Onake Abbi falls (Agumbe) trek : Must read before you go

Important facts

1. Onake Abbi falls (Agumbe) is different from Abbi falls (Madikeri)

2. This waterfall can only be reached by trekking into the deep forest

3. If you are a nature lover, then this trek is for you

4. Best time : Avoid monsoons as the rainforest has leaches and it's also risky

5. Please have a local guide with you. They don’t charge much and it’s worth it

6. Difficulty level - Moderate to Difficult

1. The trail is through an untamed forest, and the real reason why it seems like the ‘Garden of Eden’ is because you are sure to find a snake passing you by. 

2. Towards the end of the trail, the path is not clear. The foliage is thick and it’s difficult to figure the way out.

Russell's viper, Agumbe Karnataka

Agumbe : The Cobra Capital of India

Agumbe village is located on Agumbe ghat (mountainous pass) connecting the plains with the coastal region of Karnataka. The small population of merely 500 residents are well-knit, and meet food and shelter needs of tourists, mostly Bangaloreans who head here for their weekend dose of adrenalin.

The moment I reached the nondescript bus stand, it wasn’t hard to find a local guesthouse. So in an effort to get a better rate, it was finally decided that I would bunk in with a group coming from Bangalore this weekend.

< Day 2 >

Trek to Onake Abbi falls (Agumbe)

Ok, I got it- so this is no walk in the park. The jolly group I crashed in with- I could hear them having a discussion with the local guide, on the possible worst case scenario in case of a snake bite?

The answer to that question was an undertaking form we needed to sign before starting the trek. It stated the organizer/s will not be responsible for… you guessed it - any worse case scenario.

Hardly 20 min into the trail when I spotted a rather discreet Russell’s viper behind the rocks, so well camouflaged and staying back patiently while we passed by.

The beauty of an untamed rainforest is indeed a feast for the eyes. As a picture speaks louder than words, here are a few :

wild fungi growing on dead tree barks, Agumbe

tree bark, Someshwar WLS- Agumbe

Then we came to a well-laid out steep path which was easy to climb unlike my previous Kodachadri hill trek. The difference is the damn leeches which are in abundance here, and we needed to keep moving before these suckers got us.

trail leading to Onake abbi falls (Agumbe)

After what seemed like a really long climb, we could finally hear the sound of the waterfall. After a few jumps and scrapes going over some boulders, we got to the bottom of the waterfall.

bottom of Onaki abbi falls, Agumbe

If ever there is a sound that can heal a painful heart; it's the sound of nature. Almost all of the group climbed further to the top of the waterfall, but I declined. Just sitting here at the bottom, with the wilderness all around and listening to the sound of the waterfall was so incredibly soothing.

Onake abbi falls, Agumbe

 

The forest was bewitching; and although I'm not sure how and why the guide changed his course on the way back. The new return trail was a slope of plain soft earth; similar to a landslide. There were branches where we tried to get a firm grip; most times we could, but twice the branch broke loose from the soft soil and I kept slipping down the sides to the valley below.

Tip : Trekking with a group helps, when a helping hand is needed.

It was evening and we now came to a patch of boulders and small brooks that was fun, and then the descent.

All's well that End's well

It was an indescribable surge of confidence and relief I felt, that with a stick for support- I literally flew down to the bottom and out of the trail in no time.

It is easy to lose complete sense of direction in a forest with no trail. Hats off 👊 to the local guides, who are so adept with the know-how of these forests.

A memorable dinner at Dodda mane

This family run homestay serves the best, most delicious Malnad vegetarian meals, and it was a privilege to be here. The environment is homely and the portions unlimited.

This was followed by a sublime aarti at the nearby temple.

Agumbe and particularly Dodda mane was the setting for Anant Nag's Malgudi Days a popular TV serial.

Agumbe is popularly known as Cherrapunji of the South, but in my opinion it seemed better, as the waterfalls of Cherrapunji are now dried up during summer (except Nohkalikai falls).

< Day 3 >

Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS)

This humble looking station was set up by Romulus Whitaker, a world-famous herpetologist, in order to study and research on the endangered King Cobra species. Different species of snakes found here are on display.

Friends, I do hope you enjoyed this blog and it’s helpful. Do subscribe for the next exciting blog.

We are visiting Sringeri next, and then I will get dropped off at my hotel in Kundapura.

Suggested reading : 10 holiest places of TuluNadu

Bye for now!