Waterfall Tourism in the Monsoons in India.

August to November are the best months of the year to watch the waterfalls in India. That's when the gently cascading waters would transform into gushing, plunging, voluminous, outstanding, powerful and intimidating water bodies - adding magnetism to an already attractive mountain landscape.

While some have the luxury of being perennial, some aren’t!

Meaning – no rainfall….no waterfall. So now you know why you need to visit the nearest waterfalls this monsoon.

The three waterfalls of India which have topped the lists are:

Kunchikal Falls – 1493 feet drop - the highest waterfalls in India and the second highest waterfalls in Asia. It is located in the Western Ghats and is caused by the River Varahi in Shimoga District of Karnataka State. While Rivers Tunga and Bhadra flow through the Shimoga District, Rivers, Sharavathi, Gangavathi, Tadadi and Kali originate in this District. But that’s not the cause for the highest waterfalls in India. It is being on the Western Ghat slopes and receiving one of the highest degrees of rainfall in the country that is causing it. The popular ‘Jog Waterfalls’ and ‘Barkana Falls’ which draw thousands of tourists are also in Shimoga District.

 Barehipani Falls – 1309 feet drop – a two-tiered waterfall which is the second highest waterfalls in India and is formed by River Budhabalanga in in Mayurbhanj District of Orissa State. The falls are situated in the Simlipal National Park which is home to 100 Royal Bengal Tigers and 432 Asian Elephants among other wildlife.

 Langshiang Falls – 1106 feet drop – the third highest waterfalls in India which is formed by River Kynshi in West Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya State. These falls are just 10kms away from the biggest River Island of Meghalaya State – ‘Nongkhnum Island’.

And my personal favourites are:

 Jog Falls – 829 feet drop – the second highest ‘plunge-waterfall’ in India – formed by Sharavathi River in Shimoga District in Karnataka. 1500 steps lead downhill from the view point to the bottom of the hill - opposite the falls giving you the complete full-frontal view of the falls which is a rarity considering that most natural landscape surrounding natural waterfalls do not permit the fully frontal up-close view. It’s the monsoon water that turns this stringy drop to a full-blown avalanche of white frothy water causing misty surrounding.

Hogenakkal Falls – 66 feet drop – formed by River Kaveri in Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu State. Its claim to fame is its resemblance to the Great Niagara Falls because of which it is also called the ‘Niagara of India’. Boat rides are major tourist attraction here.

Dudhsagar Falls – 1017 feet drop – formed by River Mandovi on the Goa-Karnataka border in Goa State. It is a multi-tiered waterfall located in Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary on the Western Ghats. During the monsoons, the Dudhsagar Falls swell up to a width of 100 feet making it one of the most powerful falls in India. Riding the train over the Falls is a major tourist attraction. Trekking around these Falls is another major tourist attraction. Tourists are allowed in this area only from October.

Dhuandhar Falls – 98 feet drop – formed by River Narmada in Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh State. This is a large roaring waterfalls which is heard from a distance. In peak monsoon, these Falls look like there are taking the Earth with them. The cable-car ride over these Falls is a uniquely thrilling experience.

Kiliyur Falls – 300 feet drop – formed by overflow of Yercaud Lake in the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It is a picturesque multi-tiered waterfall which falls down a stone slope. The monsoon-volume of the water in the Falls causes several mini umbrella falls on the slopes – increasing its visual appeal.

Meenmutty Falls – 984 feet drop – the highest waterfalls of Kerala State in Wayanad District. Scores points on visual eye-appeal of a thundering waterfall in dense virgin forests of the Western Ghats.

Pix courtesy: Wikipedia, mytraveltalk, odiya, walkthroughindia, kingnutin.flickr, thinkingparticle.

Barehipani Falls

One who visits Simlipal National Park can never miss the breathtaking sight of Barehpani Falls, which falls from the height of 399m and is one of the tallest waterfalls of India. Barehpani falls got its name from its appearance, as the fall looks like a single rope hanging from a great height, which suddenly unfurls to drop into a deep gorge of River Budhabalanga.  

Located in the midst of Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa, this waterfall is surrounded by dense deep forest, which enhances its wild beauty. This two tiered waterfall with tallest single drop of 259 m is one of most popular attractions of Orissa. Situated very close to this fall there is Joranda Falls, which is also a major point of attraction for all the tourists. There is a watch tower built into a cliff for the tourists, just opposite the waterfall, for enchanting view of the waterfall in the calm and serene atmosphere around. If you have gone in a group, you can even use this tower as a picnic spot. There is another view point with similar scenic beauty is from the wooden bungalow, situated on the slits.

   

  

During the amazing trip of Simlipal National Park with different types of flora and fauna around, these two waterfalls in the midst of the park are really eye appealing for the tourists.

So what are you waiting for? Start packing your baggage to set for a never forgetting tour of Simlipal National Park in Orissa. 

How to reach Barehpani Falls:
To reach the site of Barehpani Falls you have to get inside Simlipal National Park with the permit taken from the Baripada Office of the field Director, Simlipal Tiger Project. For the permission you need to apply at least a month in advance with your photo ID through e-mail or in writing and the permission can be collected on the spot after showing the confirmation letter given by the department.

There is an entry fee of Rs 40 for an Indian national and Rs 100 for a foreign national. The light motor vehicles are charged Rs 100. 

For Further Information contact:
Field Director
Phone Numbers: 0679 2252593/ 2260773
Email: simidig@sancharnet.in

Simlipal by Train:
 The nearest railway station is the Baripada railway station, which is well connected to the major cities of our country. From here you can take a bus or a taxi to reach your destination.

Simlipal by Air:
The airports which are near to this site are Kolkata (240 Km) and Bhubaneshwar (270 Km). From here you can either take train to Baripada or you can take a bus to reach Baripada.

Simlipal by Road:
There are two entry points to Simlipal, - Lulung and Joshipur. There are regular buses from Baripada railhead to Lulung which is at a distance of 30 Km and to Joshipur which is at a distance of 65 Km.