The Big Splash

The monsoon is the perfect time to enjoy the sight of a waterfall. Here are five you should add to your wet-season itinerary.

The monsoon is when most of India is covered in a green, lush carpet of vegetation. Though not really considered a tourist season, it's the best time (July-September) to get your fill of nature's bounty. It's also the time when normally dry rivers turn into raging torrents and create spectacular waterfalls en route. Here are five that'll leave you awestruck.

JOG FALLS, KARNATAKA

Easily one of the more impressive waterfalls in India, the Jog Falls (also known as Gersoppa Falls) are the result of the Sharavati River plummeting 292 metres as it makes its way downstream. Though the power of the falls has been somewhat diminished by the construction of the Linganmakki Dam upstream – which means waters are released only a few days during the monsoon season – it’s an awesome sight when the waters do indeed flow. A nice stop when you’re making the rounds of the Western Ghats, which are their greenest, loveliest best during the monsoons. Attractions nearby include the Linganmakki Dam.

Getting There: The nearest city – and railhead -- is Shimoga, 113 km away; the drive from there to Jog Falls is quite scenic. The nearest airport is Mangalore, 180 km away.

Accommodation: The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has reasonable accommodation at Jog Falls. There are also Forest Department guest houses for a back-to-nature experience. Visit the official Karnataka Tourism web site for more information.

DUDHSAGAR FALLS, KARNATAKA-GOA BORDER

Another monsoon wonder is the Dudhsagar (`Sea of Milk’) Falls in the midst of the forests of the Western Ghats on the Goa-Karnataka border. There are few sights as breathtaking as the waters of the Mandovi River cascading 2,000 ft down the dense vegetation of the ghats. The area also has some nice hiking and trekking trails. Nearby attractions include the 12th century, Kadamba-era Shree Mahadeva Temple at Tambdi Surla and the Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) also organises adventure tours in the area. It’s best combined with a `Goa in the Rains’ tour, since Dudhsagar is only 60 km from the state capital of Panaji.

Getting There: Dudhsagar is 60 km from Margao in Goa. You can make the one-and-a-half hour journey from there by train (to the nearby Colem station). Buses and taxis also ply the route. The nearest and only airport in Goa is Dabolim, 33 km from Margao.

Accommodation: You can always opt for some reasonable accommodation offered at the GTDC’s Dudhsagar Resort. Most people, however, choose to make a day trip from Margao. Visit the official Goa Tourism web site for more information.

COURTALLAM FALLS, TAMIL NADU

These falls are also located in the Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu. You can also get some health benefits, as the waters of the falls are believed to have therapeutic qualities and attract thousands of visitors – if you like solitude, maybe this isn’t for you! The falls are located at an elevation of 170 metres and comprise nine waterfalls: the main falls, Chitaruvi, Shenpagadevi, Thenaruvi, Five Falls, Orchard Falls, New Falls, Tiger Falls and Old Courtallam Falls. Local attractions include the ancient Shiva `Thirukutralanathar’ Temple and the Papanasam Dam.

Getting There: The nearest railhead is Tenkasi, 6 km away. The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala (112 km), or Madurai in Tamil Nadu (160 km). You can also make a road trip from Thiruvananthapuram.

Accommodation: The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation offers reasonably priced accommodation.

 

MAWSMAI FALLS, MEGHALAYA

This one is in one of the world’s wettest places, in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya (`Land of the Clouds’). Also known as the Nohsngithiang Falls, the waters drop over 700 ft into the river below, making for an unforgettable sight. It’s especially beautiful during the monsoons when heavy water flows make it really powerful. Nearby attractions include the limestone caves carved out by Mother Nature. A little over a kilometer long, they’re a caver’s delight, with stalactites and stalagmites.

Getting There: Mawsmai is close to the town of Cherrapunjee, which shot into fame for being the world’s wettest place. Cherrapunjee is a two-hour drive from the state capital of Shillong (56km). There’s a regular bus service, and taxis too ply the route.

Accommodation: There are a couple of places where you can stay in Cherrapunjee. But if you don’t want to rough it out, it’s preferable to make the day trip from Shillong, which has more variety. For more information, visit the official Meghalaya Tourism web site.

KHANDADHAR FALLS, ORISSA

The Khandadhar Falls are located amidst the lush green forests of Orissa’s Sundergarh region. It’s best seen during the rainy season when the waters of the Koprani Nala rivulet are swollen by the rains, with the waters dropping down 800 ft. It is said to be the highest waterfall in Orissa. Local attractions (from Keonjhar) include the Vishnu and Jagannath temples, the Sanghagara and Badghagara waterfalls etc.

Getting There: Khandadhar is located 60 km from Keonjhar, which is connected by road to Calcutta and Bhubaneswar (227 km).

Accommodation: You won’t find too many luxury hotels in Keonjhar. Options include a government forest guest house, the circuit house, and a few budget to mid-range hotels. Visit the official Orissa Tourism web site for more information.

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