Western Ghats, The Sahyadri; call
it as you desire but one of the most iconic and historical mountain range of
Indian Subcontinent, diverse in its biological flora and fauna running along
the west coast of India, it is a mind boggling feat of nature and for nature
lovers it offers a passage back in time to how nature is supposed to be in all
her grandeur.
I have always yearned to travel
and see the various gems that lie hidden in this massive mountain range which
is heavily forested and hides a world within itself. Among the various jewels,
one that draws me the most are Waterfalls. There are some which are famous and
then there are some which are hidden, showcasing their beauty to few those who
venture through forest glades and past the barriers that nature has erected in
order to gaze in wonder at the beauty that lies out there.
In my previous post I had spoken
about the Sathodi Falls, this post we would be speaking about two more hidden gems:
Ajjigundi Falls and Shirley Falls: -
Firstly, about the Ajjigundi falls, I
came across this name while doing a search about the Falls in the Yellapur district
of Uttara Karnataka. The falls are located truly off the beaten track and
though not huge they definitely are worth
a visit. One has to take a left from Idgundi and leave the NH 52 na d then move
onto SH 6. Post some kms , one needs to take the detour and take a short hike
after parking the vehicle. Nestled amidst plantations and green foliage, one
has to ask directions from the local houses that are located few and in between.
It is the roar of the falls that will eventually guide you once you reach its vicinity.
Standing tall amidst areca plantations, it is a photographer’s delight and with
none of the touristic crowd around, it is a serene place to be in.
As far as I am concerned,
visiting falls is not something that has to be measured in minutes or hours
rather the moments spent have to be collected to make up the bucket, it depends
on the individual as to what kind of moments and how many of them he/she
collects. On occasions I have sat down near them with my mind as a replica of
an empty canvas, forcing the prevailing thoughts to be left behind and then let
the vibes of that place draw a series of new patterns of thoughts on the blank
canvas.
Shirley falls is located also in Yellapur
Distt and one has to take a detour from the Hubli –Karwar National Highway 52.
This fall is also on the off beaten route and is hardly known outside of the
local region. One needs to drive towards Idgundi from Karwar ad then park the
vehicle at Shirley Bus Stop, which is a small nondescript bus stop on the
highway. There is a muddy trail which slopes into the forest and one can take a
4x4 drive if confident, I chose to walk. The trail winds downwards going deeper
into the jungle, there is plantations of Areca with few houses seen few and in between.
One has to take the left diversion on the trail whenever it comes and then keep
on moving. In case of hesitation, one can approach the houses to ask for
directions and that is what I had done. After a 30 min hike, one is drawn to
the sound of the fall and can see it in full glory away from prying eyes. It is
a one stage fall though the chasm at the base of it looks scary and prohibits
anyone from wandering too close to the fall . I spent a good deal of time out
here and retraced my path well satisfied with nature’s delights.
These falls are famous amongst
the locals and hardly any traveler from other region ventures here, definitely
worth a visit.
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