Agumbe

About Agumbe

Agumbe, a small village located in Karnataka for all those who wish to find peace with nature in the western ghats. It is known to be the wettest region in Karnataka receiving highest rainfall. The tiny village is much known for its beautiful sunset and the trek opportunities it offer. It is also famous for its glorious sunsets and travelers on the highway from Shimoga to Udupi or Mangalore. This was the town where the classic serial “Malgudi days” was filmed. A number of trekking trails are available from Agumbe.
This place receives the highest rainfall in the state. Post monsoon is the most beautiful time to visit, never mind the leeches.

Agumbe is a village located in the Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka, Agumbe is among the places in India that receive very heavy rainfall earning it the sobriquet, “Cherrapunji of the South”. It is also the home of the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only permanent rainforest research station in India. The renowned herpetologist, Romulus Whitaker called Agumbe the capital of King Cobra. n area near Agumbe has been converted into a protected area for Medicinal Plants to help in their conservation.

Since 2005, Naxalite activity has been observed near Agumbe and hence, a lot of Karnataka State Police personnel have been deployed and checkposts created in all intersections. This however has not hindered visitors from visiting the region to enjoy the natural beauty of Agumbe and it surroundings.

Climate/Weather

Min - 5 deg C
Max - 32 deg C

Interesting things to do

Water Rafting, Trekking, Camping, Sunset View, rainforest experience, Wildlife
Camping at Kundadri hills on a full moon night is an experience worth taking as one can view both the sun and the moon in the celestial game.

Prime Attractions

Sunset Points:
Agumbe has a sunset point which receives lot of visitors. On a clear day, one can see the sun setting over the Arabian Sea though the sea is at quite a distance from Agumbe.

Waterfalls

• Achakanya Falls:
  Achakanya Falls is a petite waterfall on the way to Hosanagara near Aralsuruli. The Sharavathi River takes an amazing jump of 6.10 m to form this brilliant falls. Achakanya Falls is just four kms away from the Shivalinga.
• OnakiAbbi Falls**:**This is another waterfall near Agumbe. In the Kannada language, “Onake” means a pounding stick which is used to pound grains in villages.
• Barkana falls:
  Barkana Falls is the 10th highest waterfall in India with a height of 850 ft/259 mts. It is formed by the Seeta River.
• Jogigundi falls:
  Jogigundi is an easy place to get to, and leeches are confined only to the last 500 mts of the hike. During rainy season the falls are beautiful and loud. In other seasons one can swim in the pool below the falls.
• Kunchikal Falls
  Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfall in India and ranks 116th in the list of highest waterfalls in the world.[4] Its total height is 1493 ft/455 mts. It is formed by the Varahi river.

Rainfall
Agumbe receives the second highest annual rainfall in India, next only to Cherrapunji (or the nearby Mawsynram). It receives a mean annual rainfall of 7640 mm. The absolute maximum rainfall recorded in Agumbe in a single month is 4508 mm (in August 1946).

Rich Wildlife:
Mandagadee Bird Sanctuary:
Mandagadee Natural Bird Sanctuary lies on the banks of the river Tunga 32 kilometers northeast of Thirthahalli. Variety of migratory birds take refuge here during the months of July and October.
Being a part of Malnad and Western Ghats, Agumbe and its surroundings are rich in biodiversity. It is adjacent to one of the last surviving lowland rainforests in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park.[2] Many new species of flora and fauna are found in this region. Agumbe lends its name to the following species which were discovered here:

Selenops agumbensis: A spider of genus Selenops
Tarenna agumbensis: A shrub
Drosophila agumbensis: A species of small fly
Irenopsis agumbensis: A fungus
Hygroaster agumbensis: A fungus
Dactylaria agumbensis: A fungus
Other species discovered around Agumbe include:

Caudalejeunea pluriplicata: A liverwort plant.
Notothylas dissecta: A plant of type Hornwort earlier found only in Central America, was discovered in Asia for the first time in Agumbe.[8]
Cyclotoma alleni:A beetle discovered in Agumbe.

King Cobra as the flagship species.

