Get Away From It All at Irpu Falls, Coorg
Irpu in South India's Coorg is a Perfect Spot for a Quiet Getaway.
Jul 20, 2009
Irpu Falls in Coorg is a perfect place for a few days of peace and quiet in the hills.
The water in the 52 metres high Irpu Falls originates in the Brahmagiri peak inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Coorg. According to legend, Hindu god Rama and his brother Lakshmana passed through this area when they were searching for Rama's beloved, Sita. When Rama asked Lakshmana to get him some water, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills, creating the river Lakshmana Tirtha (the sacred river of Lakshmana) that descends into Irpu Falls. The legend also says that the water here has the power to cleanse away one's sins…
Trekking at Irpu Falls
Coorg, or Kodagu as it is known locally, is one of the most beautiful regions of South India. This mountainous area grows coffee, oranges and spices, and its forests are made for trekking. Irpu is a popular trekking area, and a well-known trek starts from Irpu Falls and leads all the way to the Brahmagiri peak at just over 1600 metres from sea level. The falls are also a popular picnic spot amongst locals especially during weekends.
The Rameshwara temple near the Irpu waterfall attracts Hindu pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival in February. It is said that lord Rama himself installed the shivalingam inside the temple.
Where to Stay at IrpuFalls
There are several nice homestays in the Irpu Falls area. All offer comfortable accommodation, some in cozy wooden cottages, with home-cooked meals. Some homestays can also arrange safaris to the nearby Nagarahole National Park for some tiger spotting.
How to Get to Irpu Falls
Irpu Falls are near the Kutta village, 80 km from Coorg's capital Madikeri and 30 km from Gonikoppal. There are also buses between Bangalore and Kutta. The town of Virajpet, approximately 50 km from Irpu, has more bus connections including Volvo buses to Bangalore. Those coming from Bangalore or Mysore can stop at Irpu Falls and continue their trip towards the Wayanad National Park in Kerala.
When to Visit Irpu Falls
Irpu Falls look best during the monsoon from June to September, but it also rains heavily here in the monsoon season. A good time to visit is right after the monsoon when the rain ceases but there is plenty of water in the falls. In the winter, from November to February, days are sunny but nights are chilled. When the rest of South India suffers from summer heat in April and May, Coorg still has a pleasant climate.
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