Irpu Falls
Irpu Falls is yet another beautiful waterfalls in the Coorg or Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is located at about 14 km from Nagarhole National Park and about 84 km from Madikeri. The falls are formed as River Lakshmanthirta descends for over 65 meters. According to the legends, this place has its roots into the Ramayana era. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana passed this way when they were in search of Sita. When Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some water, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri Range and that marked the origin of River Lakshmanthirta. The river, of course, is named after this legend.
Irpu Falls
The falls is accessible only by foot. You have to trek for about 1 km through the jungles on the outskirts of Nagarhole National Park to reach the waterfalls. There is a nominal entry fee to the falls, and the route is very well marked. From the entry gate, just follow the foot trail all the way until you find the falls.
Hanging Bridge to cross the river
You can get up and close to the base of the falls. You can find many visitors getting into the pool that is formed at the base of the falls. It generally gets crowded during the weekends as this is the only falls in the region where you can get into the water and play. This water falls is a good alternative to the “touristy” Abbey Falls.
Closer look at the falls
The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon. The falls when in the full capacity is a breathtaking sight. You can even get to the base of the falls during this season. The pressure of the water touching your back when it descends down will surely give you and awesome and natural massage 🙂
The forest department also organizes a trek that begins at Irpu falls, and the path ascends to Brahmagiri Peak (not to be confused with the hill of same name at Talakavery). This trek requires permission from forest department.
Location
Where to stay?
- Homestays at Kutta
- Homestays near the falls (or near Nagarhole)
- Nagarhole Forest Guest House
Distance Chart
From | Distance (in km) |
Kalpetta, Wayanad | 60 |
Madikeri | 75 |
Mysore | 120 |
Calicut | 136 |
Bangalore | 260 |
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