Agumbe - A roadtrip

Agumbe - A roadtrip

AGUMBE A BRIEF CARD -

Type - Hill station , Rainforest

Elevation - 643 meters

Highest point - Kundadri Hills (826 meters)

Nearest Airport - Mangalore International Airport  (100 km )

Agumbe is a beautiful city located in the Indian state of Karnataka. Agumbe is 1 hour 20 minutes far from Manipal.Its in Shimoga district.

When I visited Agumbe first time the road was not in a good condition but now it is constructed and well maintained. It lies on SH65 that is state highway 65 of Karnataka state.The bike I used was Yamaha Fazer 150cc. To have a good biking experience one should always check the bikes condition

Roadtrip - Manipal to Agumbe

Before starting the road trip to Agumbe one should  make sure that his bike is in good condition.Because after driving 20 kms towards Agumbe there are no garages or bike repairing shops. After 40 minutes I was able to see the Agumbe valley.
It was moist laden. I was able to see the clouds and they were making the Agumbe peaks not visible.When I was driving my bike I meet more than 20 hairpin turns.These turns were so sharp that you can go faster that 10 kmph. The next thing to keep in mind is that this road is only connection between Udupi and Shimoga district , so always heavy vehicles are passing by. Driving safely and slowly were only options.In between Agumbe and the valley there is a tourist point made by KSRTC which is known as Sunset Point. This point seemed to be one of the main attractions of Agumbe the sunset from this point was awesome.This point is located on a point from where almost whole western part of valley can be seen.

Believe me the Sunset I witnessed was one of the best.The whole Agumbe valley was covered with clouds and I was thinking that today I wont witness sunset due to monsoon.But sudennly a little area in the cloud blanked went away and I witnessed bright diffused sunrays in the valley. I was totally amused with the beauty derived by nature.

After this I started driving and within ten minutes I was in Agumbe village. Agumbe is a small village in the heart of western ghats. There was a small guest house near Agumbe bus stand , also there was a small restaurant where one can get tea and snacks. I had some snacks and then I decided I should visit the water fall ie just 5 km from Agumbe bus stand. Its a very small water fall (dont get confused with Koodlu Theertha falls water falls ).

This waterfall was having very small pedicure fishes. I was just wondering for pedicure people spend so much money but they can find free pedicure naturally here in Agumbe.

 KUNDADRI HILLS

After the small water fall I moved towards the famous Kundadri Hill. Kundadri Hill is a mystic peak and its hight is 826 meters . It has religious importance for Jain religion. Kundadri Jain temple was build by  contemporary  Jain rulers. This temple is peice of art. It shows the classical Indian Architecture .Even in modern times carrying megalithic stones to this hight is a difficult task.The Karnataka government has created MPCA(Medicinal Plants in-situ conservation area) on kundadri hills.This MPCA project was funded by National Medicinal Plants Board.

There are lot more places to visit in Agumbe. But in a single day these three places are easily approachable.

If anyone is planning to stay in Agumbe for atleast two to three days he can visit many more places like kudlu theertha falls , kunchikal falls.

The best time to visit Agumbe is in mid monsoon.The rain fall is high during this time.

Some time Agumbe is also referred as "The Cherrapunji of the South".

In Agumbe rainforest flora and fauna is very diverse.  Its a hot spot for zoology and botany lovers.

There is a institute set-up by government.Its name is   Agumbe Rainforest Research Station .

Its main motto is to conserve the rich biodiversity of Agumbe rain forests. As it inhabitats many animals which are in conservation status.

So this trip was very exciting and informative one. If you want more information about Agumbe rainforest and how to reach there then feel free to contact.