It was on a rainy rainy Saturday that we had set out to explore two of the lesser known waterbodies in the Western Ghats - the Sara Gundi and the Dalia Gundi.
Nestled in the lama village near Karkala, about a couple of hours drive from Mangalore, the Sara Gundi is a part of river whose end , alas, we could not explore. Nor could we find the name of the river. Visiting the Sara Gundi hardly requires a trek. A vehicle can go right upto the Parashuram temple that marks the beginning of the Amla village. As per the information we had received, from the village, it was to be only about a kilometer walk to the falls.
After hiking for only about 400 meters through the winding village pathways lined by areca nut trees and cocoa trees, we had to cross a wooden bridge to get on the other side of the aggressively flowing rivers and reach the falls.
The adventurers that we are, we went in the opposite direction of the falls seeking a perfect place to enjoy the chilling water! (Cannot forget Sarvesh's scream on spotting a leech on her feet!!) However, the river continued endlessly and after a few photo shoots at some parts, we proceeded in the right direction.
It is amazing how we never tend to get tired of visiting waterfalls. It is also amazing how we are never tired of using adjectives like "Majestic", "awe-inspiring", "roaring",etc, etc. when describing waterfalls. Both the preceding statements are applicable for Sara Gundi. The strength of the waterfall fueled by the ongoing heavy rains, sent up sprays of water which, coupled with the gusty wind, made it difficult to look at gushing stream with our eyes open. We got in the chilling water and enjoyed every bit of it!
After a quick lunch in the shelter of the school near the Parashuram, we headed to Dalia Gundi.
Somewhere hidden in the depths of the forests around Karkala, far from prying eyes and guarded prudentially by the locals lies a secret called Dalia Gundi.
By the time we had reached the start of our trek to Dalia Gundi, it had started raining heavily. The snuff, dettol, etc. which we had used to prevent the phenomenon of leeching was getting washed off. We had a guide along with us; so that we could see the other treasure troves nature had hidden apart from Dalia gundi. We were told to move fast as the intensity of the rains was increasing rapidly. Then came a part in our journey when we had to cross a stream of water.
The water was flowing forcefully. We had to move very slowly if the stream was to be crossed. Moreover the place where we had to wait in order to cross the stream was severely infested with leeches. We decided that it was wiser to go back rather than attempt the risk of crossing the stream. But not before deciding to pursue this lost mission after monsoons.
We turned back and proceeded to Dalia Gundi. At these falls, none of us dared to remove our cameras... Such was the extent of the water being lashed at us. Moreover, we had walked quite some distance through thick thorny vegetation, slush and leeches. For sometime, we stood there marvelling at majestic (again!) waterfall until it was time to go back.
We halted at Soan's farm for a glass of fresh and delicious Pineapple juice; took a walk through their fruit orchard and Burma Bamboo plantations and then started back to Mangalore after a day well spent!
Nestled in the lama village near Karkala, about a couple of hours drive from Mangalore, the Sara Gundi is a part of river whose end , alas, we could not explore. Nor could we find the name of the river. Visiting the Sara Gundi hardly requires a trek. A vehicle can go right upto the Parashuram temple that marks the beginning of the Amla village. As per the information we had received, from the village, it was to be only about a kilometer walk to the falls.
The various faces of Sara Gundi
After hiking for only about 400 meters through the winding village pathways lined by areca nut trees and cocoa trees, we had to cross a wooden bridge to get on the other side of the aggressively flowing rivers and reach the falls.
The wooden Bridge
Areca nuts!
The adventurers that we are, we went in the opposite direction of the falls seeking a perfect place to enjoy the chilling water! (Cannot forget Sarvesh's scream on spotting a leech on her feet!!) However, the river continued endlessly and after a few photo shoots at some parts, we proceeded in the right direction.
Some Photography along the way!
It is amazing how we never tend to get tired of visiting waterfalls. It is also amazing how we are never tired of using adjectives like "Majestic", "awe-inspiring", "roaring",etc, etc. when describing waterfalls. Both the preceding statements are applicable for Sara Gundi. The strength of the waterfall fueled by the ongoing heavy rains, sent up sprays of water which, coupled with the gusty wind, made it difficult to look at gushing stream with our eyes open. We got in the chilling water and enjoyed every bit of it!
At Sara Gundi
After a quick lunch in the shelter of the school near the Parashuram, we headed to Dalia Gundi.
Somewhere hidden in the depths of the forests around Karkala, far from prying eyes and guarded prudentially by the locals lies a secret called Dalia Gundi.
The start of Dalia Gundi.
After this we never got to remove our Cam!
By the time we had reached the start of our trek to Dalia Gundi, it had started raining heavily. The snuff, dettol, etc. which we had used to prevent the phenomenon of leeching was getting washed off. We had a guide along with us; so that we could see the other treasure troves nature had hidden apart from Dalia gundi. We were told to move fast as the intensity of the rains was increasing rapidly. Then came a part in our journey when we had to cross a stream of water.
The water was flowing forcefully. We had to move very slowly if the stream was to be crossed. Moreover the place where we had to wait in order to cross the stream was severely infested with leeches. We decided that it was wiser to go back rather than attempt the risk of crossing the stream. But not before deciding to pursue this lost mission after monsoons.
We turned back and proceeded to Dalia Gundi. At these falls, none of us dared to remove our cameras... Such was the extent of the water being lashed at us. Moreover, we had walked quite some distance through thick thorny vegetation, slush and leeches. For sometime, we stood there marvelling at majestic (again!) waterfall until it was time to go back.
We halted at Soan's farm for a glass of fresh and delicious Pineapple juice; took a walk through their fruit orchard and Burma Bamboo plantations and then started back to Mangalore after a day well spent!
Pineapples galore at Soan's farm
Enjoying a glass of delicious pineapple juice
Dragon Fruits
One of the numerous proud birds on the farm
A lotus about to bloom
Some Glimpses of Soan's farm!
When: 20th July, 2013.
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