Sathodi Falls – though just 15 meters high – is quite a picturesque waterfall located deep in the forests of the western ghats. The stream further flows down into the backwaters of the Kodasalli Dam.
Waking up at 5 AM and driving thru the unknown roads (and in few spots no roads at all) was quite an ordeal. The rustic, rugged drive and the bit of early morning trek made it only more adventurous. The thunderous waterfall, the jagged & craggy boulders, the solitude with nature, the magical mist – all this kissed by the morning twilight – made it an even more enriching experience :)
Sony A7III : Sony 24-105 mm : ISO 100: 25 mm : f16.0 : 1/3 sec
There’s no better place than to be around a thundering waterfall and listening to its music. – Roland R Kemler
A trip to Idukki is not complete with out a visit to this beautiful waterfall – situated in a forest by Kanjikuzhy – vannapuram route. The drive itself is quiet scenic. The roads get steep and narrow as you get near the falls. When we went, there was some construction going near the Punnayar Bridge, hence we parked there and hiked the reminder of the way. Be aware that there are two waterfalls – Punnayar A and Punnayar B (wish they had better naming :)). Punnayar B is very close to the road and easy to reach. A short walk, a bit of wading thru the water or rock hoping will get you here. It is more safe and one can take a bath if they like.
Punnayar A on the other hand is away form road and involves a bit of hiking. Be cautious, the path is little deep, steep and slippery – especially in rainy season. If you have an off-roading vehicle especially bike, you can almost reach the waterfall (and reduce the hike distance). It is indeed a strenuous hike, but the view and the experience are far more grandeur and well worth it.
With the strenuous but tranquil trek in the forest, amidst the fragrance of the cashew trees, lovely & secluded waterfalls, paired with a breathtaking viewpoint of the valley down below – it is a spot not to be missed !
Sony A7III : Sony 24-105 mm : ISO 100 : 24 mm : f16 : 4 sec
Agaya Gangai is an enchanting waterfall located in Kolli Malai (Kolli Hills). River Aiyaru, a jungle stream, cascades down as the Agaya Gangai, near Arapaleeswarar temple. Agaya Gangai – as the name implies it indeed is the Ganges of the sky. When we went in December the water flow was quite heavy, but the breeze and saaral (drizzle) was amazing. It is best to visit at beginning of the monsoon just after a few showers of rain (Jun/Jul) or right after the monsoon (Sept-Dec). Please be advised if the flow is too high, the entry might be restricted. So it all depends on the rain and the water flow.
To reach the Agaya Gangai, one has to get down 1000+ steps (to be precise 1296 steps and a few rocks). Climbing down is much easier and probably takes 20-30 mins. Climbing up is quite strenuous owning to the steep incline and could take anywhere from 45–60 mins depending on one’s agility. There are a few shelters on the way to get a break.
The waterfall is enclosed within the dense forest which increases its charm and grandeur. The water in the falls is considered to contain medicinal properties due to all the herbs spread across the forest, thru which it traverses. Locals believe taking a bath here, cures many ailments. Agaya Ganga is probably one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in Tamilnadu. At a height of 300 feet, the waterfall is a feast for the eyes. It is also known as Peraruvi (Grand falls) or Pei aruvi (Devil falls) – by the people of Kolli hills because of its scary resemblance and heavy water flow.
Pixel 6 Pro : ISO 44 : 6 mm : f19.0 : 1/600 sec
Agaya Gangai, Kolli Malai Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
while one with nature i find a tranquil ledge – above the waterfall of my thoughts
During a hike, deep in the forests of Kemmangundi – amidst the verdant greenery and tall indigenous trees harboring some amazing birds, stumbled across this gurgling stream. As if these weren’t enough, my flying friend helped get a view that is probably not seen by (m)any. Grateful to have witnessed the stream flow onto a graceful waterfalls.
p.s : yeah that is me by the ledge, trying to enjoy the view that was normally not visible otherwise :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/25 sec
Somewhere in the forests of Kemmangundi Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India
Alluring, exotic, immaculate … words don’t come close to describe this place. In the forests of deep interior Karnataka, by the district of Chikkamagaluru lies this pristine beauty. 13 kms of thrilling & bone rattling 4×4 ride, thru the secluded tiger reserve gets you here. They say – it’s not about the designation but about the journey. But in case of Hebbe – it is as much about the journey, as about the falls. The effort is totally worth it as you witness the waterfalls rumble thru the forest.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f22.0 : 2.0 sec
While nature leaves us spellbound each time, some places are so magical that even after a single visit it never leaves you. Meghalaya is one such place. It is one of the 7 sister states of North East India and is a mountainous region with many rivers, which keep flowing due to the constant rainfall. It is indeed the wettest place on earth. But if planned accordingly, one could witness terrain that is generally submerged by raging rivers.
