-Location: Kurchi Village, South Kodagu, Coorg, Karnataka-571217
-Height: 52 meters above the sea level
History of Iruppu Falls:
According to the locals and pious Hindus, the history of Iruppu Falls dates back to the days of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama and his devoted brother Lakshmana passed this way during their exile days in search of Sita who was held captive by Ravana. During their journey, Rama felt thirsty and asked his brother to fetch water. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Bramhagiri forest and immediately a fountain came down the hills in tremendous force that helped them quench thirst.
Locals believe that the epic shrine of Lord Shiva inside the temple was also installed and consecrated by Lord Rama himself during his exile days.
Places to Visit Near Iruppu Falls:
1. Nagarhole National Park- About 35 Km from the Iruppu Falls (via Gonikoppal-Kutta Road), the park is a bountiful haven for the real wildlife enthusiasts and solitude seekers. The northern and southern boundaries are made by River Kabini and Bandipur National Park respectively.
The two national parks are clearly separated by a dam of River Kabini and its reservoir that renders a picture perfect setting to the entire region. You can spot on animals like the Indian Sloth Bear, Civet Cat, sambar, mongoose, elephant, jackal, panther and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians including Krait, Russel’s Viper, Indian Cobra, and Monitor Lizard.
2. Kutta- The small idyllic hamlet is located on the border of Karnataka and Kerala and is the main entrance to Nagarhole National Park from visitors from Kerala. Although there is no major site of attraction in Kutta apart from the Kabini backwaters, the natural setting of the place is worth your visit. The place is easily accessible by road from Iruppu Falls as it serves as a site of nature-centric tourism in Coorg.
3. Srimangala- A great weekend gateway, Srimangala has something interesting for all kinds of tourists. Without pinching your pocket or enduring much hassle, here you can enjoy the real fun of an excursion to the Iruppu Falls. Whether you are on a solo trip or touring in a group with family or friends, there are a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities for adventure junkies.
4. Chettali- Chettalli is a quaint, petite village on the Madikeri-Siddapur Road about 63 Km from Iruppu Falls which offers a blissful weekend retreat to the locals. Misty hills and unending greenery exude a typical serenity to the whole region and allure tourists from the neighboring places.
The Cherala Bhagawati Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. While shortlisting the places of interest for your Iruppu Falls trek, don’t miss out on this hidden treasure of Coorg.
5. Brahmagiri Peak- Brahmagiri Peak is a part of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary which is a popular trekking destination at Coorg and a great place for sightseeing. Located at a distance of 45 Km from Iruppu Falls the trail up to the peak comprises of rolling grasslands, vibrant flora and glistening streams under the blue dome of the sky enveloped in a blanket of thick deciduous forest.
The journey to the mist covered Bramhagiri peak is easy through the tropical forest and bamboo thickets but it grows steeper as you climb up. As you hike along the Shola forest you may spot Giant Flying Squirrel, Spotted Deer and other faunae that have made this forest their natural territory.
Places to Eat Near Iruppu Falls:
A few popular eateries near Iruppu Falls where you can enjoy dining and other refreshments after a tiring trip:
1. Hotel Sapthagiri- Located about 6 Km from the Iruppu Falls, veg and non-veg dishes available
2. Café Robusta- 6.5 Km approx.
3. Safari Inn- 22 km approx. from Iruppu Falls, South Indian cuisines (veg and non-veg) are available
4. PPM Restaurant- 19 Km approx. from Iruppu falls, specialises in Kerala cuisines (veg and non-veg)
5. Hotel New Sahara- 19 Km approx. from Iruppu Falls, veg and non-veg dishes available
Places to Stay Near Iruppu Falls:
Here’s a rundown of some of the most sought after places to stay near Iruppu Falls:
1. Machan Nagarahole- The Machan Wilderness Lodge located amidst the lush coffee estates in south Coorg is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who are ready with their cameras to capture wild animals in their variant moods. It takes approximately 90 minutes from Mysore to reach the lodge.
2.Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa- A 5 star luxury hotel perched above 4000 ft. from the sea level amidst an expansive rainforest area stretching over 18 acres. The interior is well decked in typical Kodagu finesse which promises you of a comfortable stay when you are far from home. When it comes to living in style, Taj Madikeri has to be your superlative choice.
3. Yamini Green- As soon as you touch down at the lodge with an ascetic exterior you can perceive the aptness of the name given to it. Yamini Green is a homely tourist lodge where you can enjoy homely comfort in the lap of sinless natural surroundings. The lodge has a domestic kitchenette where you can prepare food and enjoy dining with family and friends. The distance of the Iruppu Falls from Yamini Green is about 1 km approximately.
4. Sherlock Jungle Retreat- Looking for a premium accommodation with homely ambiance? Check out for vacancies at the Sherlock Jungle Retreat homestay which is located at no distance from the Iruppu Falls. The homestay provides river rafting facilities to the adventure seeking boarders from July till September every year. You can also enjoy jungle safari at the Nagarhole Forest and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that are close to the homestay.
Tips for Visiting Iruppu Falls
- Monsoon is the best time to visit Iruppu Falls but at this time the rivers are in full rage and accidents are common in this area. Take a guide if you are venturing out on rafting.
- There are Sulabh Sauchalayas (changing rooms) inside the falls premises for changing clothes after bathing in the falls or if you are wet during monsoon trek.
- A few things you should include in your backpacking are a pair of waterproof shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, torch, towel and an extra pair of outfit.
- Carry your identity proof (authorized by the government) before starting your journey.
- There are no restaurants near the falls. A few roadside stalls are there on the way to the falls but the food and refreshment items are overpriced. So, it's advisable to carry your own snacks and bottled water for the excursion.
- Since the trekking trail up to the falls is steep and slippery, it is recommended to wear covered and sturdy running shoes that will protect your feet from being hurt.
