2 DAY TRIP FROM BANGALORE | NARASIMHAPARVATHA TREK - SIRIMANE FALLS - SRINGERI

At a distance of 54 km from Udupi, 95 km from Shimoga, 100 km from Mangalore and 345 km from Bangalore, Agumbe is a cute hill station located in Shimoga district in the Malnad region of Karnataka, India. It is situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet. Agumbe hill is one of the four peaks in the Western Ghats that borders the mainland and divides it from the coast.

Agumbe is also known as the Cherrapunji of South India. It receives the highest amount of rainfall in Southern India and the second highest in the country. It is also called Hasiru Honnu means green gold as it is home to several rare species of medicinal plants like Garcinia, Myristica, Listsaea, Diospyrous, Hoiligarna, Eugenia and Ficus.

It is surrounded by a rich biodiversity, and adjacent to one of the last surviving lowland rain forests. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days. It is also famous for 14th century Gopala Krishna temple with Hoysala-style sculptures and a beautiful .....

At a distance of 18 Km from Sringeri, 20 Km from Agumbe & 65 Km from Udupi, Narasimha Parvatha is an excellent destination for trekking in Karnataka for a two day trip. It is situated at an altitude of 3780 feet. This is one of the popular moderate to difficult treks in Karnataka with overnight camping on the peak.

Most common trekking route starts from Malandur (6 Km from Agumbe) and ends at Kigga (10 Km from Sringeri) with overnight stay on Narasimha Parvatha. Malandur can be reached by private vehicle from Agumbe (walking takes 1.5 hrs). From Malandur, the trek distance to the peak is about 14 Km via Barkana Falls (6-7 Hrs trek). Camping is allowed on the peak. Kigga is about 8 Km from Narasimha Parvatha and takes about 3-4 Hrs (Sirimane Falls can be visited during this trek with 1-2 Hrs extra effort). Water filling can be done at Barkana Falls and there is also a small pond on the .....

At a distance of 10 Kms from Sringeri, Kigga is a beautiful village situated on the banks of Nandini River, a tributary of Tunga. Kigga is famous for Rishya Shringeshwara temple.

Dedicated to Rishyasringa, the temple stands on the site where Rishyasringa was absorbed in the celestial light. Built during Vijayanagara period, the temple houses a linga of a unique shape, with three protuberances resembling horns. There is a belief that if the linga is properly worshipped, famine will be averted in the land to a distance of 12 yojanas all round. It is said that Sage Rishyasringa's advent removed the drought in this place. The Rathotsavam of the temple is conducted in Chaitra Masa (Mar/April).

Kigga is also the exit point for Narasimha Parvata trekking which starts from Agumbe. Sirimane Falls is about 5 Kms from Kigga situated on Narasimha Parvata trekking route.

Kigga is connected by bus & cabs with Sringeri.

At a distance of 15 Kms from Sringeri & 5 Kms from Kigga, Sirimane Falls (also known as Kigga Falls) is a popular waterfalls located in the deep forest of Western Ghats.

With a height of about 40 feet, this waterfall is located in serene surroundings with dense forest all around. There is a motorable road available to reach the falls and vehicles can be hired from Kigga (there are several autos as well plying between Kigga and Sirimane). A little walk is required from the parking place to reach the falls through well laid steps.

It is possible to get right to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the force (however, this may not be possible when the water force is heavy during monsoons). The falls are wide and can accommodate more crowds at the bottom. This is a good place to visit throughout the year. This is very safe place to swim & play in the water.

There is a dress changing room for women. Timings - 9 AM to 6 PM .....

At a distance of 1 Km from Sringeri Bus Stand, Sri Sharada Peetham is a famous place of worship and first of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th century philosopher saint Sri Adi Shankara. This Peetham is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba, the Goddess of learning and wisdom.

In the 14th century, Vidyaranya is said to have replaced the old sandalwood image of goddess with a stone and gold image. The temple structure itself continued to be made of wood till the early 20th century. After an unexpected fire that damaged the structure, the current structure was built in the traditional south Indian style of temple architecture.

Every year during Navarathri a grand festival is celebrated here. This festival commemorates the victory of the Goddess over evil. Goddess Sharada is worshipped in all her various forms during the festival. The silver Rathotsava of Sri Sharadadevi is celebrated on all Fridays.

Timings: 6 AM - 2 PM & 5 - 9.30 PM

At a distance of 1 Km from Sringeri Bus Stand, Sri Vidyashankara Temple is situated inside the Sharada Peetham Complex. This temple has a magnificent architecture.

It was built in the memory of Guru Vidyashankara with the aid of the Vijayanagar rulers in 14th century. The temple houses ruby images of Venugopala and Srinivasa and a Nandi made out of a large pearl. Several inscriptions in the temple describe contributions made by the Vijayanagar rulers.

The Vidyashankara temple is a unique monument built combining Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles. Built with golden-colored stone, the temple sits on a low platform in the middle of the large paved area. The mandapam is remarkable for its 12 zodiac pillars, known as Rasikambhas. The pillars are placed so that the early morning sun falls on a different one during each solar month. Each pillar bears a design of an animal. The exterior of the temple is richly ornamented with .....