Iruppu Falls, Karnataka

Iruppu Falls, also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is a popular tourist destination located in the Brahmagiri range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India. The falls are situated on the Lakshmana Tirtha River and are known for their religious significance as well as their natural beauty. The falls are located in the midst of dense forests and are a popular spot for trekking and picnics. The water at the falls is believed to have medicinal properties and is considered holy by some Hindus, who come to the falls to perform rituals and take a dip in the water.

History of Iruppu Falls

According to Hindu mythology, the Iruppu Falls are associated with the Hindu god Rama. The story goes that Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, passed through the area on their way to search for Rama’s wife Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king Raavana. As they were passing through the forest, Lakshmana became thirsty and asked Rama to find him some water to drink. Rama shot an arrow into the ground, and a stream of water emerged from the spot where the arrow landed, forming the Lakshmana Tirtha River. The river then flowed down the mountain, creating the Iruppu Falls.

The falls are considered a sacred place by Hindus and are visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. The annual Iruppu Festival is held at the falls, during which devotees take a dip in the water and offer prayers to Rama. The falls are also an important part of the culture and history of the Coorg region, where they are located.

Things to do at Iruppu Falls

There are many things to do at Iruppu Falls, including:

1. Trekking: The falls are located in a dense forest and surrounded by hills, making it a great place for trekking.
2. Picnics: The falls are a popular spot for picnics, and there are several designated picnic areas near the falls where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal.
3. Photography: The falls and the surrounding landscape offer many beautiful photo opportunities.
4. Swimming: Visitors can take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls. It is believed that water has medicinal properties and can cure various ailments.
5. Religious rituals: The falls are considered a sacred place by Hindus, and many people come to the falls to perform rituals and offer prayers to Rama.
6. Birdwatching: The falls are home to a variety of bird species, and birdwatchers can spot a range of birds in the area.
7. Nature walks: Visitors can take a walk through the dense forest surrounding the falls and explore the flora and fauna of the area.

Things to know about Iruppu Falls

Here are a few things to know about Iruppu Falls:

1. Location: The falls are located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India, in the Brahmagiri range.
2. Accessibility: The falls are located about 60 kilometers from the town of Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, which is about 160 kilometers away.
3. Best time to visit: The falls are open year-round, but the best time to visit is between the months of September and March when the weather is pleasant and the water flow is strong.
4. Entrance fee: There is an entrance fee to visit the falls, which is collected by the Forest Department.
5. Safety: It is important to be careful when visiting the falls, as the rocks can be slippery and the water flow can be strong. Swimming is not recommended in the pool at the base of the falls, as the water can be deep and there are no lifeguards on duty.
6. Conservation: The falls and the surrounding area are protected by the Forest Department, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings and follow conservation guidelines.

Hotels near Iruppu Falls

There are several hotels located near Iruppu Falls, including:

1. Orange County, Coorg: This luxury resort is located in the Kodagu district, about 20 kilometers from the falls. The resort features a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.
2. Coorg Cliffs Resort: This resort is located in the Kodagu district, about 30 kilometers from the falls. It features a range of accommodations, including cottages and villas, as well as a restaurant and a swimming pool.
3. The Tamara Coorg: This luxury resort is located in the Kodagu district, about 40 kilometers from the falls. It features a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.
4. Club Mahindra Madikeri, Coorg: This resort is located in the town of Madikeri, about 60 kilometers from the falls. It features a range of accommodations, as well as a restaurant and a swimming pool.
5. Misty Woods Resort: This resort is located in the Kodagu district, about 70 kilometers from the falls. It features a range of accommodations, as well as a restaurant and a swimming pool.

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How to reach Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India, in the Brahmagiri range. Here are a few options for reaching the falls:

1. By car: The falls are located about 60 kilometers from the town of Madikeri and can be reached by car. The drive from Madikeri to the falls takes about 2 hours.
2. By bus: There are several bus services that operate from Madikeri to the falls. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by bus.
3. By air: The nearest airport is in Mangalore, which is about 160 kilometers from the falls. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the falls.
4. By train: The nearest railway station is in Mysore, which is about 130 kilometers from the falls. From Mysore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the falls.

It is important to note that the falls are located in a remote area and can be difficult to reach. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and make arrangements for transportation.

Places to see near Iruppu Falls

There are several places to see near Iruppu Falls, including:

1. Madikeri Fort: This fort is located in the town of Madikeri, about 60 kilometers from the falls. The fort was built by the rulers of Kodagu in the 17th century and features a range of architectural styles.
2. Abbey Falls: These falls are located in the Kodagu district, about 20 kilometers from the Iruppu Falls. The falls are surrounded by coffee plantations and are a popular tourist destination.
3. Talacauvery: This is a holy site for Hindus, located about 50 kilometers from the falls. It is considered the birthplace of the river Cauvery and is a popular place for pilgrimage.
4. Nagarhole National Park: This national park is located about 70 kilometers from the falls and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and deer.
5. Bylakuppe: This is a Tibetan refugee settlement located about 90 kilometers from the falls. It is home to several Tibetan monasteries and is a popular place to learn about Tibetan culture.

There are many other places to see in the region, including temples, churches, and other natural attractions. It is worth exploring the surrounding area to get a sense of the culture and history of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Iruppu Falls

Q: How high is the Iruppu Falls?

A: The Iruppu Falls are about 170 feet (52 meters) high.

Q: Is it safe to swim in the pool at the base of the falls?

A: It is not recommended to swim in the pool at the base of the falls, as the water can be deep and there are no lifeguards on duty. It is important to be careful when visiting the falls, as the rocks can be slippery and the water flow can be strong.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit the falls?

A: Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit the falls, which is collected by the Forest Department.

Q: Is there a best time to visit the falls?

A: The falls are open year-round, but the best time to visit is between the months of September and March when the weather is pleasant and the water flow is strong.

Q: Are there any hotels or resorts located near the falls?

A: Yes, there are several hotels and resorts located near the falls, including the Orange County, Coorg, the Coorg Cliffs Resort, and the Tamara Coorg. These resorts offer a range of accommodations and amenities, including restaurants and swimming pools.

Q: How do I reach the falls from Madikeri?

A: The falls are located about 60 kilometers from the town of Madikeri and can be reached by car or bus. The drive from Madikeri to the falls takes about 2 hours. There are also several bus services that operate from Madikeri to the falls.