Koosalli Falls - A beautiful 6 steps cascading hidden waterfall

A not-so-known waterfall - Koosalli Falls, is a beautiful place to visit on a weekend if you are from Bangalore. An overnight journey in Dakshina Kannada, now the Udupi district. The waterfall is in the middle of rain forest in western ghats. Koosalli falls is in Sharavathi valley and is deep in the jungle.

Koosalli Falls

Koosalli Falls, located in Sharavathi Valley, is approximately 300 kilometers from Bangalore and is an overnight excursion. Even though the falls are visible from afar, getting to the base or anyplace near the waterfalls requires a journey through the jungle. The first few minutes will be spent in a rubber plantation (private property), followed by entry into a forest managed by the Karnataka forest department.

There is a route that leads all the way to the falls, however, it may be closed due to dense vegetation. The route can be adventurous at times because it is not well known to outsiders and not many people visit this location. Given the very dark woodland region, I would recommend visiting in a group rather than going alone.

It is worth noting that the Koosalli falls are located in the heart of the Western Ghats rain forest. The area is also widely known for King Cobra and Russel's Viper, two of the most dangerous and toxic snakes one may encounter. Keep an eye out for areas in and around the rocks near the waterfall and walkway. There are no hospitals nearby, and trekking back will take at least an hour.

Koosalli Falls Trek

This is one of the famous waterfalls near Kundapura. From the road's end to the start of the journey, one can take an auto. It takes around 45 minutes to one hour of walking from the beginning point through the dense forest to reach the summit and enjoy the view of this beautiful waterfall. The journey is more of a flat walk in the densely growing creepers and climbers, small muddy trails, and super slippery rocks near the waterfall. It is strongly advised to wear footwear with a solid grip. Because the forest is so dense, darkness sets in well before sundown. So plan to finish the hike before dark.

Where is Koosalli Waterfalls located?

Koosali Falls is a natural and untouched place near Shirooru, which is 76 kilometers from Udupi on NH 17 heading towards Karwar. Udupi is roughly 36 kilometers away from Kundapura. Koosalli Falls is a stunning waterfall located in deep woodland near the Koosalli hamlet, 45 kilometers from Murudeshwar, 95 kilometers from Udupi, and 20 kilometers from Shiroor (on the Udupi-Karwar route). The Koosalli waterfall lies 20 kilometers from Shiroor through Toodalli (also known as Soodalli) and 5 kilometers from the settlement of Koosalli.

The stream ahead

A few kilometers from Koosalli Falls is a stream that goes farther, where you may spend the full day enjoying water activities. Because the water is not too deep, even individuals who have never swum before can enjoy it. However, you must use caution due to the slick stones. We liked it for a few hours because it wasn't raining, but the water level quickly rose once it started to rain. In less than 30 minutes, the water level had risen to double its original height, with a strong current. We couldn't tell if the water level had risen or fallen. So, if it's pouring, be cautious.

Koosalli Waterfall YouTube video

https://youtu.be/GQEbOrmo0MU

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Cycling at Turahalli Forest - A captivating weekend getaway

Turahalli forest is ideal for a quick weekend getaway. It is situated on the outskirts of Bangalore. A great place for morning walks or first-time riders. The region is within the jurisdiction of the forest department and is thus protected. Other than peacocks and a few smaller animals, there is no wildlife here.

What to expect in Turahalli forest?

This location is around 16 kilometers from the Silkboard overpass and is great for getting away from the traffic and crowds without leaving Bangalore city. There are two hills, and after you reach the top, there is a temple on each of them. The view from the summit is both magnificent and soothing. This is the ideal area to begin if you want to practice advanced-level mountain riding on the Himalayan slopes or in the western ghats.

How to reach Turahalli forest?

This was my first ride on my brand new bike (Polygon Premier 3 mountain bike). It was the morning of Saturday. I had a great time riding till I got to Turahalli forest since we had to go on nice level tar roads past Banashankari. It was the weekend, so there was less traffic than usual. If you're only passing through, you may also take a public bus from Banashankari. People gather here for morning and evening walks from surrounding apartments.

