The waterfall, which tumbles from a height of 170 feet above sea level, will not only deafen you with its thundering sound, but also blind you with its beauty. Located in the Brahmagiri range, this freshwater cascade is situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarahole.
The waterfall is also known as Lakshmana Tirtha, a name derived from one of the tributaries of Cauvery and also based on a legend that dates back to the epic, Ramayana.
The legend
Mythology has it that on their journey to find Sita, Lord Rama and his younger brother Lakshmana, passed along the Brahmagiri range. When Rama was thirsty and asked his younger brother to fetch water, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills to bring the freshwater cascade known as Lakshmana Tirtha today.
Iruppu falls is a sacred place for Hindus as it is believed that these falls have the power to cleanse. This place is crowded with devotees especially during Shivaratri.
Rameshwara temple
The Rameshwara temple on the base of the hill where the falls is situated is believed to be built by Lord Rama, which he dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to an inscription, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita rested on the banks of river Lakshmana Tirtha after they returned from Lanka. It was then that Lord Rama installed the Shivalinga here.
The Rameshwara temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. A grand Mahashivaratri festival is held here every year. The journey to Iruppu falls is breathtaking, with woody, winding paths, and some spectacular sights.
You are allowed to park your vehicle near the Rameshwara temple and from there, you will have to trek for a distance of approximately a kilometer. The journey in the natural forest is punctuated with the chirping of different birds. With every step, the sound of the waterfall turns louder telling you that you are on the right track. After crossing a hanging bridge, climbing concrete steps and trekking on a woody and rocky road, you will reach the picturesque waterfall.
A metallic ramp constructed at the base of the waterfall allows one to walk right up to it. Standing underneath the cascade is a heavenly experience though the water is icy cold giving you shivers initially.
Food and accommodation
If you can, pack your picnic basket while going to Iruppu falls. There is a hotel near the temple. Srimangala and Kutta towns have resorts and home stays where you can get a taste of Coorgi food and lifestyle. If one prefers to stay in lodges, then Gonikoppal is the nearest town with this facility.
How to get there
Brahmagiri Range is in the Kodagu district, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. Iruppu falls is situated 80 km from Madikeri, 48 km from Virajpet, 300 km from Bangalore, 160 km from Mysore and 200 km from Mangalore.
KSRTC bus services are available to Gonikoppal from Bangalore. From Gonikoppal, private buses are available in plenty to Srimangala.
From Srimangala, Iruppu falls is just 10 km away. If you opt to travel by road from can take Bangalore-Mysore-Gonikoppa-Iruppu route.
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