Abbey Falls | Abbi Falls In Madikeri, Coorg

image of 1140x530

Abbey falls is undoubtedly one of the beautiful waterfalls that are tucked 10 kilometers away from the Madikeri in Kodagu. Also known as Abbi falls by locals, this waterfall soaks itself amidst the evergreen sceneries of Western ghats. These waterfalls are guarded by private coffee plantations, spice estates, and tall handsome trees. Like most of the rivers and waterfalls, even Abbey is a non- perennial waterfall that is fed only during monsoons. Some small streams from mountains and brooks join hands to form the picture-perfect Abbey falls which is one of the tributaries of river Cauvery. White foam-like water gushes down the cliff from a height of 70 ft and forms a natural pool. Never step into the pool as the currents are high and dangerous.

After you reach the main entrance of Abbey falls be prepared to walk about 200 steps downhill for 1..5 to 2 kilometers. It will roughly take about 15-20 minutes to reach the foot of the waterfall. All the more, what makes it exciting is the journey that takes you through exotic coffee, cardamom, pepper, and other spice gardens. As you are inching towards the Abbey, the thunderous sound of water plunging and crashing the rocks will greet you. Usually, this place is flooded with tourists, hence make sure to head to this place in the morning. And soak yourself with everything that nature throws at you.

Outside of this, there is an over-bridge that hangs right opposite of the falls. And it is from this hanging-bridge, where the most picturesque scene of water sliding down the ridge can be seen and captured. Moreover, when you stand on bridge water keep spraying on you and this is the closest you can get to falls, as you cannot swim here due to restrictions.

History Of Waterfalls

During the British era, Abbey Falls was known as Jessy Falls, named after the daughter of the first British Chaplain of Coorg, As of now this property and surrounding area are owned by Mr. Neravanda B. Nanaiah. Besides this, Neravanda has transformed the surrounding areas of the waterfall into a paradise by planting spices, coffee, and trees.

Foods and Snacks Near Abbey Falls

You will come across plenty of shops and eateries near the parking area. All these eateries or stalls will serve you with authentic Karnataka food at double the cost. So, if you are planning for a pocket-friendly trip, then try carrying food and water bottles from Madikeri.

How To Reach Abbey Falls

 Madikeri is the closest town which is at a distance of 8-10 km from the Abbey falls. You can take government or private bus services frequently available from Bangalore to Madikeri. Once you reach Madikeri you can either opt for Auto Rickshaws or Jeeps to reach the entry point of waterfalls. If in case you are driving then take Galibeedu road from Madikeri which provides an enriching drive up to the entrance.

Abbey Waterfalls Information

Timings: 9 Am To 5 Pm

Entry fee:  Rs 15/ person

Trek Distance: 1.5 Km (one side)

Trek Timings: 15 to 20 Minutes

Best Time To Visit: September To January.

Parking Fee: Rs. 10 to 50(depending upon the vehicle)

Eateries: Available Near Parking lot

Washrooms: Available

Closest Town: Madikeri 

Distance From Bangalore: 271 Km

Also Read: Iruppu Waterfalls Coorg

Iruppu Falls |Lakshmana Thirtha falls In Brahmagiri Hill

image of 1140x530

Iruppu falls is a stepped waterfall that lies in the foot of the Brahmagiri hills of western ghats in Kodagu, Karnataka. Lakshmana Theertha stream which is a tributary of river Kaveri flows down from the hill to form Iruppu Waterfall. Water gushes through rocks from 170 ft on several step-like structures with a thunderous sound to form a pool. You can walk down the broken trail to the foot of the waterfalls to take a swim and beat the heat. Besides this, the water here is believed to cleanse off all the sins, so make sure you take a dip, if you believe it or not.

If you are an adventure freak then you can climb up the steep slope to reach the second tier of the falls. But make sure you watch every foot you take as this place is damn wet and slippery.

Be prepared to hike from the temple for 15 odd mins through the forest trail which is greasy and covered with wood to reach waterfalls. This waterfall is stuck amidst dense forest which is teeming with a wide range of flora and fauna.

Iruppu or Lakshmana Theertha falls is both a famous tourist spot as well as a pilgrim center. It is one of the best picnic spots to spend time with your family or a large group of friends and get immersed in nature.

Apart from this, Iruppu falls is also popular among trekkers of the Brahmagiri trail in Coorg. If you continue further up through the forest trail from waterfalls, it will lead you to the Brahmagiri peak. However, you need to take permission from the forest office Srimangala to conquer this peak.

No need to worry about snacks, food, or water bottles as there are a handful of shops that serve it. 

Origin Of Lakshmana Theertha Or Iruppu Waterfalls As Per Legends

According to legends, Rama and Lakshmana while searching for Sita Devi had visited this place. When Lord Rama was thirsty he asked his brother to fetch water to drink. Lakshmana was not able to find any water source nearby. Hence, Lakshamana shot the arrow at the Brahmagiri Hills which led to the origin of River Lakshmana Tirtha. And, thus he was able to quench the thirst of his brother. 

In addition, this waterfall is considered holy and it is believed cleanse off all the sins. So you will find a lot of devotees taking a dip.

Iruppu Rameshwaram Linga Temple

Iuppu Rameshwara temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the banks of Laksmana Theertha river. Moreover, it is a beautiful temple surrounded by paddy fields and thick forests. Apparently, as per the legends, it was Lord Rama who installed Lingam in this shrine. Hence, you will see thousands of devotees flooding the temple every year. And, don’t forget to buy the entrance ticket to Iruppu falls near Rameshwara Temple.

If you are planning to go to this temple, make sure to visit this temple during the major festival Shivarathri.

How To Reach Iruppu Falls From Bangalore

From Bangalore, you can board a bus to Mysore, Madikeri, or Virajpet. Iruppu waterfalls are well connected from all these cities. From either of these cities, you can take a bus to Kutta or Srimangala.

The nearest bus Stop to the Iruppu waterfalls is Kutta or Srimangala. Iruppu Falls lies between Srimangala and Kutta. Both the places are 10 km away. You can hire a jeep or an auto-rickshaw from Kutta or Srimangala to reach the Falls.

Iruppu Falls Information

Timings: 6 Am To 6 Pm

Entry Fee: Rs 50

Hike Distance: 1.5 Km

Vehicle Parking: Rs 10

Restrooms: Available

Location: 48 kilometers from Virajpet

Also, read: Vannalli Beach Kumta