Cycling uphill at Turahalli forest

Once you reach the forest, the route is entirely dirt and ideal for mountain bikers. We dropped the gear and pedaled all the way uphill till we reached the top. We took a stop and parked our mountain bikes in front of the temple, close to a banyan tree, to enjoy the scenery. We walked around and looked around. We shot some pictures while sitting near the pond.

Visiting the nearby hill and the temple

We paused here for a while before heading downhill to the entrance, where we took the path to the right, which brought us to the second hill. We ate some snacks in front of the second temple, under a banyan tree. The view from this point is once again breathtaking. It's a great place to meditate because it's peaceful and not too crowded, in my view.

We toured the area and were on our way downward by midday. It's a great destination for a quick weekend getaway or a team adventure. Check out the video below to see me cycling around Turahalli Forest. Because I was testing with my new Yi action camera, the movie is a little wobbly.

https://youtu.be/CUbt7tzGUSs

What MTB should I buy or rent?

If you're wondering what MTB I'm riding, look no further. Polygon is the brand name, and it is not commonly accessible in India. The brand is fantastic, and the build quality is fantastic. You might also check out the MTBs from Decathlon or Firefox Cycles. Nowadays, there are many more brands to choose from. By the way, I utilized Firefox MTB throughout my National mountain riding adventure to Leh, which lasted over a week and began and ended at the line of control at Lamayuru.

Is Turahalli forest safe for cycling?

Because the Turahalli forest area is on the outskirts of Bangalore and people from all over the nation visit, I would recommend coming with a group of friends rather than going alone. At times, the trekking journey may feel lonely. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Cycling Expeditions

If you want to embark on bike trips, the Turahalli forest riding workout is a great place to start. Cycling trips conducted by the Youth Hostel Association of India, which Indian people can join, can be found in India. These bike trips are generally a week long. The one I chose is the Leh Mountain Biking Expedition, which begins and ends in Lamayuru, crossing the Foto La (pass), and was one of the nicest experiences I've ever had.

https://youtu.be/OcnmXTOkjuE

Mountain Biking Expedition you should try next

The journey from Manali to Leh is 15 days long and can be exhausting. The landscape is rough, and you had to cross Rothang pass back then; also, the road was under construction and was mostly dirt. The road conditions have improved, and there is now the Atal tunnel. This needed substantial training because mountain biking lasts two weeks and requires high stamina as well as the proper cycling clothing, primarily shorts with a built-in saddle or cycling shorts.

Update: Forest officials will not allow any cycling activities inside the Turahalli reserve forest, which is spread over 500 acres on the city outskirts. Check the officials for the latest updates.

Morning view from Nandi Hills - Incredibly beautiful

If you're caught in traffic all the time in Bangalore, or if you're engaged in a busy job schedule, you'll undoubtedly need a break. There's a site in Bangalore called Nandi Hills with amazing vistas that you can visit even on weekdays and won't take up much of your time. It is, in my opinion, a must-see location.

Camera Gear used: Nikon D610, Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VRII, Manfrotto tripod.

Is Nandi Hills open?

Nandi Hills is now open to tourists on weekends. Tourists must make bookings for their visit to the historic hill castle at least one day in advance. To enter Nandi Hills, you'll need a pass. Nandi Hills is recognized as one of the best and most appropriate weekend escape spots. The parking ticket was a bit on the expensive side. In Nandhi Hills, you may also stay in a government hotel.

How to reach Nandhi hills

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Nandi Hills is located 60 kilometers from Bangalore city at a height of around 1500 meters. Take the toll road to the airport (buy return tickets to save some money on toll). The Nandi Hills top should take about 75 to 90 minutes to reach with this approach. A large number of motorcycles visit this location in a queue, one after the other.

As of this writing, the roads are in decent shape. It is preferable to own a vehicle or hire a self-driving automobile. To reach the base of the Nandi Hills, leave Bangalore early in the morning, about 4 a.m. At the bottom of the hill, there is a gate that, depending on the local police, maybe locked until 6 a.m. The hours of operation for Nandhi Hill are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the time of writing.

