The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one’s sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day.
There is a temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through the natural forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagarhole National Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road.
Originating from the Brahmagiri Range, the river Lakshmana Theertha plunges down from a height of 170 ft. forming the Iruppu Waterfalls. It creates a ceaseless thunder amidst the silence of the thick wood in two stages.
It is located 50kms from the Nagarahole National Park and about 50kms from Madikeri, South Karnataka about 300 km for Bangalore. The other places of interest nearby are Brahmagiri peak, a place called pakshi-patala (Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary).
This waterfall is also known as Lakshmana teertha falls. En route to the Iruppu Falls in Karnataka, you will come across the Rameshwara Temple, serene among the vibrant nature. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during Shivaratri. Nearest town for all amenities will be Srimangala.
Irpu Rameshwara Temple This is an Ishwara temple but known as Irpu Rameshwara Temple built by Lord Rama and the Shiva Linga was consecrated by the Lord himself. Before you take a dip in the Lakshmana Teertha it is customary to pay your respect first at the Shiva temple.
The Temple has circular garbagriha and a low shikhara built in Kerala style. There are also shrines of Gandharva, Bhairava, Mahadeva, Ganapati and Parvathi. There is an Ashoka tree in the front which recalls Sita’s captivity. During Shivaratri, a huge number of people visit the temple.
Note: Temple gates are closed between 1 pm and 6 pm.
Around Irpu
Munikal means (Sage Rock) the ancient caves of Munikal are so quiet that it is soundproof meaning no sound can enter or leave the cave. In ancient times sages use to meditate here. The deep valley is an excellent birdwatching site but requires special permits. Munikal is 12 Kms from Irpu.
Permad is 8 Kms from Irpu. There is a Hanuman’s Shiva Temple here the story goes like this Lord Rama to please Hanuman shot an arrow from Irpu it landed at Permad and this was where a linga from Kashi was established. Lord Rama conceded that Hanuman’s Shiva Temple at Permad would rank higher than the Ishwara Temple at Irpu. Even during Mahashivaratri, before the ceremony can commence at Irpu a puja is performed at Permad.
How to Reach Iruppu Falls
Nearest Railway Station: Srimangala, Mysore
Nearest Airport: BIA
By Road: From Bangalore 260 km (Bangalore-Mysore-Gonikoppa-Irrupu), Mysore 120 km, Virajpet 48 km
Nearby places: Brahmagiri, Nagarahole
Tourist Information
Conservator of Forests
Madikeri Forest Office
Aranya Bhavan
Madikeri 571201
Phone: (08272) 228439
Srimangala Forest Office
Forest Range Office
Near Bus Stop, Wildlife Range
Srimangala 571271
Phone: (08274) 246693, Mobile: 94805-18039
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