Real treat to senses

Struck in the concrete jungle? Then why not go back to nature this weekend. A few kilometers before Gundya in Dakshina Kannda district, flows a beautiful waterfall called ‘Kannikaya Gundi’, which will revive and bring in fresh lease of life to senses jaded by urban mechanised life.

However, reaching to this place takes a bit of hard work. Long trek through dense forest and difficult terrain needs to be crossed to make it to this nature’s gift.

On the way towards Shiradi Ghat, two to three kilometers before Gundya gate, river Addahole cuts across National Highway 75. Here you can find a small bridge. Just before this bridge, a narrow road goes to left. 

The route which runs along the river Addahole, will take you through coconut and areca plantations. The real trek starts when this road ends. You will find a long trench dug by villagers to keep elephants at bay as elephant menace is a usual problem in this area.

Cross this trench and you step into the jungle.

Your wild journey begins from here. The trek is not very tiresome and hence it is not restricted to hard core hikers. The trekking path is visible, but taking a guide is advisable as there are possibilities of getting lost in the jungle. On the way you will find a small rivulet called ‘Devaragundi’. You can halt here and take a splash in the cool water.

However, care needs to be taken as certain parts of the water are deep and rocks are slippery.

The jungle gets deeper from here. You can see beautiful flowers and some of the rare plant species of the Western Ghats. The welcoming sound of the waterfall is an indication that you have reached closer to your destination. The very site of Kannikaya falls is a unique experience. It may be 60 to 70 feet high. Though it may not be very attractive, you feel rewarded after the tiring hike.

There is a huge lake formed by the falls. This is like a natural swimming pool.

To reach here you have to cross the Addahole stream, then get down amidst the huge rocky formation.

Though swimming in the cool waters is a memorable experience, one needs to take care as it is deep and locals also say that whirlpools are common.

Recently a team from Bangalore met with an unfortunate incident and some from the team drowned here.

After this incident forest department is insisting on prior permission before entering the jungle. Contacting Belthangady or Uppinangady forest office is a must.

How to reach

You get plenty of buses to Gundya from Belthangady taluk. Stop the bus near the bridge on Addhole River. Before the bridge a narrow road goes left. Follow this route, till you reach the destination.