Morning view from Nandi Hills

It's a 20-minute trip up, and instead of parking, you drive directly into the main fort gate, collect your admission ticket, and then drive within the fort for another 5 minutes to reach the opposite side of the Nandi Hills. Make sure you are there at the hilltop by 6 a.m., or 7 a.m., to see the dawn and the cloud-covered countryside vista. There are several points of view. On weekends, this location may be overcrowded, resulting in a traffic bottleneck on the hilltop. On weekends, I would recommend leaving early or going during the week.

View from Nandhi Hills #bangalore #india
www ravindrajoisa com#goldenhours #travel #landscapephotography #photo pic.twitter.com/89Vr29TpTR

— Ravindra Joisa (@ravindrajoisa) October 28, 2015

The views from these vantage points are breathtaking. Above the cloud, surrounding peaks, forests, and large structures may be visible. Other attractions in Nandi Hills include the pond, temple, and summer palace. The inside of the fort can be explored later that day, but for a glimpse of the cloud-covered countryside, an early morning visit is recommended.

https://youtu.be/KnuoDPYJ_z8

Nandhi Hills hiking trail

Nandhi Hills has a second entrance. Tippu's summer palace stands behind the entrance on the top of the hill. This location has a stairwell entry. Park your car behind the Nandhi temple, which is located at the bottom of the Nandhi hills, to access the Nandhi hills hiking route. Although you may see hikers on this trail early in the morning, I would recommend traveling in groups rather than going alone because there have been incidences of thievery.

https://youtu.be/eUKhpVe0PzQ

This is the path that leads to the top of the hill. The trek uphill will take around 2 hours, and the trail offers some of the greatest views in the area. If you are going on the weekend, I would strongly advise you to take the hiking route rather than the motorable road because the motorable road is still quite congested and people spend hours stuck in traffic. Parking on the summit is restricted, and there are too many vehicles early in the morning to observe the sunrise.

Where is Skandagiri?

Skandagiri, which is close to the Nandhi hills, is another popular weekend trek spot. This is a wonderful site for hikers, similar to Nandhi Hills, where the walk begins in the middle of the night and trekkers seek refuge at the medieval abandoned temple on top while waiting for the morning light.

View of Skandagiri from Nandhi Hills

Note that there is no motorable road to the summit, so you'll have to hike for around 2 hours. Hiking to Skandagiri also needs a forest permit, which may be obtained at the trail's beginning or end. The gate unlocks about 2 or 4 a.m. and closes again every now and again. For the most up-to-date information, check with the locals, then watch the movie below to get a sense of what it's like to walk to Skandagiri.

https://youtu.be/ZRlPX4bD2N8

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Makalidurga Trek - An ideal weekend budget getaway, just 60 km from Bangalore

Makalidurga is a hill fort that is around 60 km from Bangalore city. The remains of the fort at the summit have an old Shiva temple. This temple and the fort are on top of a huge granite hillock. The approach to the top of the hill is to hike all the way up through tall grass and boulders. This is an ideal place to start with trekking as it's comparatively easier when compared to other local treks and the view on top is really good. People from Bangalore and neighboring places go to this place for a day or night trek.

How to get to Makalidurga

We took the early morning 7:40 AM train from Cantonment Railway Station in Bangalore to Makalidurga. Makalidurga is a remote place and the railway station looked deserted with just a few monkeys around it took about 90 minutes to reach this station from Bangalore city. From here the train went further and we followed the same track route for another 3 kilometers by walk till we reached the foot of the Makalidurga hill. There is a parallel jeep route which is equally good to walk if you feel that the railway track is not the place for you.

Take a left from the railway line and after walking for about 5 minutes you will find a temple. Take a small break under the shade. This is the last place where you can find some water to drink. So, it's better to fill up your water bottles. The trail continues behind the temple. Continue further for about 10 minutes.

How long does it take to climb Makalidurga?

Even for beginners, the climb up and back should not take more than 2 hours. The whole distance would be between 1.5 and 2 kilometers. It begins as you cross the railroad tracks into the woods. Arrows are used to denote the trail. This trek is suitable for children as young as six years old, and they will enjoy it, just be careful around the boulder section.

How difficult is the Makalidurga trek?

