Kodagu (Coorg) district has been famous for natural beauty and tourist
attractions. India's largest Tibetan settlement, it boasts Omkareshwrara
temple, Madikeri fort, Namdroling Monastery and the Nagarhole National
park. And Irupu (Eeerpoo) falls, another well known land mark of the district,
lies at the base of the Brahmagiri Range near Nagarhole National Park
in South - West Karnataka.
Emerging from the lush Western Ghats, it is an ideal
picnic destination for visitors who looking to get away from the hustle
and bustle of city life. The waters of Irupu originate from streams
in the Brahamagiri range and jumps down the ravine in two tiers from a
height of 60 metre.
It is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls derived
from the name of the tributary of Cauvery River, which starts from these
falls, the Lakshmana Tirtha River. According to a legend, Lord Rama and
his brother Lakshmana (heroes of the epic Ramayana) passed along the Bhramagiri
range in search of Sita. When lord Rama asked his brother to get some
drinking water, Lakshmana shot an arrow at the Brahmagiri hills which
started spurting water. This stream of water came to known as the Lakshmana
Tirtha River and on Mahashivratri day lots of devotees take a holy dip
in the river to wash off their sins. It's easy access and beauty makes
it a favorite tourist destination in Coorg.
The Irupu Sri Rameshwara temple near the Irupu waterfall
attracts Hindu pilgrims, especially during the Shivaratri festival in
February. It is said that lord Rama himself installed the Shivalingam
inside the temple. Nearby, there is another temple dedicated to Lord Ram,
surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is ascend to these falls.
Vehicles can reach the base of these falls. From here a trek about 15-20mins
on concrete steps takes one to the waterfalls. The entire path is densely
wooded and the Forest department has arranged seating areas from where
visitors can relax and enjoy the view of the waterfalls. During summer,
the waterfall reduces to a narrow stream and in rainy season, the Irupu
falls, flows a stunning sight. But during the rainy season as the way
through the lush green vegetation may be slippery and there are bound
to be leeches. So it is best to visit these falls just after the
monsoon i.e in October.
Those who interested in trekking, the trek route (9kms)
which leads to the Narimala forest camp and then on to Brahmagiri peak
(located at 1608 m height, it is a scenic tourist attraction) is really
exhilarating. For this, prior permission is needed from the Brahmagiri
Sanctuary Reserve (Contact: Mr.Pramod, Forest Range Office, Srimangala,
Mob: 9448813835). The best season for this trekking is between November
and February. On the way of this trek, one can spot flora and fauna
of Western ghats. The endangered "Malabar Blue Bandit" butterfly
is usually seen near the Iruppu falls.
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Waterfalls 
