Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls is considered a sacred place by local people because of a legend associated with Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana. As per the story, as the two were passing along the Bhramagiri range while looking for Rama's beloved wife, Sita, who had been kidnapped, Rama asked his younger brother to fetch him some water to drink. On his brother's request, Lakshmana looked around for a source of water, but could not find any. To do his duty at any cost, Lakshmana then shot an arrow penetrating into the Brahmagiri hills, which spilt out the clean and pure stream of the river which later came to be known as Lakshmana Tirtha - a name taken from its creator.

Due to this legend, the Iruppu falls are believed to possess the power to cleanse sins and purify one's soul and are hence visited by thousands of devotees around the year seeking for salvation, especially on the Shivaratri day.

1. Visit the Rameshwara Temple

Corresponding to the legend, the Rameshwara temple and its shivalinga is said to be built by Lord Rama himself at this very spot to worship the Lord of destruction. The temple has a circular sanctum-sanctorum and its peak is a low one in resemblance to Kerala style of architecture. There are shrines of other gods and goddesses like his consort Parvati, son Ganesh, Gandharva and Bhairava. There is an Ashoka tree in front of the temple which recalls Sita's captivity under Ravana in Ashokavan of Lanka. It is necessary to pay a visit and respect to the temple before going up to the falls.

2. Nature Walk

There is 500 metres uphill walk along the stream to reach the first fall of Iruppu. The path is slippery and covered with thick woods on both sides. It is a captivating experience for nature lovers as well as photographers, for the scenery offers many picture-perfect frames.

3. Take a Dip in the Waterfalls

Devotees usually take a dip in the cold flowing water of the waterfalls after visiting the temple; it is said that the stream water rinses away all the impurities in one's mind and soul.

4. Visit the 2nd Tier of the Falls

Many people climb up the steep slope to reach the second tier of the falls, but one has to be extra careful about their safety.

5. Camp out Closeby

The place is ideal to spend an hour or two in the lap of nature enjoying the serenity and silence. The green forest around and the Iruppu waterfalls shining in between creates a great view to behold and also capture.

1. Since the climb up the steep road is very slippery and risky, it is preferred if you wear covered and sturdy shoes that will not give away easily and protect your feet from hurting.
2. There are changing rooms near the falls in case someone needs to change into dry clothes after taking a dip in the falls.

Located about 80 km from Madikeri and 25 km from Nagarhole, these falls are easily accessible by roadway. The best way to reach this place is to hire a jeep or a taxi from these nearby cities. It falls on the way to the Nagarhole National Park from Gonikopal. The nearest village is Srimangala. There are places for parking before the walk into the forest starts