Agumbe, popularly known as the ‘Cherrapunji of South’, is a tiny village nestled in the thick rainforests of Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is one of the last surviving rainforests in India which receives an average of around 7,000mm of rainfall annually. With a population of around 500 people, Agumbe is situated in the Thirthahalli taluka of Shimoga district of North Karnataka.
Agumbe is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its rich biodiversity, waterfalls and red-hazy sun-set over the Arabian Sea. The village is also known as the ‘Cobra Capital’ of India because of the number of Cobras that are found here and could be encountered while driving along the Ghats. It is also a home to more than 70 other species of snakes.
Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, it is India’s one of the best places to explore the wildlife and the scenic views of Western Ghats. The major attraction of Agumbe is its dense forests where tourists enjoy trekking, hiking, rafting and bike-riding. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is also a major tourist attraction of this place where one can easily witness different species of butterflies, snakes, deer, scorpions, moths and many more animals.
Since it is situated at an altitude of 249m above sea level and surrounded by Western Ghats, the temperature remains pleasant for most parts of the year. Although, the best season to visit Agumbe is post-monsoon and winter as rain makes this place more green and beautiful to visit.
Which is the best time to visit Agumbe?
Since Agumbe is close to the coast, the temperature reaches 35°C during summers and experiences heavy rainfall during Monsoon.
What is famous in Agumbe?
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agumbe Rainforest Research Center, Jogigundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Narasimha Parvatha Trek and Dodda Mane Agumbe are the most visited places in Agumbe.
How do I get to Agumbe?
By Air: There are two airports nearer to Agumbe: Mangalore International Airport which is 106 km and Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport which is 378 km away from Agumbe. One can fly from all major cities to these airports to reach Agumbe.
By Rail:Â The nearest railway station is Udupi which is 54 km from Agumbe. From Udupi railway station cabs or public transports are available to Agumbe.
By Road:Â KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, Shimoga, and Udupi to Agumbe.
How far is Agumbe from Bangalore?
The distance from Bangalore to Agumbe is around 346 km by road and it takes a maximum of 8 hours to cover the distance. For those who can’t drive, can take buses or don’t have their own vehicles can choose the option of private taxis or public buses that run from Bangalore to Agumbe on a daily basis.
By Road:Â Travelers who like to drive, can drive till Shimoga then take a road to Thirthahalli. Agumbe is thirty minutes drive from Thirthahalli.
By Train:Â There is no direct train connectivity to Agumbe from Bangalore. So, train lovers can take the train from Yesvantpur to Shimoga. From Shimoga, it’s a two hours bus journey from Shimoga bus stand to Agumbe.
Why is Agumbe known as Cherranpunji of South India?
That’s why it is called the Cherranpunji of South India.
What are the best places to visit in Agumbe?
1. Sunset View Point
Located at one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats, this place is a ten-minute walk from Agumbe village. The point gives a mesmerizing view of the sun surrounded by the Western Ghats with dark clouds, dipping into the Arabian Sea.
2. Barkana Falls
Barkana falls is located in the Ballehali forest region which is 10 km from Agumbe village. It is among the ten highest waterfalls in India with a total height of 850 meters. Travelers can either trek to the waterfall or choose the motorable path.
3. Kundadri Hills
4. Onake Abbi Falls
5. Jogigundi Falls
6. Rainforest Research Station
7. Koodlu Theertha Falls
8. Gopal-Krishna Temple
9. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Kunchikal Falls
What are the best things to do in Agumbe?
1.Trekking
Agumbe is nestled in the Western Ghats and trekking is one of the best possible ways to explore every hidden corner of this village. Narasimha Parvatha Trek is the most popular trek with the highest peak in Agumbe.
2. Hiking
Agumbe is an ideal destination for hiking. To reach Agumbe’s waterfall, tourists have to walk through the dense forests of the Western Ghats which give an enchanting experience to the hikers.
3. Exploring forests and wildlife
Agumbe has a rich biodiversity with several species of flora and fauna. It is a home for rare species of medicinal plants and reptiles, snakes, birds and animals. King cobra is the main attraction of tourists at the Agumbe’s rainforest.
4. Photography
Agumbe Rainforest is the best place for nature and wildlife photographers. From its sunset point to the highest waterfalls to its fauna. Photographers generally capture the rare species of animals and plants at this place.
5. Sightseeing
This village of Karnataka is filled with waterfalls, mountains, ponds, and greenery. There are various spots that give a perfect panoramic view of this beautiful hill station.
6. Visiting Ancient Temples
This place has a few ancient temples that are counted as must-visit tourist spots because of their architecture and stories behind it. Gopala Krishna Temple and Sringeri Sharada Peetham are the most popular temples of Agumbe.
7. Wildlife Sanctuary
Agumbe is a home for rare species of animals and birds and these are preserved by the wildlife sanctuaries of this area. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of the fauna with their friends and family.
8. Sunset
Agumbe is famous for the view of the sun-kissed Arabian Sea surrounded by the Western Ghats. This breath-taking view is one of the best sunset views in the country. Tourists can spend as much time as they want to feel the peace and beauty of this place.
9. Rafting at Sitanadi
During the monsoon, when the river flows at its peak, rafting takes place annually at Sitanadi. There are different rafting packages available depending on the distance and timings. It is a great adventurous activity at Agumbe.
How can I go to Agumbe from Shimoga?
By Road:Â Shimoga is around 90 kms from Agumbe. If you are driving, take the road to Thirthahalli from Shimoga to reach Agumbe. There are private buses as well which run Shimoga to AGumbe but the frequency is not that good.
By Train:Â There is no direct train to Agumbe. Shimoga is the nearest railway station. From here one can take private taxis or buses.
How can I go to Agumbe from Bangalore?
By Road:Â The distance between Agumbe and Bangalore is 362 km. It takes almost 7 hours to reach Agumbe from Bangalore by road. One can take a KSRTC bus or private bus or hire a taxi or drive a car from Bangalore to Agumbe.
By Train:Â There are no direct rail services available from Bangalore to Agumbe. One has to take a train from Yesvantpur railway station to Shimoga then take a bus or hire a cab to Agumbe.
By Air:Â Bangalore Airport is 378 km far from Agumbe. One has to take a bus or cab or train to reach Agumbe from Bangalore.
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