When we planned to visit Sringeri again, I was determined to visit Sirimane waterfalls, which is around 20 Kms from Sringeri. So, even before we entered Sringeri we drove to the waterfalls and the experience of the time spent near the falls was worthy of years of yearning to visit this place.
Picture above: on the way to Sirimane Waterfalls from Kudremukh. From far the rock looked like Ganapathy.
The best time to visit Sirimane waterfalls is during October – November. On the way you can visit Rishyasringa temple at Kigga. There are many buses that ply between Kigga and Sringeri.
Picture above: Yes, it looked exactly like Ganapathy and hence named this as Ganapathy rock!
From Kigga you will have to walk 5 Kms to reach the falls. It is best to go in your own vehicle as there is a road leading to the falls. You will have to trek down the hill to view the falls.
As we visited just after the rains, the waterfall was in full glory. A leech latched on to my toe and continued to travel with me till Sringeri. It is better to check yourselves when you come out of the water.
While walking down observe the rich flora and foliage like ferns, ground cover creepers, wild flowers, and so on.
Trees are covered with moss and lichens displaying the fantastic Eco-system of this place.
A lady selling hot tea near the falls narrated the legend behind the water falls. More than a thousand years ago, people around this place used to come to the waterfalls and worship and ask for gold and silver articles to be used in the family weddings.
They would leave a round tray near the waterfalls. They would visit the falls the next day to find the wished articles placed in the tray. The people used to use the articles in the wedding and return the articles near the falls.
The articles would disappear. Once, a greedy person did not return the articles and that is when this phenomenon stopped forever.
The hike to the waterfalls is invigorating with beautiful views of Western Ghats.
We spotted an Asian Fairy Bird, but as the sun had set, the picture is not good.
Other interesting places nearby:
Sringeri
Kigga
Narasimha Parvata
Agumbe
Uluve Bird Sanctuary
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Waterfalls
Situated: Sringeri, Chikkamagalur District
Distance: 20 Kms from Sringeri, 350 Kms from Bangalore, 5 Kms from Kigga, 142 Kms from Mangalore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Rest room available. A changing room is available for ladies. Many staying options to suit all budgets are available in Sringeri