Temples and Pilgrim destination in Augmbe:

Shivalinga:
The holy source Ambutheertha lies down the river Sharavathi 16 kilometer North West of Thirthahalli town. This is where a Shivalinga is installed.

Shringeri temple:
Shringeri temple is really an exception with extremely neat granite rock temple on banks of river Tunga. It resembles ancient Hoysala architectures. Climbing down the steps in temple one may reach straight to river. Bus service is available from Shirngeri to Udipi, Shimoga and Bangalore.

 Lakes:

• Kote kere  Lakes:
• Kabbina kere Lakes:
• Forest Check Post Lakes:

Nearest Visiting places

The 4-km shortcut from the waterfalls back to Agumbe passes through thick forests and is strongly recommended.

Tour Guide

Most of weblogs about this place recommend taking a guide to Narshima parvat or Narasimhaparvata and Mr. Raghavendra Pai[Phone No.: 08181-233023 / 233025], often offers to help trekkers as guide.

Trekking info

Permission for trekking must be obtained from the Forest Department. Contact DFO, Shimoga Division, or Range Forest Officer, Megaravalli, Agumbe Range. You can go for an exciting trek to Narasimha Parvatha. The best season for a trek is between December and March.
Trek the local fame, Narasimha Parvatha. You can also opt for a trek to Nisha gundi, or to Barkana falls. An upstream trek from Onaki Abbi during one of the drier seasons is remarkably scenic. Try to arrange for a local guide who’ll help with the trek routes, and it’s advisable because the jungle is dense.

Tips & Suggestions

These thick forests are home to leeches round the year. The locals recommend coconut oil mixed with crushed tobacco leaves as a preventive measure. This place has problem with some extremist group creating voilence and hence police permission is required and with valid passport or other identification proofs this could be easily obtained.

Location info

• **Address:**Thirthahalli taluk and the Malnad region

• **District:**Shimoga

• **Nearest City:**Shimoga (Agumbe is 90 Kms from Shimoga towards South-West) Udupi which is 55 kms from Agumbe.

• Best time to visit:

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• **Nearest Hospital:**Kigga, Sringer

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Agumbe

October to March is the best time to visit — the weather is cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. April to June offers respite from the plains heat but is busier. Monsoon (July to September) brings heavy rainfall and misty landscapes — beautiful but roads may be slippery.

Timings & opening hours

Open 24 hours for visitors. Some specific viewpoints and gardens within the hill station may have restricted hours (typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the hill station area is free. Specific viewpoints, gardens, or estates may charge an entry fee of ₹10-₹50 per person. Parking fees may apply at popular spots.

Duration needed

A day trip is sufficient to cover the main viewpoints. For a relaxing experience, stay overnight to enjoy sunrise and sunset. 2-3 days is ideal for exploring the surrounding forests, coffee estates (if applicable), and nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Hill roads can be winding and narrow — drive carefully. During monsoon, watch for landslides and slippery roads. Carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings. Stay on marked trails when trekking. Avoid venturing out alone after dark in remote areas.

Things to carry

Warm clothing (jacket/sweater) for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes. Raincoat/umbrella (especially during monsoon). Camera and binoculars for nature viewing. Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Personal medications.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on location — typically Shimoga, Chikmagalur, or Mysore stations. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). KSRTC buses connect to major cities. Local taxis are available for the final leg.

History of Agumbe

Agumbe is a scenic hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots. The area was traditionally inhabited by indigenous communities and later developed as a summer retreat during the colonial period. The surrounding forests, coffee estates, and spice plantations contribute to its charm and ecological significance.

Things to visit & highlights

Main viewpoints offering valley vistas, mountain peaks and trekking trails, coffee and spice plantations, nearby waterfalls, and any historical structures or temples in the vicinity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature like? Hill stations in Karnataka typically range from 10°C to 25°C. Evenings can be cool — carry a light jacket.

Are there trekking opportunities? Yes, most hill stations have forest trails and trekking routes of varying difficulty. Hire a local guide for the best experience.

What is the nearest major city? The nearest city depends on the specific hill station — typically 100-200 km away with good road connectivity.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Hill Stations

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Agumbe

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Agumbe on popular travel photography sites and social media.