Makali Durga is a day hike that takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete. The treks are now administered by the Department of Forest, Karnataka Government, and so require permission to participate. The walk is easy to complete, with the exception of a few large stones that must be climbed. There is no formal man-made route; rather, it is an exploration and journey to the hilltop.

Entrance to Makalidurga

To the right, you will find the Makalidurga hill (also called Makali betta). Take a right and the trails go up which is a gradual climb. There is no proper trail, and you will have to find your own way to go up through the tall grass and boulders. It's easy and there is only one way up. At some point midway, you may only find a rock that is manageable to climb without any rope.

Take a short break and turn around to see the beautiful green landscape around. You will find many such small peaks which are like Makalidurga, which you can explore on your own on weekends. There is a lake named Gundamagere where you can spend some time later once you are done with your trek while going back. Continue further for another 30 minutes and you will reach on top. The total time from base to top should not take more than 90 minutes excluding breaks.

Once you reach on top is the entrance to the remains of the fort. This fort is not maintained and is in a sad state. Go around the fort to see the beautiful landscape around spend some time under the trees. There is a Shiva temple at the other end of the fort. This place is being worshiped even now. Visit the temple and sit there for a while. It's really cold inside, ideal place to be in the afternoon after hiking the entire morning.

Have lunch outside and relax in the tree shade for a while. Once you have explored the fort, it's time to leave. Follow the same route all the way down till you reach the railway track. Now, you can either go by train (the last train is at 5 pm) or go by bus. Continue walking for another 1 km from the base of the Makalidurga hill and you will reach the highway. There is N number of buses both private and govt that will go to Bangalore.

Are there entry fees for Makalidurga?

It was great fun for us and really enjoyed the weekend. Not too far from Bangalore, ideal one-day hike with a total expense of Rs. 150 (2 $USD) including food and travel from Bangalore. Note that now there is an entry ticket of Rs. 250. It's nice to get out of the crowded and polluted city once in a while and go for a hike of this kind, will keep you physically fit and healthy. Also, if you are planning to go for some easy to moderate level Himalayan treks then treks like Makalidurga, Shiva Gangey, etc are good ones to start with.

I hope you found this blog article interesting. Now that you have gone through the post, will you be adding this to your travel bucket list? Comment below and I will let you know what other places things you need to know. You might wish to share this post with your like-minded friends and add this destination to your bucket list of places to visit. If you enjoy my work, please consider joining my FriendZone, which is absolutely free, as well as subscribing to my YouTube channel. You may also help me out by buying me a cup of coffee to keep me going.

Kudremukh Trek - Truly a trekkers paradise

Kudremukh trek is a must-see if you're in Bangalore, and it's well-known among trekkers for its stunning scenery. This is a round journey that includes more than 10 streams to cross as well as wide meadows. Kudremukh means "horse's face" in Kannada. The unusual form of the summit inspired its name. Historically, this was known as Samseparvath because it was accessible from Samse village. Kudremukh is located in the Chikkamagaluru district, in the heart of the Western Ghats. It is part of the Kudremukh National Park, which is the western ghats' second-largest wildlife protected area.

Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka, India

What is the best time to visit Kudremukh?

The best time to visit this wonderful location is during the monsoon and winter. You may come at any time of year, although it is most beautiful during the monsoon season. If you're lucky, you could glimpse "Neelakurinji" purplish-blue flowers during the monsoon, which bloom just once every 12 years. We were quite fortunate to witness this since the entire mountain range was blanketed with either green or purple-blue flowers.

The trail is clean and is plastic-free. The peak is at an altitude of 1894 meters above sea level. The meadows are so beautiful that it reminds me of my Himalayan trek to Roopkund, on day two we had to cross Asia's largest high altitude meadows - the famous Bedni Bugyal which has some amazing campsites.

How long does it take to trek Kudremukh?

