Honagadde waterfalls – An elegant beauty in the western ghats
After 22 years, I wanted to trek Honagadde falls again. I did trek and admired this gem in the western ghats of Karnataka during Dec 2000. Recalled how difficult it was to trace this hidden waterfall and trek during that time. Simply remarkable that this waterfall is still least explored and unknown to outside world. Glad its still hidden with pseudo trekkers and nature spoilers.
Called up Narayan and requested his free time to accompany me for this trek. Over the weekend, taken an overnight journey from Bengaluru to reach a small town. Narayan was awaiting me. Freshened up in the nearest small hotel and packed up snacks. We started our bike journey. It’s simply superb riding in the forest area.
*Pic of Satish, my treck mate
Almost 90 minutes of drive we reached a small hamlet. The roads are confusing with many deviations. Enquired about the tiny village which was the base point to the waterfall. Riding in the mud uneven road covered both sides by the arecanut plots, we reached the dead end that led a house in the forest. This was the same house 22 years back we rested and the people from there guided us.
Surprise….We met the same guy, Laaskyari, who accompanied us 22 years back to this fall. He had forgotten us but we made him to remember. He is excited to accompany us again.
Route to the bottom of the falls: A small uphill and then descending the valley led to the waterfall. The falls was roaring and plunging into the valley in multiple stages with an estimated height of ~500 feet. I was excited to dip in the water. We had spent around 30 minutes clicking snaps by admiring this elegant beauty.
Route to the top of the falls – We requested Laaskyaari to take us to the top of the falls. During last trek, we did descend from the top of the falls to have the full view. Crossing the stream in a zig-zag way, we reached the top of the falls. We could see the first stage of the falls, but the full view of the falls is not visible from here. Again, I couldn’t control myself to take a shower in the falling water.
Rested for some time and had the snacks. Returned to the base point.
Conveying our gratitude to Laaskyari, we started our bike towards the other destination to explore another hidden waterfall next day…!
