About

Iruppu Waterfall Located around 50 km away from Madikeri town and 20 km beside the Nagarhole National Park, in the Brahmagiri Range, Iruppu falls presents a majestic sight with waters cascading down from a height of 170 feet. Iruppu waterfall is one of Coorgs major tourist attractions. Iruppu is a sacred place and is located in south Coorg on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. According to legends Rama and Lakshmana passed this way in search of Sita. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being the river Lakshmana tirtha when Rama asked him to fetch some water. 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 perennial in nature. In summer the waterfall reduces to a narrow stream but in the rainy season, the Iruppu falls present 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 lead 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 seen 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. the people of Coorg believe that bathing in the Iruppu Falls will wash one's sins away. The Rameshwara Temple, located nearby the falls, attracts a large congregation of devout pilgrims during the festival of ‘Sivaratri’. This temple attracts a lot of devotees during the Shivaratri festival. The temple also hosts the village market (called Sante) every Sunday. On the way to Iruppu, there is a spot that supposedly has a footprint of the horse as it ran during the Ashwamedha Yagna performed by the Pandavas.

Irpu Falls is around 30kms from Gonikoppa and 80 km from Madikeri. Nagarahole is just 25 km away from Irpu Falls.

Tips

• Must visit in rainy season July and August is the best time, can visit this place any day from July to December.
  
• The approach to the falls is good but may not be senior citizen friendly as it does need quite a steep walk. A walk of need to walk around 1-1.5 and climb 100 odd steps need to reach this magnificent waterfalls. would not like to advise this place for the senior citizens especially if he/she has been suffering from a knee problem.
• The walk to the falls is intimidating as there is no security or network in this area.
• There are no eateries, it's advisable to carry food or snakes and water with you.
• Bathing in the falls is permitted dressing rooms and toilets are available.
  

Timings