The Kudremukh trek is an easy to moderate hike that takes around 11.5 kilometers one way from Mullodi to the peak. Because you are not permitted to camp or remain overnight, you must return all the way to Mullodi. So, a total of around 23 kilometers must be accomplished in one day, which is achievable. Can novices attempt the Kudremukh Trek? - Yes, of course. This hike is suitable for first-time hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Kudremukh trekking package

It's not that difficult to complete the Kudremukh trek. I would strongly advise you to undertake this on your own because it is more of a DIY trek and a one-day journey. Kalasa/Kudremukh is the nearest town, and there are direct buses from Mangalore, Bangalore, and Udupi. The distance from Bangalore is 340 kilometers. As a result, board an overnight bus to Kalasa or Kudremukh. From Kalasa Bus, you may trek on your own or contact the base camp owner (homestay) - Raje Gowda (Ph: 9481179008), who can organize pickup and drop-off at the base camp/homestay as well as an overnight stay if you wish to stay for a long time and depart the next day.

Kudremukh Trek Route

Kudremukh trek begins at the base camp/Mullodi guesthouse, where the forest department headquarters is located. Purchase admission tickets to the forest. This is the last home before the trek begins. You will have to cross more than ten creeks. The Kudremukh trek trail features a 30-degree incline.

Carry a raincoat during the Kudremukh trek and be prepared for severe rain and cold wind once you reach the summit. There is no need to bring an extra water bottle because there are several streams even as you reach the summit. When you reach the top, bring a packed lunch, spend some time there, and then return the same way to the base camp around 5 or 6:00 p.m. During the monsoon season, you should pack salt and soak your socks in saltwater before wearing them to keep the leech away. There are also creams that are readily available at any medical store.

The Kudremukh hike is a one-day excursion. Here's how to plan for the Kudremukh trek and have a fun weekend. Leave Bangalore on Friday night at 10:00-10:30 p.m. via Karnataka Sarige (about 500 rupees)/Volvo bus from Kempegowda Bus Stand. Arrive at the Kalasa Bus Stop around 5:00 a.m.

You may reserve a jeep in advance by calling Raje Gowda, as well as the Kudremukh trek. The jeep trip (Rs. 500 to 700 - one way for 5 people) takes about an hour to reach the base camp/Mullodi guesthouse. There are two large rooms, each with its own bathroom. After breakfast, freshen up at base camp and be ready to start hiking by 8:00 a.m.

https://youtu.be/QXPxzciswCM

How to plan for Kudremukh trek

When you return from your journey from the Kudremukh trek, have a hot water bath at the base camp, followed by warm food and tea, and prepare for the campfire. You may either spend the night at the homestay and depart the next day for Bangalore, or you can leave the same day. From 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., buses leave from the Kalasa Bus Stand. You will arrive in Bangalore around 4:00 a.m. Raje Gowda would charge Rs 650 for breakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks, supper, overnight lodging, hot water, and breakfast the next day (as of 2014).

Don't forget to obtain forest department clearance by paying Rs. 275; else, as the locals would warn you, you may end up in trouble. Because this is a national park, the forest authority is tough about poaching. You must submit your information and pay the fee at the homestay. The aforementioned fee is current as of this writing and is subject to change. Mobile signal quality may be an issue at base camp, but as you climb higher, you should expect full signal strength.

Kudremukh National Park - Kurinjal

In brief, the Kudremukh trek may be completed in one day. The next day, in addition to the Kudremukh trek, you could wish to explore another famous hiking track, Kurinjal Peak, which is a bit shorter but is a perfect weekend trip from here.

https://youtu.be/18JpUZaN9-M

Kurinjal is a lesser-known peak in the Kuduremukh National Park, that acts as the perfect destination for people seeking a respite from the fast-paced and stressful city life. The trekking trail abounds in a mesmerizing natural beauty that is further enhanced by the calm and peaceful ambiance of the region.

Undertaking the trek takes the participants to another world, where the noise and pollution of the concrete jungles are replaced by picturesque surroundings, a breathtaking landscape, and an enchanting environment. As raw nature unravels itself at every step of the Kurinjal trek, it tickles the drowsy nerves of the participants and makes them feel truly alive besides redefining their concept of beauty and satisfaction.

Places near Kudremukh

Other places that we visited include the Somavathi waterfall, Kalasa temple, Hornadu temple, Tea Estate, and a hanging bridge. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog spot and watching my videos. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and you may buy me a coffee to support my work. Also, join my FriendZone by signing up for a free newsletter.