<p>Dense forest, mist, breathtaking sights, awesome sunset and torrential downpour sum up the beauty of Agumbe, popularly known as Cherrapunji of south India, in Theerthahalli taluk of the district.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Though Hulikal in Hosanagar taluk has been receiving more rainfall than Agumbe in the last 10 years, the latter continues to be a paradise for nature lovers. However, lack of tourist facilities at Agumbe and Hulikal is preventing visitors from staying at these picturesque spots.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Raghavendra, a resident of Agumbe, said the absence of good restaurants does not encourage tourists to stay here. As a result, people make a brief halt here to enjoy the beauty of nature and, resume their journey either to Udupi or Theerthahalli, which is 30 km from Agumbe.<br /><br />Generally, foreigners visit Agumbe between January and May. Though private entrepreneurs have constructed lodges in this hamlet situated on Shimoga-Udupi border, there is no accommodation facility that is suitable for foreign tourists. There were attempts to run a resort in this place a few years ago. <br /><br />A building was also constructed. However, it did not take off as environmentalists opposed the idea of generating revenue by setting up a commercial venture at the cost of green forests. Besides a private lodges, there is an inspection bungalow which is meant for VIPs. Tourists can hire rooms provided there is no scheduled visit of VIPs.<br /><br />Monsoon tourism<br /><br />Tourists to Agumbe can enjoy the thick woods, beautiful falls such as Abbi, Jogi gundi, Barkana, Koodlu Theertha, rare medicinal plants and, experience fresh air throughout the year. <br /><br />The water falls return to their glory during the rainy season. This is also the habitat of king cobra. <br /><br />Though the place is known for beautiful sunset, tourists can’t enjoy it during the rainy season due to clouds.<br /><br />Similarly, Hulikal is also one of the picturesque spots in the Western Ghats region. It is a heaven for nature lovers during the monsoon. <br /><br />It rains throughout the day without a break. But, lack of basic facilities such as a hotel have discouraged tourists. Hulikal is situated 100 km from Shimoga and 60 km from Agumbe. <br /><br />Both, the places have potential to emerge as centres of monsoon tourism in the State if the Tourism department takes up the initiative.<br /></p>
<p>Dense forest, mist, breathtaking sights, awesome sunset and torrential downpour sum up the beauty of Agumbe, popularly known as Cherrapunji of south India, in Theerthahalli taluk of the district.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Though Hulikal in Hosanagar taluk has been receiving more rainfall than Agumbe in the last 10 years, the latter continues to be a paradise for nature lovers. However, lack of tourist facilities at Agumbe and Hulikal is preventing visitors from staying at these picturesque spots.<br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald, Raghavendra, a resident of Agumbe, said the absence of good restaurants does not encourage tourists to stay here. As a result, people make a brief halt here to enjoy the beauty of nature and, resume their journey either to Udupi or Theerthahalli, which is 30 km from Agumbe.<br /><br />Generally, foreigners visit Agumbe between January and May. Though private entrepreneurs have constructed lodges in this hamlet situated on Shimoga-Udupi border, there is no accommodation facility that is suitable for foreign tourists. There were attempts to run a resort in this place a few years ago. <br /><br />A building was also constructed. However, it did not take off as environmentalists opposed the idea of generating revenue by setting up a commercial venture at the cost of green forests. Besides a private lodges, there is an inspection bungalow which is meant for VIPs. Tourists can hire rooms provided there is no scheduled visit of VIPs.<br /><br />Monsoon tourism<br /><br />Tourists to Agumbe can enjoy the thick woods, beautiful falls such as Abbi, Jogi gundi, Barkana, Koodlu Theertha, rare medicinal plants and, experience fresh air throughout the year. <br /><br />The water falls return to their glory during the rainy season. This is also the habitat of king cobra. <br /><br />Though the place is known for beautiful sunset, tourists can’t enjoy it during the rainy season due to clouds.<br /><br />Similarly, Hulikal is also one of the picturesque spots in the Western Ghats region. It is a heaven for nature lovers during the monsoon. <br /><br />It rains throughout the day without a break. But, lack of basic facilities such as a hotel have discouraged tourists. Hulikal is situated 100 km from Shimoga and 60 km from Agumbe. <br /><br />Both, the places have potential to emerge as centres of monsoon tourism in the State if the Tourism department takes up the initiative.<br /></p>
