Agumbe: Located in the mountain that connects the plains of Karnataka with the coastal region, Agumbe is covered with verdant forests, streams and little cascades. It is one of the mesmerising hill stations in India. Agumbe gets lots of rain, around 8000 mm every year, which is why it’s known as the “Cherrapunji of South India”. A famous herpetologist Romulus Whitaker established a tropical research station called the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) to learn about King Cobra species.
Agumbe emerges as a tranquil heaven for nature enthusiasts. This place offers visitors from all over the world to experience a delightful escape into the lap of pristine nature. Situated at the Western Ghats of Karnataka at an altitude of approximately 830 m above sea level, Agumbe mesmerises visitors with its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mist-c0vered hills. The weather in Agumbe is nice all year round, with cool winds. During the rainy season, Agumbe gets a lot of rain, which makes it perfect for people who love nature. This blog aims to provide 10 best places to visit in Agumbe to discover the scenic beauty.
Also, read famous places to visit in Karnataka.
10 Best Places to Visit in Agumbe
Below are famous places to visit in Agumbe for vacations.
- Sunset Point: Witness the mesmerising sunset from the viewpoint at the summit of Agumbe. The place offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, blanketed in golden hues. The sunsets are particularly stunning from November to January, when the sky is clear and less cloudy during this time. It’s just a 10 minute walk from Agumbe village.
- Barkana Falls: Embark on a trekking adventure to Barkana falls. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Karnataka, with a height of over 800 feet amidst dense forests. Located within the Balehalli forest, Barkana falls promises an immersive natural experience amidst its lush surroundings.
- Agumbe Rainforest Research Station: Discover the diverse plants and animals of the Western Ghats at the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. This special place was made by Romulus Whitaker in 2005 to protect and learn about tropical rainforests. Agumbe gets a lot of rain because of the dense forests.
- Onake Abbi Falls: Enjoy the stunning sight of Onaki Abbi falls, located within dense forests. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Agumbe, involving 5-6 km trek to reach the destination.
- Koodlu Theertha Falls: Discover the serene beauty of Koodlu Theertha falls, located 20 km from Agumbe amidst lush greenery. The only way to explore the waterfall by 4 km scenic trek through the Western Ghats. Koodlu Theertha falls is the very first waterfall of the river Sita.
- Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary: Must visit to the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, which was founded in 1974. It got its name from the deity god, Lord Someshwara. The cool thing about this place is river Sita, flowing through the sanctuary. A lot of rare animal and bird species live here.
- Doddamane: The very popular TV show Malgudi Days was filmed in the village of Agumbe. Most people look forward to visit to Doddamane, which was the home of Swami, a character from Malgudi Days.
- Agumbe Ghat: Take a drive on the beautiful Agumbe Ghat, which is a curvy road that goes through dense forests. Along the way, explore amazing views of the Western Ghats.
- Gopalakrishna Temple: Visit Gopalakrishna temple in the Kabbinale village of Agumbe to explore ancient architecture and art. The temple was built during Hoysala period in dedication to Lord Krishna. It has 108 steps, symbolizing the 108 names of Lord Krishna.
- Kundadri Hill: Kundadri hills is located at 3000 feet above sea level, falling under Theerthahalli province. Experience the dense trekking paths to capture the natural beauty of the hill. It is considered one of the best hills to trek. There is a Jain temple from 17th century and two small ponds on Kundadri hill, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Also, read famous national parks in Karnataka.
How to Reach Agumbe?
Traveling to Agumbe is quite convenient with various transportation options available.
By Road: Agumbe is well-connected by road with regular KSRTC bus services operating from major cities, such as Bangalore, Mangalore and Shimoga. Agumbe bus station serves a convenient transportation hub for travelers seeking to explore the region’s natural beauty. The distance from Bangalore to Agumbe is around 346 km, taking nearly 8 hours to cover the distance, whereas Shimoga is 90 kms from Agumbe.
By Air: There is no airport in Agumbe, the closest one is in Mangalore located 135 kms away.
By Train: Udupi railway station is the closest to Agumbe.
Also, read types of KSRTC buses in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit Agumbe
The best time to visit Agumbe is during the post monsoon season from October to February. Visit the place when the weather is cool and pleasant to witness the lush green and vibrant flora. However, adventure enthusiast may also explore Agumbe during monsoon season from June to September to witness the majestic waterfalls. The best things you can do is trekking, hiking, exploration, photography, sightseeing, temple visits, rafting and more in Agumbe.
Conclusion
Agumbe is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiast. With its stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests, Agumbe offers an memorable experience to witness the serene beauty of the Western Ghat. This beautiful place has iconic viewpoints, temples, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. Book your KSRTC bus tickets to Agumbe with redbus and plan your travel to experience this enchanting destination.