Surreal Sunset from a hidden location in the Sahyadri Mountains
6 consecutive ranges of mountains with mist settling fast on them, various hues and shades of orange and red right above it, a lovely waterfall surrounded by dense forest and a cliff edge view point. That was my sunset view from a stunning location in the Sahyadri mountains.
This view point is not known in the tourist circles and therein lies its charm and beauty. Only locals of the Jajjigudde village and nearabouts know of this view point and that is how I got to know about it. In fact, it was the owner of the Tavarumane homestay, where I was staying, who recommended a short evening hike to this view point in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada region in Karnataka.
After treating ourselves to some fresh filter coffee and some traditional snacks, we drove through forests, plantations and a few houses before we parked our car and began and uphill and then a downhill walk to this view point. The terrain is steep and raw and it is best to exercise caution. May be, carry a torch and a bottle of water with you in case you wish to stay there till it gets dark.
At the view point, you literally are standing at a cliff’s edge and you are surrounded by pristine forests of the Western Ghats. You can often see and/or hear hornbills here. Straight in front of you lies the Bilihole falls, a jungle waterfall that you can also trek to provided you get permissions from the forest department. And beyond the waterfall lies a wave of mountains. My homestay owner told me that there are 8 mountain peaks and ranges one behind the other, but I could only count up to 6. May be, it was the mist that blocked my view. But, of whatever I saw, I was simply left astounded.
The entire sunset package was surreal and I hoped that the view continued for a few more minutes, but darkness set in and I was forced to make my way back to my homestay, but the sunset memories remain and I hope that I can return to this sunset view point yet again and hopefully see some great hornbills fly while I watch the sun set over the maze of Sahyadri mountains.
