Iruppu falls, Coorg is a picture perfect sight as it cascades along the Brahmagiri range in the Kodagu/Coorg district of Karnataka. It is also known by the name Lakshmana Tirtha falls, a sought after attraction while holidaying in Coorg. It gets its name from the tributary of River Kaveri, which originates from this falls known as the Lakshmana Tirtha River. People visit here to bask in nature and also for religious purposes.
Nature at its best at Iruppu falls
The surroundings of Iruppu falls, Coorg, are breathtakingly beautiful. You can traverse the forest trail, which leads from the Iruppu falls to the Brahmagiri peak. It also makes a suitable destination for trekking along its watercourse, which makes it a paradise for nature lovers.
Iruppu Falls, also a pilgrimage spot
Iruppu falls, Kodagu/Coorg apart from being a captivating beauty also serves as a pilgrimage spot. It has a mention in the Ramayana where Lakshmana shot an arrow at the Brahmagiri hills, which brought into being the River Lakshmana Tirtha in order to quench the thirst of Rama while on his mission to find Sita. People hence visit Iruppu falls to absolve their sins by taking a dip here, owing to its link with the incident in Ramayana.
There is also a popular Siva temple called the Rameshwara temple en route to the Iruppu falls, on the banks of the River Lakshmana Tirtha. People flock here on Shivratri to offer worship.
Things to do in Iruppu Falls
Visit the Rameshwara Temple
Visit the Rameshwara temple in Iruppu falls, Coorg first before making your way to the falls. The significance of this temple is that it was built by Lord Rama and the Shivalinga here was consecrated by Lord Rama himself. The Temple, built in the Kerala style, has a circular garbagriha (Sanctum) and a low shikhara. There are also shrines of Gandharva, Bhairava, Mahadeva, Ganapati and Parvathi. There is an Ashoka tree in the front which brings back to mind Sita’s captivity. During Shivaratri, a huge number of people visit the temple.
Trek up the falls
A 500 metres uphill walk along the stream to reach the tier one of Iruppu falls is a beautiful stretch. The wooded path is slippery but provides an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and photographers. There are people who venture to the 2nd tier of the Iruppu falls as well, climbing a steep slope, but one has to be extra cautious in the effort.
Take a dip in the cascading falls
Apart from religious reasons that taking a dip in the Iruppu falls cleanses people of their sins, it’s also an exciting experience for tourists to do so.
Places to visit near Iruppu falls
Munikal caves
Munikal caves about 12 km from Iruppu falls, Kodagu/Coorg are natural cave formations. It’s a belief that sages meditated here in the ancient times, hence the name Muni (Sage) Kal (stone). It’s an excellent location for birdwatching, but special permission ought to be gained.
Permad
Permad, about 8 km from Iruppu falls, is also linked with the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama in order to please Lord Hanuman, shot an arrow from Iruppu which landed in Permad. A Shiva temple was built here, and the Shivalinga established here was brought from Kashi. Lord Rama said that this temple will be more important than the temple in Iruppu. Hence, to this day, it is a practice to perform a puja here before commencing the ceremony for Mahashivratri in Iruppu.
Kodagu Whitewater rafting
Your thrill of visiting Iruppu falls is not complete if you haven’t tried the Kodagu Whitewater rafting, which is just 15 km away from the falls. It’s truly an adventurous and exciting experience.
Nagarhole, Wayanad in Kerala, Srimangala, Chettali are also places near Iruppu falls, which you may want to explore.
Best time to visit Iruppu falls
The monsoon season between June and September is the best time to visit Iruppu falls as the water cascades in full form and is a stunning sight for the tourists.
How to reach Iruppu falls
By Road
Iruppu falls can be easily accessed by road from Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu/Coorg, which is about 75 km and Nagahole, which is about 25 km. You can reach Iruppu Falls by road from Gonikoppal to Nagarhole National Park through the Kutta Road. You can hire a cab or a jeep to reach Iruppu falls, which is available from all major towns.
Quick Facts
Iruppu falls timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee to Iruppu Falls: INR 50
Also See:
- About Coorg
- Abbey Falls, Coorg
- Mallalli Falls, Coorg
- Waterfalls in Karnataka
- Top Five Gorgeous Homestays in Coorg