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| Photo Credits: Karthik |
If you're a nature lover living in Bangalore or just visiting the city, you don't have to go too far to witness the beauty of nature. Kaigal Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, and it's an ideal weekend getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state, Kaigal Falls is located around 130 kilometers from Bangalore, and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the waterfall by road.
With our Excursion to Kerala Beach Trip last week, we were feeling exhausted. However we were significantly drained from our precipitous IT life and and longed for a ideal end-of-week getaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Karnataka is a home to various cascades which offer amazing views and true serenity. However, one must drive a minimum of three hours to reach any of those waterfalls. A short trip with a breath-taking view among lush green valleys is what we wanted.
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| Kaigal WaterFalls during April |
It was already 10:00 AM, and we still hadn't decided on what to do for the day. Kaigal Falls had always been on our bucket list, and we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to plan a trip. Surprisingly, we quickly packed our lunches with chicken gravy and were all set to leave for Kaigal Falls with low expectations.
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| The place where we halted for lunch |
We departed Bangalore around 11:30 AM, and the road trip was fantastic. On the way, we spotted a beautiful lake and thought it would be the perfect spot to have our lunch. However, when we unpacked our bamboo plates and tiffen box, we realized something. Our wish to enjoy a non-vegetarian meal was spoiled, as we had forgotten to pack the curry. Despite this small setback, we were determined to make the most of our adventure and enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfall. We hurried to a nearby shop and managed to buy Rasam and Curd.
Upon reaching the waterfall at 3:00 PM, we were fortunate that the parking attendant allowed us to park our car near the falls, saving us from a one-kilometer trek. However, the parking and entry fees were quite expensive, with a charge of Rs. 100 for parking (Rs. 50 for bikes) and Rs. 100 for entry. We felt the entry fee was a bit of a scam perpetrated by the locals.
Despite this, the waterfall itself was a magnificent sight to behold. Nestled amidst lush green forests, the water cascaded down from a height of 40 feet, making it a truly breathtaking experience. The falls are particularly popular during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak, and the surrounding vegetation is at its greenest.
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| Nature is my sunshine |
Accompanied by our 3.7 month-old baby, we embarked on a trek down a steep and rocky terrain of about 1 km to reach the falls area. Although the trek was not very difficult, it could be slippery during the monsoon season, so it's important to wear non-slippery footwear for safety.
Upon reaching the falls area, we saw a beautiful shiva lingam in the center. It reminded us of a scene from the mega-blockbuster Baahubali movie where Prabhas carried a huge Shivling on his shoulders. It was a delightful experience to enjoy this moment with our son.
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| Our memories in one pic |
While exploring the area, we observed some people washing their hair with shampoo in the falls, which was a disappointing sight. It's essential to remember that keeping nature clean is our responsibility, and we must do our part in preserving the environment.
During our visit to Kaigal Falls, we discovered that the waterfall is beautiful all year round, and not just during the monsoon season. In fact, locals confirmed that the water is always there, making it a great destination for a refreshing dip during the summer months as well. As per our experience, summer is a great time to visit because the water flow is less, which means you can enjoy the falls even more.
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| Sunset captured during our return |
While the trek down to the falls is not very difficult, it's important to wear non-slippery footwear, especially during the monsoon season when it can get slippery. It's also advisable to be careful when walking around the falls as the rocks can be slippery as well.
If you're looking to get wet at Kaigal Falls, the best time to do so is in December, according to the locals. However, we found that the waterfall was just as enjoyable during the summer months. So, no matter what time of year you visit, Kaigal Falls is a great place to unwind and cool off from the heat.
Tips:
1. Careful with the monkey, as they carry out your clothes in search of snacks
2. No rest room or change room.
3. No tea/snack shop near by. Plan accordingly. Carry enough water bottles
In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick escape from the city's hustle and bustle, Kaigal Falls is the perfect destination. It's an easy and enjoyable trek, and the sight of the waterfall amidst the lush green forest is a treat for the eyes. So, pack your bags and head out to Kaigal Falls for an unforgettable weekend getaway!
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