The village of Agumbe is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’ and true to its name the village is mesmerizing. The bright sparkling streams, bright green forests, and amazing sunset points make it a charming place for you to vacation in. Due to its amazing gifts of natural beauty, it is also known as the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’’. Its viewpoint is one of the most popular in the entire Western Ghtas as it offers views of the Arabian Sea as far as 40 km, and it houses the Agumbe Rainforest Station or ARRS by the world-famous herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, to study the endangered King Cobra species, including the fact that the series “Malgudi Days” based on the novel was shot in this beautiful village. This place has a lot to offer and we have curated a list of places to visit near Agumbe to have the perfect holiday.
Places To Visit Near Agumbe – A Treat For The Soul
Enjoy your vacation in Agumbe and experience the beauty of all the tourist destinations around the village.
1. Kunchikal Falls
India’s highest waterfall and the world’s 116th, the Kunchikal Falls, stands at an impressive height of 455 meters, on the Shimoga – Udupi border in Karnataka. The waterfalls along these rocky boulders create a magnificent sight for you to gaze on. These falls are formed by the River Varahi which originates from the Western Ghats and makes its way into the Arabian Sea.
The waterfall not only serves the purpose of a tourist destination but also serves a great cause – it generates electricity and hydroelectricity, to be precise. The River Varahi has several tributaries that eventually fall into the Kunchikal Falls. All these tributaries are beautiful to see, and finally, seeing the Kunchikal Falls surrounded by lush greenery is truly enchanting. The beauty of these falls is enhanced by the monsoon season.
Though the falls are a wonderful place, they come with several restrictions and precautions. Due to its significance—environmentally and industrially—the Mani Dam built at the base of the waterfall restricts people from using that place to drive through. As a result, if people want to visit the Waterfall, prior permission is required. As visitations are controlled, the area is well-maintained and clean, keeping the charm and beauty of the waterfall intact.
Location: Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka 577448
Distance From The Airport: Shivamogga Domestic Airport (97.1 km), and Mangalore International Airport (132 km)
Must Read: Agumbe Village Guide
2. Kundadri Hills
Image Credit: Manjeshpv for Wikimedia Commons
Hidden away from the world, this waterfall stands at 826 meters in the western ghats of Shimoga. It is located near Agumbe and offers a spectacular view of all the amazing things nature offers. It is truly a sight that can calm someone’s soul and offer them peace. The hills are known for their amazing views, and the Jain Temple stands there. Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara “Parshwanath”, it is a beauty to see, standing on top of the hill against a green, lush backdrop. Another reason is the presence of mesmerizing ponds filled with emerald green water. It is one of the best places to visit in Agumbe.
Tourists can also trek to the top, which is a 7 km long journey that takes about 3 hours to complete. Not only do you get to see the amazing hilltop, but the journey to the hilltop is equally gratifying. It is worth taking because it is scattered with rugged streams, wild vegetation, and beautiful terrains. If you cannot trek to the top, do not worry, as there are well-maintained roads that can take your bike to the top. However, people are warned to be careful as it has steep and narrow roads.
Making Kundadri Hills a priority on your bucket list is a must as it is the complete package – it is perfect for the soul, the eyes, and your inner adrenaline junkie.
Location: Kundadri Hill, Karnataka 577424
Distance From The Airport: Shivamogga Domestic Airport (90.2 km), and Mangalore International Airport (114 km)
3. Onake Abbi Falls
Image Credit: Mylittlefinger for Wikimedia Commons
One of the most stunning waterfalls in the South, Onake Abbi Falls, is located 8 km from Agumbe Bus Station. The equipment that is used to grind spices is known as ‘Onake’, it is like a pole. Similarly, the waterfall only has a single branch of water streaming down, appearing like a giant Onake that grinds spices, hence the name. It is one of the best places to visit in Agumbe.
The area around the waterfall offers amazing scenery and the opportunity to observe and watch various animals, such as the civet cat, Sambhar, and mouse deer. The only way for tourists to see this beautiful waterfall is to walk. Trekking is the only way for people to visit this site, and there are two routes visitors often take.
On the right side of the Agumbe checkpoint, there is a small arch written as “Oushadeeya Sasya Vana.” You take this route, and it directly leads you to the waterfalls. The second route is through a park near the Agumbe checkpoint. This park leads you midway to the first path. People must be advised that if they have never trekked or walked in a forest, then this trek is not for them.
Tourists have to get permission to visit the waterfall from the Fores Department, therefore, people should be prepared beforehand.
Location: Onake Abbi Falls, G37F+6VV, SH1, Agumbe, Karnataka 576112
Distance From The Airport: Shivamogga Domestic Airport (92.1 km), and Mangalore International Airport (101 km)
Suggested Read: Places In India That Deserve More Travelers
4. Jogigundi Falls
Image Credit: Saurabhsawantphoto for Wikimedia Commons
The Jogigundi Falls are one of the most frequently visited places in Karnataka. It is situated inside the Agumbe rainforest at a distance of 4 km away from the Agumbe Bus Stand.
This massive waterfall stands at an altitude of 20 feet, that falls into a large pool of water. The waterfall was named after the saint Jogi who used to sit here to meditate. Most waterfalls are tributaries of rivers but the origin of Jogigundi Falls is fascinating.
It starts from inside a cave and then merges with the tributary of Tungabhadra named Malapahaari River, and soon cascades down the hill. It is a spectacular place that offers amazing sites to tourists and swimming in the large pool under the waterfall is allowed, attracting people from far and wide.
To reach the waterfall, you must embark on a 1 km long trek that is not difficult and is a popular route guaranteeing its safety.
Location: Jogigundi Falls, F4P5+634, Jogi Gundi Entrance, Agumbe, Karnataka 577411
Distance From The Airport: Shivamogga Domestic Airport (95.6 km), and Mangalore International Airport (103 km)
Further Read: Natural Wonders In India
Now that you have a list of some of the amazing places near Agumbe, it is time you hurry and book your trip to Karnataka to be in nature and enjoy everything that Mother Nature has to offer.
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Cover Image Credit: Shashidhara halady for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Agumbe
Why is Agumbe called the Cobra Capital?
The name has been given to Agumbe due to the many cobras present there.
What is Agumbe famous for?
It is famously known as the ‘Cherranpunji of the South’ due to the region's heavy rainfalls and the lush green rainforest.
Is wildlife spotting possible in Agumbe?
Yes, it is possible as Agumbe is a place of diverse flora and fauna, such as the King Cobras, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and many other species.
Do you need permits to trek or visit the rainforest in Agumbe?
Yes, people require prior permission from the Forest Department for some areas as the rainforest in Agumbe is of cultural, geographical, and environmental significance.
What is the best time to visit Agumbe?
The best time to visit would be post-monsoon and winter months from November to February as the weather is pleasant and the place's beauty increases ten-fold after the monsoons.
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