Talacauvery Waterfall, also spelled as Talakaveri, is the place where the River Kaveri originates. It is located on the Brahmagiri hill, near Bhagamandala, in the Coorg district of Karnataka. It is a sacred and scenic place that attracts many pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. The place has a waterfall that is formed by the spring or the kundike, which is believed to be the source of the river and famous tourist attraction in Coorg.
The waterfall flows down from a height of about 150 feet and joins the river some distance away. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a spectacular view of the valley. Visit during Coorg Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Talacauvery Waterfall
Talacauvery Waterfall is located at Bhagamandala, Kodagu, Coorg, Karnataka 571247. It is about 8 km from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri, the headquarters of Coorg district. It is situated at an altitude of 1276 m above sea level, on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hill.
Timing/Entry Fees Talacauvery Waterfall
Talacauvery Waterfall is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the waterfall or the temple. However, one has to pay a nominal parking fee for vehicles, which ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 depending on the type of vehicle.
How to Reach Talacauvery Waterfall
There are various modes of transport available to reach Talacauvery Waterfall from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airports are Mysore (122 km), Mangalore (144 km) and Bangalore (268 km). From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Madikeri or Bhagamandala and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Talacauvery Waterfall.
- By train: The nearest railway stations are Mysore (115 km), Hassan (105 km) and Mangalore (135 km). From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Madikeri or Bhagamandala and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Talacauvery Waterfall.
- By road: Coorg is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Madikeri or Bhagamandala from various places. One can also drive to Madikeri or Bhagamandala by car or bike and then hire an autorickshaw or a taxi to Talacauvery Waterfall.
Things to Do/Must See Talacauvery Waterfall
Talacauvery Waterfall is a place of natural beauty and adventure that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Enjoy the view of the waterfall from the vantage point near the temple. The waterfall offers a majestic sight of the water gushing down from the hill and creating a misty spray.
- Take a bath in the holy spring or kundike, which is said to have healing and purifying properties. The spring is enclosed in a small tank, where devotees can dip their feet or sprinkle water on their heads.
- Offer prayers at the temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma, who is worshipped as the mother of the river. The temple has an ancient Shiva Linga inside, which was installed by Sage Agastya. The temple also has an idol of Lord Ganesha and a sacred Ashwatha tree outside.
- Climb up the 407 steps to reach the top of the Brahmagiri hill, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill is also believed to be the place where Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva appeared before Sage Agastya and blessed him with divine knowledge.
- Visit the nearby Bhagamandala town, which is known for its confluence of three rivers – Kaveri, Kannike and Sujyoti. The town has a famous temple complex called Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple, which has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Subramanya, Ganapati and Vishnu.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Talacauvery Waterfall
There are many other tourist attractions near Talacauvery Waterfall that one can explore while visiting Coorg. Some of them are:
- Abbey Falls: A spectacular waterfall that cascades from a height of 70 feet into a pool. It is surrounded by coffee and spice plantations and offers a refreshing experience.
- Raja’s Seat: A scenic spot that offers a stunning view of the sunset and the valley below. It was once a favorite place of the Kodava kings to relax and enjoy nature.
- Madikeri Fort: A historic fort that dates back to the 17th century. It was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan and later by the British. It houses a museum, a temple, a church and a prison.
- Omkareshwara Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in 1820 by King Lingarajendra. It has a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture, with a dome, four minarets and a pond in the center.
- Mandalpatti: A hill station that offers a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and green valleys. It is ideal for trekking, camping and photography.
Significance of Talacauvery Waterfall
Talacauvery Waterfall is a significant attraction in Coorg for its natural beauty and ecological importance. It is one of the major sources of water for the River Kaveri, which is considered as one of the seven sacred rivers of India. The river is revered as a lifeline for many regions in South India, as it provides water for irrigation, drinking and power generation.
The waterfall is also a place where Sage Agastya received divine knowledge from the Trinity of Hindu gods. The place is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year, especially on the occasion of Tula Sankramana, which falls in October. On this day, it is believed that the spring gushes up at a predetermined moment, symbolizing the appearance of Goddess Kaveri.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Talacauvery Waterfall?
A: The best time to visit Talacauvery Waterfall is during the monsoon season (July to September), when the waterfall is at its strongest and the greenery is at its richest. However, one should be careful while walking on the slippery path and the steps.
Q: How long does it take to explore Talacauvery Waterfall?
A: It takes about 2-3 hours to explore Talacauvery Waterfall and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time relaxing in the cool and refreshing atmosphere of the place.
Q: Is photography allowed near Talacauvery Waterfall?
A: Yes, photography is allowed near Talacauvery Waterfall, but one should respect the sanctity of the place and avoid disturbing the devotees.
Conclusion
Talacauvery Waterfall is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty and adventure of Coorg. It is a waterfall that showcases the glory and grace of nature, with its gushing water and lush green forests. It is also a place that offers a serene and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life
