Agumbe is known as Chirapunji of South India as this place is next to Chirapunji in receiving a very high rainfall. So, you can just imagine the beauty of this place, rain forests covered hills, waterfalls, ghats, exotic plants, flaura, and fauna. Agumbe is situated at 2,710 feet above sea level in Karnataka. Agumbe should be a must visit place for nature lovers.
It is a paradise for trekkers offering a wide range of exciting trekking trails.
Many episodes of R.K.Narayan’s novel Malgudi Days was shot in Agumbe. Agumbe village is charming with the heritage house of Mrs. Kasturiakka commanding your attention. Episodes were shot in this house too.
Agumbe is a haven for rare plants, reptiles, and animals. Many new species have been discovered here and they are named after this place. For example, Selenops agumbensis (spider), Tarenna gaumbensis (a shrub), and so on.
King Cobra, Lion-tailed macaque, Cane Turtle, Tiger, Dhole, Hornbills, Sambhar, Atlas moth, Flying lizard, Leopard, and Indian Gaur are some of the fauna found in this region. Many birds have made this place their home.
Agumbe has the disticiton of having the only permanent rainforest research station in India, which was setup by Romulus Whitaker. He is a renowned herpetologist has spent many years protecting and researching on King Cobra and calls Agumbe the capital of King Cobra.
Agumbe Medicinal Plants Conservation Area (MPCA) was established in 1999 to conserve the medicinal plants and protect the endangered species.
From the sunset point, the view of the Western Ghats merging with the Arabian Sea is a treat to the eye. On cloud and fog free days, the sun setting over the Arabian see can be viewed from here.
The best season for viewing sunset of Agumbe is from November to January.
Places of interest around Agumbe:
Hills: Kundadri, Nishani Gudda, Narasimha Parvatha
Waterfalls: Sirimane Waterfalls, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Vanake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi. Koodlu theertha falls
Lakes: Kote kere, Kabbina kere
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Rain forests, Western Ghats
Situated: Shimoga District, Thirthahalli Taluk, Karnataka
Distance: Bangalore: 380 km; Shimoga: 90 km; Udupi: 55 km; Mangalore: 100 km; Sringeri: 25 km; Horanadu: 55 km; Thirthahalli: 35 km
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Experience Malnad hospitality in the heritage house of Smt. Kasturiakka (Ph: 08181-233075); the inspection bungalow and the guest house are other options to stay and explore the region.
