among the four is the Raja. The second one is Roarer. It has been named so as it creates tremendous amount of noise when it strikes with the water. The third one is rocket which consists of large volume of water flowing out of the small opening at a very high speed. The fourth one is Rani which resembles the movement of the dancing lady.



Excursion from Jog Falls :

Honnemaradu : 

Honnemaradu is situated on the backwaters of the river Sharavathi. The region is beautifully surrounded by the lush greenery and is a haven for the water sports. Windsurfing, Coracling, Conoeing, Kayaking and Scuba Diving are the most popular water sports which can be practiced here. Sunset and Sunrise view from Honnemaradu or the Golden Lake are truly rewarding.



Tunga Anicut Dam : 

Tunga Anicut Dam is located at the distance of 12 km from Shimoga. The dam remains open from 10 am to 5pm on all days. It is favourite picnic spot among the tourists coming to Karnataka. The main attraction among the tourists here is the boat riding in the lake. You can also make a visit to Sacrebyle, an elephant camp near the dam. The camp is a home to several elephants.



Lion Tiger Reserve :

Lion Tiger Reserve located at the distance of 10 km from the district of Shimoga, gives you the Golden opportunity to enjoy the Lion safari. The park is home to several other animals such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Cheetah, deer, bear and Gee Golden langurs. You can also carry the binoculars along with yourself as the park offers the excellent birding site.

Abby Falls



Down south deep in the Western Ghats of Karnataka lies this beauty of a waterfall which has a lovely pool at the bottom if you fancy a swim! It is close to the tiny town of Madikeri.

Abby Falls, India waterfall






Kiliyur Waterfalls



Once again we head to the western Ghats in the south of India for this, the Kilyur Falls. Although maybe not the most spectacular of waterfalls in India. 
The waterfall serves as a run of from the Yercand river and the proceed to drop 300 feet. To visit you have to make your way to the Shervaoyan hill range in Tamil Nadu.

Kiliyur Waterfalls, Waterfalls in India



Papanasam Waterfall



This series of rough and ready falls is located once again in Tamil Nadu but this time on the Tamravarni river. The waters of this river are considered by Hindus as holy and the falls are now an important pilgrimage site - as a result a small village has cropped up around the falls with local entrepreneurs attempting to sell the wares.

Panasam Waterfall, India



Savdav Waterfall



Savdav is another one of the incredibly beautiful waterfalls of India with water gushing down over the rock face shrouding it in mist and mystery. This is a 'monsoon only waterfall' which perhaps what makes it so special. If you fancy walking you have to cover roughly ten km from the town of Kankavli and obviously you might want to check that it's running before you embark upon such a journey - The best/only time to go is around the end of June to early September

Savdav Waterfall , India waterfalls



Koli Hills Waterfall



The Koli hills in the Eastern Ghats are a beautiful place to be at any time of the year and it's waterfalls such as these which make waling there so great.
Koli Hills water fall is another spectacular waterfall of India and neatly located ion a stunning valley close the town of Salem.

Koli Hills Waterfall


Umbrella Falls



This is one of my favourite waterfalls in India (hence why it is at the top of the list). The sound this one makes it truly astounding as tonnes of water come crashing down every second. Perhaps the best thing about this water fall is the little bridge which runs over the base of it - like something from a fantasy film I always think! It is located about 53 km from the town of Nashik in Ahamednagar in Mahrashtra.

Umbrella falls, India waterfall