Now, I went to Irpu Falls a couple of times, but I haven’t been there for a while, so bear in mind prices can change, accommodation can close, and things change fast these days in India.

Irpu Falls and the Rameshwara Temple

Iruppu Falls are 52 metres high and originate in the Brahmagiri Peak inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Coorg. It is said that the Hindu god Rama and his brother Lakshmana passed through this area when they were searching for Rama’s beloved Sita. When Rama asked Lakshmana to get him water, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and created the river Lakshmana Tirtha (the sacred river of Lakshmana) that descends into the waterfalls. Legend says that the water here has the power to cleanse away your sins. Coorg has some nice treks and near Irpu Falls is a trekking route that leads to the Brahmagiri Peak at 1600 metres altitude.

The nearby Rameshwara temple is a popular pilgrimage destination especially during the Shivaratri festival in February. It is said that lord Rama himself installed the shivalingam inside the temple. Near the temple and around Irpu Falls are several lovely homestays that offer comfortable accommodation and homecooked food.

When to Go and How to Get There

The Irpu Falls look at their best during and after the Southwest monsoon, which lasts from June to September. The problem with visiting during monsoon is that it rains a lot in Coorg that time. You may want to visit once the monsoon is finished around September to see a lot of water in the falls but to avoid the worst of the rains. Bring warm clothes especially if visiting in the late monsoon or between November and January; it gets cold in the mountains especially in the evening and you’ll want to have at least a fleece.

Oh, and I’m not going to tell you how to get there, because if I ever go back, I don’t want everyone else to be there as well. It is easy enough to drive there, but if you use public transport, you’ll have to change the bus a few times. Research it online, it’s simple enough.