If the Goa state government has its way, tourists will be heading there in the monsoons just as much for its waterfalls and inland waterways as its beaches. The government has already announced a 50 per cent concession in luxury tax to hotels to help them work out attractive monsoon packages. That said, for fans of Mani Ratnam’s or Santosh Sivan’s movies, the Athirappally waterfalls, which appeared in Guru, and the Hogenakkal falls in Asoka, are all within reach. Our pick of falls that starred in big movies:
Dudhsagar waterfalls
On the train route connecting Londa in Karnataka and Vasco in Goa is the Dudhsagar waterfall. It is on the Goa- Karnataka border and said to feature in a sequence in Skyfall, an upcoming James Bond film. The falls form a small pool at the base of the rocks, placid enough to swim in. Tours include the waterfall and the nearby Tambdi Surla Hindu temple, built in the 13th century.
Getting there: Rooms at the Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim, cost approximately `7,000. Details: goa.grand. hyatt.com
Athirapally waterfalls
Just two weeks ago, the Western Ghats was added to the list of world heritage sites by the United Nations. The Athirapally waterfalls in the area is said to rank as one of film director Mani Ratnam’s favourite shooting spots (think Idharu, Guru and Raavan).
Getting there: A Cox & Kings 3D/2N package at the Rain Forest Athirapally hotel costs `11,333. Details: 9867565599
Hogenakkal waterfalls
The Hogenakkal Falls does not comprise a single waterfall, but a series of falls, spread over a kilometre. Tourists are taken to the falls in a coracle and different routes are used each time, depending on the intensity of the rains. The waterfalls at Dharmapuri shot to fame with ‘Chinna Chinna Asha’ from Roja, ‘Mazhaiye Mazhaiye’ from Rhythm and ‘Raath Ka Nasha Abhi’ from Asoka.
Getting there: The Oberoi, Bangalore, has rooms priced at approximately `19,500. Details: oberoihotels.com
Jog falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in India, the Jog Falls in Karnataka, dwindles down to a trickle in the summers. An upcoming Tamil movie called Kumki, directed by Prabhu Solomon, is said to feature it. Fitness buffs will enjoy the 20-minute climb down 1,400-odd steps and in the summer, the spray is weak enough to let people check out the fall from up close.
Getting there: The River Tem Lodge (a Karnataka Tourism hotel) at the site of the falls, has rooms for Rs 3,250.Details: karnatakatourism.org
Bhagsu waterfalls
One for hiking aficionados. The Bhagsu waterfalls in McLeodganj is a relatively small one, which is said to have become popular after an Israeli movie, Hummus Curry (2006) was shot here. With only a 20-minute walk from the Temple, it is ideal for those who like to combine a spiritual trip with a small getaway; exploring the area will take six-eight hours.
Getting there: The Bhagsu, Dharamsala, has rooms priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,800.Details: hptdc.gov.in