A cool summer outing

Hebri is a sleepy town in the lap of Western Ghats. With its majestic green hills and lush fields, this town is a flawless beauty in itself. We wanted to explore the greenery that surrounded this place, particularly the scenic Kudluteertha Falls. With the excitement of visiting Kudluteertha and enjoying the cool March breeze blowing from the forest area, we proceeded on the Hebri-Someshwara road.

On the way, we felt that March was a wrong time to visit Kudluteertha as most of the waterfalls turn dry during this time of the year. However, as we began approaching the Kudluteertha Waterfalls, we could hear the lullaby of cascading water coupled with the distinct sound of the drongos, offering some relief to the ears. As we moved further, we were welcomed by patterns formed by the sun and shadow playing hide and seek. On the other hand, we could see hilly peaks which looked scenic as well as dominating. No sooner did our enthusiasm to see the flowing beauty began turning intense, we could hear the roaring sound of Kudluteertha and within no time, we landed before the waterfalls.

The first look of Kudlu, flowing like milk, itself made us jump with joy. It made us forget all our worries, delusions and ego. We felt that our wait was worth it. Maybe due to good rains, the river sources near Hebri, which has been declared as a taluk recently, had not dried up even in March. The Kudluteertha which plunges from a height of 180 feet is the first fall of River Sita and maintains its sheen throughout the year.

By afternoon, we had totally fallen for the greenery, hills, serenity of the forest, bird twitters and the forest patch surrounding the Kudluteertha. It offered a heavenly bliss and took us to a new level of the meditative state.

However, it was sad to see some tourists throwing waste even in such a heavenly place. Some trekkers say that tourists who visit the place are least bothered about maintaining the serenity of the area. Some tourists even throw empty liquor bottles which hurt wild animals like deer. It’s time tourists stop dumping plastics, bottles and other waste in the forest as it damages the ecosystem. Many feel that those entering the pond formed by the waterfalls must not use soaps as it pollutes the water and causes trouble to the aquatic animals.

Kudluteertha is 32 km from Karkala and 26 km from Agumbe. From Hebri, one has to take the Someshwar-Agumbe route for around 20 km to reach the Kudluteertha road. The best time to visit the waterfalls is after October since one cannot reach the waterfalls in the rainy season. Tourists can take private vehicles or local autos to reach there but must exercise caution on the route as it is not motorable.

(Translated by Divyashri Mudakavi)