Miscellaneous

Monsoon drive in Western Ghats | Counting Countless Waterfalls!

Monsoon drive in western ghats region of Karnataka is a soothing experience. We did it this impromptu trip in the rains five years ago.

This time, there was only one agenda. Just to drive in the rain in Malnad over the weekend.

To enjoy the mist.

To breathe the fresh air.

To count countless water falls!

As we drove along, we were spellbound by vast vistas of greenery. We could listen to lyrics written by nature. Words fail to describe the Magnificence of Malnad. We hope these pictures do some justice.

We started on a Saturday and returned on Sunday afternoon (23 and 24 July in 2011). The route was (click on the link for Google map)

The route

 Bangalore – Mudigere – Charmadi – Kalasa – Balehole – Sringeri – Agumbe – Kundadri – Tirthahalli – Bangalore

The Plan

We left home at 5 AM. Breakfast was at Hassan and Lunch in Sringeri. We reached Bananki Home stay in Tirthahalli by 6.30 PM

(We had planned to go Kudremukh but had to cut it out as we were getting delayed)

What are you waiting for? Hop on with us and enjoy the ride!!

Please click on the pictures to see them in enlarged size.

A precursor to what to expect in the journey as we crossed Kottigehara and started moving towards Charmadi – Overcast sky, Misty surroundings, water and green everywhere!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad
Monsoon drive in Malnad
Suddenly, the mist cleared giving a nice view of the local school and of the kids who were playing in the rain! It is fun time!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

As we drove to Charmadi, it started raining heavily and the whole place was enveloped in mist. The first sight of a stream when the mist cleared for seconds!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

The valley full of mist!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Local bikers enjoying the rain!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Rain drenched Charmadi in full glory. The Scorpio seems to like the surroundings!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

 The mist playing hide and seek!
Monsoon drive in Malnad

We now sight the first water falls – a small jumping stream – countless to come!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Waterfalls, Water falls every where!! You will encounter one every 300 Meters!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad
Monsoon drive in Malnad
 The Beast and the mist!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Mist clad Ghat road – Nature at its best

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Some more!! Some were hidden in the mist.

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad
This was a real beauty. A tall one but hidden in the forest. We could not capture the full beauty of falls – we tried different angles – unless we had trekked Picture – 1

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Picture 2

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Rain drenched Wild flowers

Monsoon drive in Malnad

We did not do complete Charmadi and did only half of it – highest point of Charmadi ghat. Reluctantly, we took a U turn to go towards Kalasa

Monsoon drive in Malnad

We notice this lovely falls near Balur on the highway!

Monsooon drive in malnad

The Road to Kalasa has some great valley views, here is one!!

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The scenery after crossing the bridge on Bhadra river, Awesome!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Bhadra in full flow!

Monsoon drive in malnad

Valley views on the way to Sringeri -I

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Valley views on the way to Sringeri -II

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Bhadra is full roar forms a beautiful waterfalls

Some more water falls on the way. These were some of the beautiful falls we had seen, falling in layers.

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Valley views on the way to Sringeri -III

Monsoon drive in Malnad

This was the best of the lot!! It had height and volume!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

As we drove to Agumbe from Sringeri, we spotted this lovely pond

Monsoon drive in Malnad

A hamlet – Typical of Malnad, amidst greenery

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Picture taken on Agumbe – Tirthahalli road. The thick black clouds in the horizon and the greenery makes it a fantastic setting!!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

The paddy field near Agumbe was like a picture post card

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Kundadri was a revelation. Every time we go this place, we come back awestruck. The wind, the mist and the feeling of floating in the clouds!! Take a look at these pics from the sky – virtually!! – Check the following pictures

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad

Monsoon drive in Malnad

These wild flowers were eye candy!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

As we left Tirthahalli, we bid good bye to Tunga which was roaring to glory!

Monsoon drive in Malnad

 

It was a lovely monsoon drive in western ghats.

In the rain, soaking ourselves in nature at its best.

We came back refreshed and rejuvenated!! In every true sense.

Now it is your turn! Go for a monsoon drive in western ghats. Count countless waterfalls!

Travel tips 

a) We stayed at Tirthahalli for the night. Make Tirthahalli as base to explore Malnad. Bananki Homestay is like our second home! Good homestay options are available as below

Kolavara Heritage Home Stay

Devangi Athithya Home Stay

b) Road conditions in Malnad have improved and there are excellent roads.

c) Carry raincapes/ponchos and umbrellas.

d) Do not venture into any waterfalls or fast flowing rivers. It may prove fatal.

e) Please drive safe. The roads may get foggy in the hills with visibility being very low. Make sure your tyres are in good condition.

Looking for other monsoon drive experiences? Check out these links on this blog  

12 Monsoon road trips in western ghats to get mesmerised!

Do you want to experience Monsoon in India? Here is a complete list for you to look at. Click on the link below.

Celebrating Indian Monsoon – A List!

For a detailed itinerary for exploring Malnad in Monsoons, please click this link

Monsoon in Western Ghats – An Itinerary to experience it!

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