For adventure buffs, passionate trekkers and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city, Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is the place to be.
Not known to many, there are more than a dozen must-see places within a radius of 10 to 20 km from Sirsi. The greenery, washed bitumen-topped roads, glistening raindrops hanging onto the edge of leaves are sure to grab the attention of tourists whichever place they visit this monsoon.
The stunning view of 116-metre-drop Unchalli Falls makes it India’s most spectacular waterfalls. After a two-hour drive from Sirsi, one has to trek downhill from Heggarne up to a distance of five km to reach the first among three platforms.
Here the Aghanashini river makes a cavalcade of waterfalls that leaps into a steep valley. The scenery and remote forested hills leave visitors with a sense of exaltation. Descending 300 steps further will lead visitors to the second and third viewpoint allowing a closer look at Unchalli Falls. The sparse footfall allows visitors to sit in and enjoy the sight of milky water cascading down to their heart’s content. The waterfall, also called ‘Keppa Joga’ for the deafening sound they make, has been named as Lushington waterfalls in honour of a district collector in British-India era, J D Lushington, who discovered the waterfall in 1845.
The next stop on the trail is certainly meant for the adventure lovers. Yana village, a popular trekking and picnic spot 40 km from Sirsi, is famous for two massive rock outcrops known as ‘Bhairaveshwara Shikhara’ (120 mt high) and ‘Mohini Shikhara’ (90 mt). Composed of solid black crystalline Karst limestone, the rocks’ first sight is sure to take your breath away.
Further away from Yana is Vibhuti Falls. As the 60-70 feet multi-level waterfall was not on the radar of tourists, it is not usually crowded. Surrounded by greenery, it is the best place to spend a morning.
And the trip is incomplete without a visit to Mirjan Fort. What makes this 16th century fort stand out from others is that it was built by Queen Chennabhaira Devi. The port was used for trading with ports of Gujarat.
Another magnificent location is the incomplete carvings of Shiva Lingas and other forms on rocks in the Shalmala river that will leave both believers and non-believers with mixed feelings. In summer, when water level in the river recedes, the Shiva Lingas and other idols, also called Sahsralinga, are visible to the eye.
Historians say Sode King Arasappa Nayak had carved these idols for progeny. During Shivarathri, devotees throng this place. A suspension foot bridge allows visitors to enjoy the scenic aerial view.
Fact file
Sirsi in Malnad region is well connected by road. The nearest airport is located in Hubli (100 km) and Mangaluru (260 km). The nearest railway station is at Kumta (45 km).
Other attractions: One should not miss going to Sri Vadiraja and Swarnavalli math, ‘Benne Hole’ (butter waterfall), and Marikamba Temple that was constructed in 1688 AC.
Local delicacy: Todadevu, a special thin-crust dosa, made out of fresh sugarcane juice.