Abbey Falls

Abbey Falls is one of the most thrilling waterfalls in South India. It lies in the beautiful district of Coorg or Kodagu of Karnataka. This piece of natural beauty is within a short distance of 8 km from Madikeri, the district's headquarters. This has always been the first choice on the list of tourists. Abbey Falls, being a cover of lush greenery and dense forests plus coffee plantations around it, provides serenity to those searching for nature, photographers, and adventure.  This fall, it is near Madikeri, and coffee and spice plantations are on its sides. The waterfalls come from River Kaveri-one, one of the sacred rivers of South India. It is about 70 feet in height. A perfect picture pool completes the beauty of this. This region is much more ragged and tropical. In this respect, the vicinity to the Western Ghats, thick greens, and copious falls shall all contribute towards heightening the beauty of the falls, especially at monsoon times.  It is near the town of Madikeri and surrounded by coffee and spice plantations. The falls are from River Kaveri, one of the sacred rivers of South India. The fall flows into a quiet pool below from about 70 feet in height, thus providing an interesting sight.  This area is tropical and very hilly. Since it is located near the Western Ghats, this region is completely covered with vegetation and experiences tremendous rainfall, which adds beauty to the falls during the monsoon period. 

Historically, this place was known as Jessey Falls. It did occur because the name was given based on the name of a daughter to one of the British officers. During the colonial era, the area used to be an abode for the cool climate and marvellous scenic beauty for British officials. With time, the local populace began referring to it as Abbey Falls, perhaps due to the central location between abbey-like dense foliage.  This would certainly be more than an attraction for the tourists to Coorg. From a religious point of view, it is a sacred river Kaveri and, hence , assumes  high importance in the falls of the Abbey. The area around the Abbey Falls is rich in biodiversity. Spotting common plantations of pepper vines, cardamom bushes, and orange groves is normal. Towering trees create a canopy under which many bird species, including kingfishers, drongos, and parakeets, can be seen.  For wildlife enthusiasts, some action may be captured in the form of small mammals like civets, porcupines, and langurs occasionally. The luscious ecosystem makes Abbey Falls an excellent heaven for both the eco-tourists and botanists. 

Best Time to Visit Abbey Falls The best times to visit are during summer and post-monsoon months, that is, June to September and October to December. The water flow in the falls is maximum as well as charming during these months.  Although the falls look quite beautiful in the rain, they make the tracks very slippery, which requires extreme care. To avoid crowds and make it safer, one can visit between November and February because the climate is appreciable and people form fewer crowds. Visitors have to pay entry fees at the time of visiting Abbey Falls. The day timings for the visit depend on the time when Abbey Falls could be visited, which ranges from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

One of the factors that have led to environmental degradation has been the increasing influx of tourists to Abbey Falls. Two of the major causes that have characterized the thorn against the pristine nature balance in the area include littering and deforestation. The government has refrained from further promotion of sustainable tourism through systems such as waste management and  campaigns.  Visitors should be aware of eco-friendly activities like 'no plastic' and the appreciation of natural habitats.  Abbey Falls is a beautiful scenic destination, and many feel that it holds up as the epitome of serenity and revitalization away from the boisterous surroundings of cities. Gushing waters, lush green locales, and fragrant coffee plantations come together for a multisensory experience.  Many websites rate this beauty, yet  warnings exist about what to expect when arriving at the falls- the very arduous and often slippery path leading up to the falls.  The best waterfall places can be found in Abbi Falls, but it reveals the essence of natural beauty and cultural richness Coorg has to offer. It has been designed for nature lovers, photographers, or those just seeking solitude. With easy accessibility combined with other attractions in the surroundings, Abbey Falls presents a destination that travellers cannot afford to miss when visiting South India.  With proper conservation of its pristine environment and embracing sustainable tourism, Abbey Falls will please future generations. 

ACTIVITIES AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

• The Falls and Bridge: As one approaches the place, he can hear the deafening roar of the falls. Opposite the waterfall, there is a hanging bridge from which one can enjoy wonderful views of the surroundings. The sight of water gushing down amidst lush greenery is photographers' favourite. 

• Nature Treks: The trek to the Abbey Falls is a short but pretty adventurous walk. Along the way through coffee plantations and lush forests, you will be assailed by the aroma of coffee and spices. 

• Picnic Sites: Abbey Falls is an ideal picnic spot to relax in the company of nature and your family and friends. However, swimming is not recommended as the currents are very strong during monsoon season. 

NEARBY ATTRACTION:

1. Raja's Seat (8 km): The very popular viewpoint of Madikeri, Raja's Seat, offers an unparalleled view of the mist-covered valleys and lush green all around. A perfect place to witness superb sunrises and sunsets. 

2. Madikeri Fort (7 km): Mudduraja constructed this ancient fort in the 17th century. Presently, it houses a museum, a temple, and a clock tower. It is one landmark that tells history and architecture related to Coorg. 

3. Omkareshwara Temple (7 km): It is a shrine that exhibits an amalgamation of Islamic and Gothic architectural styles. It is considered  sacred to Lord Shiva and poses an utterly religious and  calm environment. 

4. Dubare Elephant Camp (30 km): This camp, situated on the banks of River Kaveri, accommodates facilities through which one can interact with elephants, bathe them and understand their habitat. 

5. Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery) (34 km): This is one of the Tibetan monasteries located at Bylakuppe, and this place is quite famous for its golden Buddha statues and serenity. 

6. Talacauvery (45 km): This is the origin of the Kaveri River. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveri, along with the stunning landscapes of Brahmagiri Hills, welcomes the visitor. 

7. Chelavara Falls (43 km): This waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls found in Coorg and is relatively less crowded; hence , it is an ideal trip amidst nature. 

8. Nisargadhama (28 km): Nisargadhama is a beautiful island constructed by the Kaveri River. A good place to spend the day is a picnic. In the facility, one can also avail of boating and elephant rides. 

9. Bhagamandala (36 km): Bhagamandala, or Triveni Sangam in local parlance, is literally the confluence of three rivers - Kaveri, Kannike, and Sujyoti. It's a pious place and hosts the Shiva temple here. 

10. Coffee Plantations (Varies): Coorg is synonymous with coffee. Many plantations organize guided tours to enable the tourists to see how coffee is brewed and taste freshly brewed coffee. 

HOW TO GET THERE:

• By Road: Abbey Falls is accessible by road from Madikeri. Taxis or personal cars could be hired to reach the destination. The car park is 500 meters from the falls, and after that, it's a small trek. 

• By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, 140 km from the falls. 

• By Train: The closest railway station to Abbey Falls is at Mysore, 120 km from the falls. 

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