Agumbe is a tiny village in the Shimoga district of the Malnad region in Karnataka. Also known as “The Cherrapunji of the South”, Agumbe pioneers in rainforest conservation programs, trekking, and tourism. It is well known as “Hasiru Honnu,” meaning green gold. This is because Agumbe has a variety of medicinal plants that include rare species like Myristica, Eugenia, Ficus, Hoiligarna and Garcinia.
It receives the heaviest rainfall in South India and has many rivers, streams, and waterfalls in the area. Agumbe is home to one and only Rainforest Research Station located in the Country.
Taking a trip to Agumbe is a pleasant experience; it has picturesque beauty and is ideal for trekking. Agumbe is in Malnad and is covered with lowland rainforests. Hiking and trekking through the hills gives a glimpse of the hills and beautiful waterfalls that flow through the dense jungles. Agumbe is a secret treasure hidden in the hills. Malgudi Days, the famous serial based on R.K.Narayan’s novel, was shot in Agumbe.
Agumbe has a significant contribution to the protection of the country’s biodiversity. It has India’s oldest automatic weather station that exclusively monitors any changes noticed in the rainforests. A medicinal plant is proposed to be developed here by the Department of Forests. It proposes to have a wide variety of plants that can be used in the field of medicine, which includes Ayurveda, Unani, homeopathy, and Siddha.
When to Visit Agumbe
The best time to visit the place is from November to January. Because of the heavy rains, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon period.
Attractions in and around Agumbe
Sunset Point: Only a ten-minute walk from the town, the Sunset Point is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. Located on the Udupi-Agumbe road, a beautiful sunset can be caught over the Arabian Sea.
Gopala Krishna Temple: The temple attracts many tourists year after year. This 14th-century temple is of prominent importance in Agumbe.
Waterfalls in and around Agumbe
Due to the heavy rainfall, Agumbe has several waterfalls located close to one another. They offer a picturesque, breathtaking view of the hills. These waterfalls include:
Barkana Falls: The tenth-highest waterfall in India is the Barkana Falls. It is at 850 feet in height and 259 meters above sea level. You will find the Barkana viewpoint on the way to the falls. It will give a magnificent view of the dense jungle. [Read more]
Kunchikal Falls: The Kunchikal Falls is 1493 feet in height and is one of the highest waterfalls in India. The waterfall is formed from the River Varahi.[Read more]
Jogigundi Falls: It is a small waterfall located near the village of Agumbe and is filled with water most of the time. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations.
Onake Abbi Falls: Located at 400 feet, the falls can be reached after a trek of 5 k ms from the rainforest. Once you reach the top, you can get a complete view of the waterfall.
Koodlu Theertha Falls: You can reach the Kodlu Theertha Falls from the Sunset Point. It is a picturesque trek through the dense jungle. It is only 20 km from the town. [Read more]
Agumbe is the most preferred trek route for adventure lovers. With scenic views and trekking routes, it gives a lovely view from the top, which makes the trek worthwhile.
How to Reach Agumbe
By Air
The nearest airport is Mangalore at a distance of 100 kms.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Udupi, which is at a distance of 55 kms from the place
By Road
There are buses plying from major cities such as Shimoga and Mangalore.