Tropical Trek to Chingara Falls, Coorg

The Chingara falls is one of the bigger waterfalls in the Virajpet side of Coorg in Karnataka. This waterfall, tucked between coffee estates and tropical forests is an ideal place for a tropical trek and that too especially in the monsoons. But, for those who are not in the mood for a trek can still enjoy this waterfall by taking the small concrete road that turns left from Kabinnakad junction on the Virajpet – Madikeri road.

 
When I was here with my friends sometime back, we preferred to do the tropical trek in the rains from Honey Valley to Chingara Falls. The total round trip for the trek was about 5 kilometres. One side of the journey is a steep descent, while the other one is an ascent that will send the heart racing for even the fittest. The trek is fairly straight forward except for a knee deep stream that needs to be crossed to reach the waterfall. This stream crossing adds some excitement and variety to the trek.

 
And as is norm in the Western Ghats, a lot of leeches gave us company during the trek. One can get a lot of views of this waterfall during the trek. At certain points, the waterfall will look like a mighty dam of milk that is falling amidst dense greenery. And equally synonymous with this beauty is the thundering roar of this waterfall, which carries excess amounts of water during the monsoons.



The special part about this waterfall is that it offers the trekker the opportunity to go right under it apart from the tropical trek, a spectacular sight and the ability to take a dip in the mountain stream. So, if you are carrying your swimming trunks, you can have a great time at either the stream or the waterfall, both of which will give you a refreshing experience.

 
If you wish to indulge in photography here, do remember to carry some plastic covers or other rain protection gear for your camera lens as the waterfall spray can carry quite a distance. And if you do not wish to get drenched in the rain, do remember to carry your rain wear. This is one waterfall I would definitely recommend for a high energy and fun-filled half day trip around Virajpet.

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Citrus Fruits from Honey Valley, Coorg

At first look, these fruits looked like an orange. In fact, all of us in the group thought that way. But, at closer look, these looked bigger than an orange, but had all other external attributes of an orange.

 
I spotted this tree and its Citrus fruits during my long weekend holiday at the Honey Valley Estate in Coorg. Apparently, the monsoons are the fruit season for these Citrus fruits.

 
Any of you have an idea of the name of this citrus fruit?

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Shades of Monsoon from the ‘Scotland of India’

Coorg, the ‘Scotland of India’ is one of the best places in India to plan your monsoon holiday. Recently, I was there at Honey Valley, a great eco tourism initiative in Coorg. While I was there on my 3 day holiday, I was intoxicated by the steady monsoon drizzle, the fresh mountain air, the delightfully full waterfalls and the new shades of GREEN all over.

 
Below are some of those monsoon shades in pictures. I know that these pictures are a far cry from feeling the nippy monsoon weather in the Western Ghat mountains, but I am hoping that it somehow is able to bring out the magic.

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The Joy of Monsoons – Furry Caterpillar from Coorg

There is no better way to enjoy the monsoons then be in the heart of it, which in my mind is best felt in India’s Western Ghats where it pours the most to the extent of being torrential. A couple of weeks back, I was at the Kakkabe side of Coorg and was enjoying nature at its vibrant best.

 
This photo was taken in light rain and with half my body submerged in a mountain stream. This furry caterpillar, which can give a lot of people the creeps and the famous itch, looked particularly appealing to be in its black and white and with it clinging to a small plant growing by the side of this mountain stream. And all of it freshly drenched in the monsoon rains.

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Passion Fruit: The Exotic Tropical Fruit

The passion fruit is one exotic fruit that is known for its rich aroma and flavour. This tropical fruit is grown widely in the Western Ghats of India and is more commonly found during the monsoons. Hence, it was no surprise that I saw the passion fruit and vine during my recent trip to the tropical forests of Coorg in Karnataka.

 
This highly nutritious fruit tastes great with a pinch of salt and tastes even better in juice. The variety that is found in India is the yellow variety, which is also used to make home-made wine in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Do remember to taste this fruit when you are travelling to the Western Ghats this monsoons.

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