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.
View from the top of Onake Abbi falls, Agumbe. Image courtesy Mylittlefinger
It receives the heaviest rainfall in the 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 rain forests. 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 View Point. Image courtesy Shashidhara halady
Agumbe has a significant contribution towards the protection of the biodiversity of the Country. It has India’s oldest automatic weather station that exclusively monitors any changes noticed in the rain forests. 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 sidda.
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 period of monsoon.
Someshwara From Agumbe Ghat. Image courtesy Manjeshpv
Attractions in and around Agumbe
Sunset Point: Only a ten minutes 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 Gopala Krishna Temple attracts many tourists year after year. This 14th-century temple is of prominent importance in Agumbe.
Agumbe. Image courtesy Varsha l rao
Waterfalls in and around Agumbe
Because of the heavy rainfall, Agumbe has various waterfalls located close to one another. They provide a picturesque and 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 the 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 Agumbe and is filled with water most of the time. It is one of the most preferred locations for trekking.
Onake Abbi Falls: Located at 400 feet, the falls can be reached after a trek of 5 kms from the rainforest. Once you reach the top, it is possible to get a complete view of the waterfall.
Koodlu Theertha. Image courtesy Balaji Rakonda
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 at a distance of only 20 kms 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.
