Mallalli Falls: Coorg’s Prettiest Waterfall
Photo Courtesy: Pradeep H Gowda
I love monsoon holidays and love the fact that I get to experience nature’s abundance through its many waterfalls during this season. There is something about waterfalls in the monsoons that makes a deep connection with me. It could be the raw force of mother nature, the pristine forest environment or the waterfall’s ability to drown every thought in my head. Whatever the reason may be, waterfall holidays and monsoon holidays go hand in hand for me.
Photo Courtesy: Pradeep H Gowda
Even my previous monsoon motorcycle trip to the Western Ghats was full of waterfall visits. One such visit was to Mallalli Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls of India and definitely the most beautiful of all waterfalls in Coorg. It tumbles down over 1000 metres on the Kumaradhara river while being surrounded by lush green forests of the Western Ghats. The Kumaradhara river begins its journey somewhere in the Pushpagiri mountains and it is these Pushpagiri mountains that form the backdrop of this waterfall.
Access to these waterfalls is through the beautiful countryside of Coorg and/or Malnad, depending on which route you take to come here. And the biggest perk of this waterfall is the fact that you can experience it right from the top near the car parking area and/or climb down a flight of some 300 odd steps to the bottom of the waterfall and get drenched in the waterfall mist. This augurs great for both people who cannot climb down the steps and for visitors who crave some adventure. Both views and experiences are noteworthy and offer a marvellous view to go with a hot cup of lemon tea or coffee.
Sometimes during heavy rains, the steps to the bottom of the waterfalls are closed for safety reasons, but you can still continue to enjoy the view nonetheless. The view here is legendary, which I am pretty sure you have figured out through these photos and video. To be honest, the in-person experience is way richer and more fulfilling.
A small hut that you see further downstream is the famous Bisle view point and further downstream is the Kukke Subramanya temple and nothing but pristine waters, forests and mountains in the middle. It is a must visit destination on a holiday to Coorg and/or Malnad and certainly a top pick for a monsoon holiday in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
How to reach here:
Mallalli falls is located in Coorg, but it is easily accessible from Malnad and Dakshina Kannada too. For people coming in from Coorg, take the road heading to Mallalli falls from Somwarpet. For people heading from Kukke Subramanya, cross Bisle Ghat and view point and turn right towards Mallalli Falls. For people coming from Malnad, head to Kudrasthe, turn towards Bisle Ghat and then in a few kilometers turn left towards Mallalli Falls.
Best season to visit:
Mallalli falls looks beautiful all year around. But, if you want to see it in all its full glory, you have to go during the monsoons, when the waters are at their highest level. If you prefer lush green views with beautiful sunshine, head right after the monsoons, especially the months of September and October. During the monsoon season, visitors are not allowed to get closer to the bottom of the waterfall, but that would not be a problem in non-monsoon months.
Where to stay:
You can opt to stay either in Coorg or in Malnad. Coorg would have a wider variety of properties from the simple homestays to the luxury hotels and resorts, while Malnad would have more homestays and guest houses.
If you prefer a larger town, Somwarpet and Sakleshpur would be your best bets. If you prefer quiet forests, small villages or beautiful plantations, then the options are plenty. I personally like Athihally, a small village located somewhere between Bisle Ghat and Kaginahare fort. Vanagoor at the entrance of Bisle Ghat is also a great option for peace lovers who don’t want to leave the main trail.
Other tourist attractions nearby:
1) Bisle Ghat and Bisle view point, a beautiful tract of lesser known rainforests
2) Kaginahare Fort, a fort in ruins that is known for its green rolling hills view
3) Mookanamane Falls, a hidden forest waterfall
4) Manjarabad fort, a beautifully designed fort just outside of Sakleshpur
5) Kukke Subramanya temple
6) Yedekumeri railway trek, one of the top railway treks of India and a vast expanse of untouched forests
