NewsIndiaAgumbe, Karnataka, India: Places, Best Time,Travel Guides

Agumbe, Karnataka, India: Places, Best Time,Travel Guides 2024

Often called the Cherrapunji of South India, Agumbe is known for its scenic beauty and bio-diversity. Nestled on a plateau on top of Someshwara Ghat, it is located at a distance of 380 km from Bangalore. It is situated in Shimoga district of Karnataka and gets its sobriquet because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest annual rainfall in India.

Agumbe, popularly known as the ‘Cherrapunji of South’, is a tiny village nestled in the thick rainforests of Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is one of the last surviving rainforests in India which receives an average of around 7,000mm of rainfall annually. With a population of around 500 people, Agumbe is situated in the Thirthahalli taluka of Shimoga district of North Karnataka.

Agumbe is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its rich biodiversity, waterfalls and red-hazy sun-set over the Arabian Sea. The village is also known as the ‘Cobra Capital’ of India because of the number of Cobras that are found here and could be encountered while driving along the Ghats. It is also a home to more than 70 other species of snakes.

Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, it is India’s one of the best places to explore the wildlife and the scenic views of Western Ghats. The major attraction of Agumbe is its dense forests where tourists enjoy trekking, hiking, rafting and bike-riding. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is also a major tourist attraction of this place where one can easily witness different species of butterflies, snakes, deer, scorpions, moths and many more animals.

Since it is situated at an altitude of 249m above sea level and surrounded by Western Ghats, the temperature remains pleasant for most parts of the year. Although, the best season to visit Agumbe is post-monsoon and winter as rain makes this place more green and beautiful to visit.

Which is the best time to visit Agumbe?

October to February is considered as the best time to visit Agumbe. The weather remains pleasantly cold and the temperature drops about 18°C in winter.
Since Agumbe is close to the coast, the temperature reaches 35°C during summers and experiences heavy rainfall during Monsoon.

What is famous in Agumbe?

Agumbe is famous for its western ghats, greenery, biodiversity and waterfalls. The spectacular view of the sunset dip in the Arabian Sea attracts tourists in a large number.
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agumbe Rainforest Research Center, Jogigundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Narasimha Parvatha Trek and Dodda Mane Agumbe are the most visited places in Agumbe.

How do I get to Agumbe?

Agumbe, Karnataka, India
Agumbe, Karnataka, India

By Air: There are two airports nearer to Agumbe: Mangalore International Airport which is 106 km and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport which is 378 km away from Agumbe. One can fly from all major cities to these airports to reach Agumbe.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Udupi which is 54 km from Agumbe. From Udupi railway station cabs or public transports are available to Agumbe.

By Road: KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, Shimoga, and Udupi to Agumbe.

How far is Agumbe from Bangalore?

The distance from Bangalore to Agumbe is around 346 km by road and it takes a maximum of 8 hours to cover the distance. For those who can’t drive, can take buses or don’t have their own vehicles can choose the option of private taxis or public buses that run from Bangalore to Agumbe on a daily basis.

By Road: Travelers who like to drive, can drive till Shimoga then take a road to Thirthahalli. Agumbe is thirty minutes drive from Thirthahalli.

By Train: There is no direct train connectivity to Agumbe from Bangalore. So, train lovers can take the train from Yesvantpur to Shimoga. From Shimoga, it’s a two hours bus journey from Shimoga bus stand to Agumbe.

Why is Agumbe known as Cherranpunji of South India?

Agumbe is a small village in North Karnataka which receives over 7000 mm of rainfall annually, making it the second rainiest place in India after Cherranpunji.
That’s why it is called the Cherranpunji of South India.

What are the best places to visit in Agumbe?

1. Sunset View Point

Sunset View Point Agumbe
Sunset View Point Agumbe

Located at one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, this place is a ten-minute walk from Agumbe village. The point gives a mesmerizing view of the sun surrounded by the Western Ghats with dark clouds, dipping into the Arabian Sea.

2. Barkana Falls

Barkana Falls
Barkana Falls

Barkana falls is located in the Ballehali forest region which is 10 km from Agumbe village. It is among the ten highest waterfalls in India with a total height of 850 meters. Travelers can either trek to the waterfall or choose the motorable path.

3. Kundadri Hills

Kundadri Hills
Kundadri Hills
It is a two days moderate trek to the hills and considered as one of the best hills of Agumbe to trek. The hill has a Jain Temple and two ponds at its top which were constructed in the 17th century.

4. Onake Abbi Falls

Onake Abbi Falls
Onake Abbi Falls
Onake Abbi falls is a 4-5 km trek from Agumbe comprising the serene trail of flora and fauna. The trek starts from Someshwar through dense forest and rocky slopes. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the waterfall from Someshwar.

