Visit Agumbe: 6 Top-Rated Destinations in Agumbe That One Must Not Miss (2024)

Karnataka is a wonderful holiday destination for those who love the versatility of landscapes. There is so much to see, and each place seems more beautiful than the other. One such amazing holiday destination in Karnataka is Agumbe. In the lap of the western ghats and surrounded by deep rainforests, Agumbe is easily one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. This place might not be well-known by a lot, but once you see all that Agumbe has to offer, you will certainly fall in love with this place. Here is a list of some spots that you must not miss out on while you are at Agumbe.

Visit Agumbe: 6 Top-Rated Destinations in Agumbe That One Must Not Miss

1. Kundadri Hills 

Agumbe is filled with wondrous spots to visit, and the Kundadri hills are definitely one of them. In the Thirthahalli Taluk, Shimoga district, this magnificent hill area is located. What adds to the magnificence of these hills is the altitude.

It is almost 3200 feet above sea level. Just like a lot of other formations, the Kundadri hills are also a part of monolithic rock formations. It does not stop there; these hills are laced with mountainous streams and lush green forests. It is quite a view to marvel at. Kundadri hills deserve an obvious mention when it comes to listing down places to visit in Agumbe.

Agumbe to Kundadri Hills Distance: 18 kms

2. Koodlu Threertha Falls

If you are a fan of beautiful waterfalls and the scenic beauty around them, then Koodlu Theertha Falls would be a place you should definitely pay a visit to. This waterfall is special as it falls down from an elevation of around three hundred feet. The gushing water then blends into a pond. Just sitting by the pondside or around can make you feel a sense of calm that only very few places can do.

The origin of this waterfall is from the Seeta river. In its different stages, the river seems to behave in different ways, so much so that if you see an individual stretch, you would not even know it is the same river. The best time to visit Agumbe and this waterfall is during the monsoon or winter. At those times of the year, the climate is moderate and comfortable.

Agumbe to Koodlu Theertha Falls: 25 Kms

3. Sunset Point

If we are talking about must-visit places in Agumbe, it is obvious that Sunset point will be mentioned. Some people absolutely love enjoying good sunsets, and this spot is perfect for them. If you want just to sit and watch a gorgeous sunset, and that too up from a high cliff, don’t miss the sunset point. As we mentioned earlier, the Western Ghats surround Agumbe, and this spot is on the highest point of the Western Ghats. You can imagine what a view it would be from that elevation! There are numerous hairpin bends on the way up to Agumbe. It is an extremely high mountainous terrain, and one of those bends is the Sunset Point. You could reach the spot easily in ten minutes if you are in the Agumbe village.

Agumbe to Sunset Point in Agumbe: 1.5 kms

4. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station

Offbeat locations deserve special mention, and definitely so is someplace like the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. It is of utmost ecological significance, and if you are someone who likes to explore and walk around places that are not among really popular places, then ARRS is perfect for you.

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kudremukh National Park are important parts of this research station complex. The research station is located at a height of 560 meters above sea level. The entire area is surrounded by lush green forests and makes it quite an interesting spot.

Romulus Whitaker laid the foundation of the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station in order to protect the wildlife and forests of Southern India. This station has been a great step towards creating awareness about forest conservation and protecting animals.

These forests are even inhabited by King Cobras. It is a very venomous snake and even the longest in the world.

This station has rescued around a hundred King Cobras within the span of five to six years and is part of multiple forest and wildlife conservation projects.

Canopy Access Studies and Tree Surveys can be considered some of the more important projects this research station is a part of.

The ARRS has a hydroelectric unit that they have put up to help maintain ecological balance. It is also deemed to be a biodiversity region.

Agumbe Rainforest Research Station to Agumbe distance: 2.5 kms.

5. Barkana Falls

Speaking of tourist places in Agumbe, the Barkana Falls deserves mention because it is the highest waterfall our country has. It is at a jaw-dropping height of 850 meters and attracts a humongous number of travelers each year.

The dense rainforests of the Western Ghats house this magnificent waterfall. The Barkana Falls make way for the Seeta river to flow through the areas surrounding the waterfall, and thus, is of ecological importance.

There are plenty of deers found in the adjacent areas, and that is where the falls got its name from. These deers are called “ Barka,” and thus, the falls were named Barka Falls.

These falls offer you a lovely view of the adjacent hills and the Western Ghats. You will surely fall in love with the mesmerizing experience that this spot will provide you with.

Barkana Falls to Agumbe distance: less than 10 kms.

6. Onake Abbi Falls

For all those people who love going on small trekking adventures wherever they go, Agumbe offers you a wholesome experience. It is a short trek of around eight kilometers from Agumbe to the Onake Abbi Falls, but it will surely make you fall more in love with the forest.

The story behind the naming of the falls is also very unique.

The word ‘onake ‘ refers to a stick that helps to pound grains. This practice is prevalent mostly in small villages.

The falls is named after this unique tool.

Onake Abbi Falls to Agumbe Distance: 3 Kms

Conclusion

As we mentioned earlier, Karnataka is a wonderful place if you are looking for diversity. The culture is diverse, along with the topography.

Agumbe is definitely worth paying a visit to, owing to the plethora of attractions that it has to offer. Right from dense rainforests to free-flowing rivers and magnificent waterfalls, this place has it all and deserves to be on your list of holiday destinations.