This particular spot is from a hike to the mouth of Nohkalikai falls, from up the hill. This rugged terrain is carved day in and out by the forces of nature. Over the years the constant flow of water through the gaps on the river bed has created a number of pools and waterfalls which eventually plunge down the gorge to make the Nohkalikai falls. Walking by the same felt so alien and pristine at the same time.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100: 16 mm : f22 : 0.5 sec
Enroute to mount of Nohkalikai Falls East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India
Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry, hence its name. Unfortunately no one told this is true, only when the flow is low. That particular day we got pretty wet – with the spotty rains and more so from the spray of the falls. Not that we were complaining, but it would have been good to know !
With the rain, I was not shooting much and this particular view felt cliche – but the hiker in the red jacket (yeah that tiny red fleck you can see, in the center of the frame, about to hike behind the falls) made all the difference and I couldn’t resit but go for the click :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10 sec
Dry Falls Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, USA
Enroute to Smokies we heard about this waterfalls that was tucked away in the mountains. We decided to make the trip to Minnehaha and it was well worth it. Located the trail head with head with help of GPS [34.749633, -83.479083]. There were very few parking spots by the road, but the drive up the winding road and the lake was quick a sight. Once you locate the trail head (with small set up stairs from the road) and get a parking spot, the fun continues. The trail is somewhat uphill, but the few stairs sprinkled along the way helped.
In addition to the trail, the falls itself is incredible. They spill over a cliff in a gorgeous, multi-tiered cascade before continuing downstream to the Lake Rabun. The morning sun, the floating fog, the spray from the falls, the chillness of the water – it all makes it a worthwhile experience.
Water is the most perfect traveller, because when it travels it becomes the path itself ! ― Mehmet Murat ildan
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm: ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 8.0 sec
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover And never judge a day by it’s weather
This particular Saturday started with showers all around. It was a tough choice to decide between lazing the afternoon with family in the couch vs driving couple of hours and taking a hike. With the rain, it was tempting to decide to stay at home, especially since it involved a hike. ClearOutside showed a small break in weather for the late afternoon. Am glad I gambled to take the risk, at the end it really paid off :) Though I did get wet, the rain added to the volume of the cascade and the rolling fog made the day !
Generally, worse the weather & lower the probability of getting a shot, the better it turns out to be :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10.0 sec
Soco falls is a beautiful, double waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, located near Maggie Valley. Its one among the most lovely waterfalls, by the Blue Ridge parkway – just 1.5 miles south of Soco Gap @ Milepost 455.7. Look for the small roadside parking area on the left of the road. It is easy to miss, since there is just one tiny sign.
This view requires a short hike. It is not a cake walk, but not super hard either. You need to be careful as it is steep and a bit slippery, especially when wet. But the adventure is well worth the view, wouldn’t you agree :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 160 : 18 mm : f11 : 8.0 sec
Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure.
With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature’s power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.
If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? – Chief Seattle
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 18 mm : f8.0 : 10 sec
Looking Glass Waterfall, Pisgah Forest Brevard, North Carolina, USA
Deep in the forest of Karnataka there are some pristine spots, largely untouched (yet). Jogi Gundi is one such lovely waterfall tucked in the wilderness of Agumbe. The Jogigundi Falls is located around 3 km from Agumbe. Situated on the way to the Barkana Falls, it can be reached by a small trek of around ~500 mts. When the conditions are right, you can also enjoy swimming in the turquoise green water. Even during the monsoon time, water was inviting and pretty refreshing from the afternoon heat.
I was lucky to visit the place, at the right time, when the water was just right to highlight the beautiful structure of the waterfall, while the entire surrounding was still lush green from the rains. Heavier rains would definitely make it more majestic, but also would increase the challenge of accessing the falls. Also heard that the leeches might decide to join the trek, if the rains are continuous :)
Be advised and cautious. This is a rain forest. You are entering the habitat of the wild. Respect their place & space. Leave only foot prints and carry back all that u carry in, along with some lovely pictures & memories!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 1.0 sec
Oregon is blessed with so many many waterfalls. Still, at 286 feet, Salt Creek is definitely one among the most impressive. Located at Hwy 58 around 20 miles east of Oakridge, it is easily accessible. The view point is just 20 feet from the parking, but it is well worth to take the hike down to the base of the falls. There are many views along the canyon rim as you hike down, but I still liked this view from the top. Though the scale of the falls is not very prominent in this view, I dig how this showcases the falls along with her landscape. One could just watch the fog play hide and seek – all day. The cool breeze of the enduring autumn fog along with a hint of falls colors added to the grandeur.
Camera : Canon 7D Lens : Canon 10-22 mm Filter : 3 Stop ND Filter ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 1 sec
There is something magical about water falls, yeah the falling water. It is so soothing, just to sit by the running water and let yourself flow. May be it is the fluid nature of water, may be it is trying to find your ever flowing inner self, may be its the calm that it brings, may be …
what ever it is, i always love to visit a waterfall …how about you !!!
The below is from a hike to Donut Falls – a gem hidden at the Big Cottonwood canyon, Salt Lake. It is always an ideal place to hike up and spend the afternoon, provided of course, the path is not covered with snow !
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