5. Jogigundi Falls

Jogigundi Falls
Jogigundi Falls
It is located 3 km from Agumbe and a perfect place to chill with friends. It is a small waterfall with a pond that is filled with the water of the Malaphaari River. The pond is not so deep, so tourists can play and swim in the water.

6. Rainforest Research Station

Rainforest Research Station
Rainforest Research Station
It is one of the most popular ecological research institutes in India. The research station was established in 2005 to conserve the south Indian rainforests. It is situated inside the Agumbe Reserve Forest at Agumbe in the central Western Ghats.

7. Koodlu Theertha Falls

Koodlu Theertha Falls
Koodlu Theertha Falls
The fall is located 20 kms from Agumbe and is near the Sunset View Point. The waterfall is formed by the water of Seeta River that falls from a height of around 300 feet into a pond. It is a 4kms trek and trekkers can reach the fall through a bridge built across it.

8. Gopal-Krishna Temple

Gopal-Krishna Temple
Gopal-Krishna Temple
Built in the 14th-century, the temple attracts tourists with its architecture and beautiful sculptures. There are 108 steps leading to the temple that is built on the names of Lord Krishna.

9. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Located around 20 km from Agumbe, the Sanctuary is a home for tiger, leopard, jackal, dhole(wild dog), king cobra, giant flying squirrel, mouse deer and other wild species of fauna.

10. Kunchikal Falls

Kunchikal Falls
Kunchikal Falls
It is a 455 meters waterfall, considered to be higher than the Jog Falls. The waterfall is formed by the Varahi River and is the main source for one of the hydro-electricity projects in Karnataka.

What are the best things to do in Agumbe?

Agumbe, Karnataka, India
Agumbe, Karnataka, India

1.Trekking

Agumbe is nestled in the Western Ghats and trekking is one of the best possible ways to explore every hidden corner of this village. Narasimha Parvatha Trek is the most popular trek with the highest peak in Agumbe.

2. Hiking

Agumbe is an ideal destination for hiking. To reach Agumbe’s waterfall, tourists have to walk through the dense forests of the Western Ghats which give an enchanting experience to the hikers.

3. Exploring forests and wildlife

Agumbe has a rich biodiversity with several species of flora and fauna. It is a home for rare species of medicinal plants and reptiles, snakes, birds and animals. King cobra is the main attraction of tourists at the Agumbe’s rainforest.

4. Photography

Agumbe Rainforest is the best place for nature and wildlife photographers. From its sunset point to the highest waterfalls to its fauna. Photographers generally capture the rare species of animals and plants at this place.

5. Sightseeing

This village of Karnataka is filled with waterfalls, mountains, ponds, and greenery. There are various spots that give a perfect panoramic view of this beautiful hill station.

6. Visiting Ancient Temples

This place has a few ancient temples that are counted as must-visit tourist spots because of their architecture and stories behind it. Gopala Krishna Temple and Sringeri Sharada Peetham are the most popular temples of Agumbe.

7. Wildlife Sanctuary

Agumbe is a home for rare species of animals and birds and these are preserved by the wildlife sanctuaries of this area. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of the fauna with their friends and family.

8. Sunset

Agumbe is famous for the view of the sun-kissed Arabian Sea surrounded by the Western Ghats. This breath-taking view is one of the best sunset views in the country. Tourists can spend as much time as they want to feel the peace and beauty of this place.

9. Rafting at Sitanadi

During the monsoon, when the river flows at its peak, rafting takes place annually at Sitanadi. There are different rafting packages available depending on the distance and timings. It is a great adventurous activity at Agumbe.

How can I go to Agumbe from Shimoga?

By Road: Shimoga is around 90 kms from Agumbe. If you are driving, take the road to Thirthahalli from Shimoga to reach Agumbe. There are private buses as well which run Shimoga to AGumbe but the frequency is not that good.

By Train: There is no direct train to Agumbe. Shimoga is the nearest railway station. From here one can take private taxis or buses.

How can I go to Agumbe from Bangalore?

By Road: The distance between Agumbe and Bangalore is 362 km. It takes almost 7 hours to reach Agumbe from Bangalore by road. One can take a KSRTC bus or private bus or hire a taxi or drive a car from Bangalore to Agumbe.

By Train: There are no direct rail services available from Bangalore to Agumbe. One has to take a train from Yesvantpur railway station to Shimoga then take a bus or hire a cab to Agumbe.

By Air: Bangalore Airport is 378 km far from Agumbe. One has to take a bus or cab or train to reach Agumbe from Bangalore.

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