Mekedatu Falls is one of the most beautiful and thrilling Bangalore tourist places, where you can enjoy the sight and sound of a majestic waterfall on the Kabini River. Waterfall is located in a narrow gorge, where the river flows through a series of rocks and drops into a deep pool. Waterfall is also known as Goat’s Leap, as it is believed that a goat once jumped across the gorge to escape from a tiger.
To visit Mekedatu Falls, you need to take a boat or a raft from Sangama, which is the confluence of the Arkavathi and the Kabini rivers. Sangama is about 97 km from Bangalore and 6 km from Mananthavady. Reach Sangama by road, rail, or air from Bangalore. Boat or raft ride takes about 15 minutes and costs Rs. 80 for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 for foreign tourists. Entry fee also includes the forest department fee and the camera fee.
Timings of Mekedatu Falls
Mekedatu Falls can be visited between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM on all days, except Mondays. Entry fee for visiting Mekedatu Falls is Rs. 80 for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 for foreign tourists. The camera fee is Rs. 50 for still cameras and Rs. 150 for video cameras.
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Best Time to Visit Mekedatu Falls
Best time to visit Mekedatu Falls is from September to December, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is low. During this time, you can enjoy the view of the waterfall and the surrounding forest, and indulge in the thrilling and fun activities. Also witness the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which falls in February or March, when the devotees of Lord Shiva flock to the nearby temple and celebrate with fervor and devotion.
Avoid visiting Mekedatu Falls during the monsoon season, which usually starts from July and lasts till September. During this time, the river flows high and fast, making it dangerous and inaccessible. The rocks also get slippery and the visibility gets low, making it difficult and risky to enjoy the waterfall and the activities.
How to Reach Mekedatu Falls?
Mekedatu Falls is located in Kammasandra village, which is about 6 km from Mananthavady town and 97 km from Bangalore city. The waterfall can be easily reached by road, rail, or air.
By Road: Waterfall is well-connected by road to Mananthavady, Bangalore, and other nearby towns and cities. There are regular buses and taxis available from these places to the waterfall. The waterfall is about 2 hours drive from Bangalore and 15 minutes drive from Mananthavady.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 110 km from the waterfall. There are trains from Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and other major cities to Kozhikode. From the station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the waterfall.
By Air: Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 120 km from the waterfall. There are flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and other domestic and international destinations to Calicut. From the airport, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a cab to the waterfall.
Benefits of Visiting Mekedatu Falls
Visiting Mekedatu Falls can have many benefits for the visitors, such as:
- Experiencing the beauty and tranquility of nature, away from the noise and pollution of the city.
- Exploring the rich biodiversity and ecology of the region, which hosts many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
- Enjoying the thrilling and fun activities such as bamboo rafting, boating, and trekking, which offer a unique and memorable experience.
- Learning about the history and culture of the region, which are associated with the legend of Bhakta Manjunatha, a repentant sinner who became a devout devotee of Lord Shiva.
- Relaxing and rejuvenating one’s body and mind, by breathing the fresh air, listening to the soothing sounds of the river and the waterfall, and meditating in the peaceful environment.
Mekedatu Falls is a wonderful and worthwhile place to visit for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It is a place where one can witness the splendor and grace of the Kabini River and the evergreen forests, as well as the devotion and dedication of the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is a place where one can have a refreshing and rewarding trip with their family and friends. If you are planning to visit Bangalore, you should definitely include Mekedatu Falls in your itinerary and experience the magic of this waterfall.
