Iruppu falls
Iruppu falls (also spelled Irpu falls or Irupu falls or Irrupu falls) is one of
the most popular waterfalls of Coorg. Located near the Rajiv
Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), Iruppu falls is very popular
tourist spot because of its beauty and easy accessability.
Tarred roads lead you right till the base of the hill, from
where concrete steps lead you right into the waterfall. The
Forest department has arranged seating areas from where
visitors can relax and admire the view of the falls. The entire
path to the waterfall is densely wooded
Though the waters of Iruppu are rainfed, it is perenial in nature. In summer the waterfall reduces to a narrow stream but in the rainy season, the Iruppu falls presents a stunning sight. The waters of Iruppu originate from streams in the Brahamagiri range and crash down the Iruppu falls to join the Lakshman Teertha river. Iruppu falls is a part of the Brahmagiri forest range, there is a trek route that will leads to the Narimale forest camp and then on to Brahamagiri peak (Permission from forest department is needed for doing this trek). All the flora and fauna of Western ghats(elephants, bison etc) can be see in the Brahamagiri range. The endangered "Malabar Blue Bandit" butterfly is usually seen near the Iruppu falls
Iruppu falls also has significant religious importance, legend has it that Lord Ram had stayed in these forests during the period of his banishment. Lakshman, Lord Ram's brother, shot an arrow into the forest and Iruppu falls were born. At the base of the hill where Iruppu falls are located is the Rameshwara temple. According to legend the Shiva linga of this temple was made by Lord Ram himself. This temple attracts a lot of devotees during the Shivaratri festival. The temple also hosts the village market (called Sante) every Sunday.
Location: Near Nagarhole forest, South Coorg, between Kutta and Gonikoppal. Road signs along the way point to Iruppu falls
Distance from Bethel home stay: 5 KM
Traveller notes: As with any popular tourist spot, expect big crowds on weekends and holidays and very little on week days. There is only a small shop at the foot of the hill, the shop provides tea, snacks, cool drinks etc. You can also get a very simple vegetarian meal and nothing more at Iruppu.
Picture gallery
Please click on the thumbnails below to see more images of the Iruppu falls. Please note: Clicking on right side of the image takes you to the next image, and clicking on the left of the image takes you to the previous one.
