Agumbe is one of the areas, which receives very heavy rainfall, thus giving birth to many falls and streams. Onake Abbi is one such fall that takes birth in Agumbe and dances its way to join Seethanadi near Hebri.
The fall gets its name because of its appearance. It is thin and slender like ‘Onake,’ a domestic agriculture implement used to beat the paddy. Thus the name. The water falls from about a height of 170 ft, amidst a wall of thick rock. This fall gushes in two parts.
Approches
There are two approach ways to the fall, one to the top and another to the bottom. The top of the falls can be reached from Agumbe in Shimoga district. There is a conservation centre for medicinal herbs. The same route leads one to the top of the water fall. This route has well laid roads and flights of stairs wherever required. However, on reaching to the top, one has to be cautious because of the slippery rocks there. The view of the top of the fall is breath taking. The entire Someshwara forest can be seen around the fall at the top.
The bottom of the fall is best suited for swimming because it is calm and not too deep.
However, care should be taken during rainy season when the water is full. To reach to the bottom, one has to reach Someshwara town and preferably take a guide. The trek to the bottom is of about seven kms through thick jungle without well defined roads. It is better to take prior permission from the forest authorities concerned before venturing in so as to avoid complications.
Apart from the fall, one can also have a look at the ancient Someshwara temple.
Someshwara reserve forest itself is unique because it is famous for King Cobras. The uniqueness of this reserve forest had attracted wild life experts and television channels like Discovery too. Agumbe town is the pathway for the fall and hence visitors can look around the clouded, rainy surroundings of Agumbe to bring back the memories of ‘Malgudi Days’. Agumbe View point and Sunset points are a must see.
Since the trek is not so easy, the number of people making to the fall is also less. So the people who reach to the fall get a clean surrounding to laze around. It would be appreciated if the trekkers and visitors maintain the cleanliness.
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