BANGALORE: The roaring sound of Mallalli Falls, cascading from a height of 220 feet, is the most distinctive aspect of the site leaving visitors and tourists energised. When their eyes first set on Mallalli Falls, the mesmerising sight unfolding before them never fails to evoke awe and bliss on the faces of tourists.
The waters cascading from a towering height and transforming into foamy white at the base of falls and the gurgling sound of the water swirling between the rocks leaves one and all impressed.
The Falls, located on the slopes of Pushpagiri Hills, is covered on all sides with lush green forest. During monsoon, the cascading Falls are generally avoided. However, in summer, with the decrease in inflow, the Falls are a sight to behold. They join Kumaradhara River which eventually joins Nethravathi River in Dakshina Kannada district. Pushpagiri Hills located on the border of Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada district is a haven for trekkers.
Separating Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu district, the Hills are home to elephants, deer, bison, peacock and king cobras among others. Most trekkers, after obtaining the necessary permits, start from Heggademane village and trek nearly 13 kilometres across the Hills to reach Subrahmanya Temple Town.
It is common to find youths from Mysore, Bangalore, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada on the weekends. Pushpagiri is the second highest peak in the district with an altitude of 1,715 meters above sea level. The highest peak is located at Tadiyandamol in Virajpet taluk with a height of 1,745 meters.
Steps have been initiated to make the place tourist-friendly without disturbing its aesthetic beauty.
Following pressure from civic organisations, the Tourism Department had spent around `45 lakh to construct steps to an elevated area offering a breathtaking view of the Falls.
The three km-long road connecting Beedalli to Pushpagiri had been upgraded recently. MLA M P Appachu Ranjan had also submitted a proposal to the state government to construct a cable car over the Falls. Mallalli Falls is just 22 km from Somwarpet.
How to reach Somwarpet is just 240 kms from Bangalore and 160 kms from Mangalore. 10 -12 KSRTC buses ply between Bangalore and Somwarpete. A bus schedule from Bangalore is convenient as it reaches Pushpagiri at evening 7 pm. From Somwarpet jeeps also can be hired for Rs 400-500. Jeeps also can be engaged from Subrahmanya.
Where to stay There are three to four home stays near Pushpagiri that provide tourists with accommodation, coorgi and south Indian food.
When to visit The falls are mesmerising from September onwards upto May.