Ermai Falls
ಎರ್ಮೈ ಜಲಪಾತ
ಎರ್ಮೈ ಜಲಪಾತ
Ermai Falls, also known as Ermayi Falls, is a hidden gem nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, near Kajoor in the Chikkamagaluru district. Approximately 18 km from Ujire and 5 km from Didupe, this multi-tiered waterfall cascades from a height of about 75 feet, forming a serene pool at its base. The area is enveloped in dense forest, offering a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts
is renowned for its stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading over rugged stone formations. The natural stone arrangements at the falls contribute significantly to its unique beauty and the experiences it offers to visitors
The water at Ermai Falls plays a vital role in shaping the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region. Cascading from the rocky hills of the Western Ghats, the water flows in multiple tiers,
Ermai Falls is serene, refreshing, and deeply connected to nature. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the falls offer a peaceful escape from urban life. As you approach, the sound of cascading water grows louder, blending harmoniously with the chirping of birds and rustling leaves. The air is cool and crisp, often carrying the earthy scent of wet rocks and forest soil. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting dappled light on the rocky terrain and shimmering water below. The gentle mist from the falls adds a touch of magic, creating a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. Whether you’re trekking through the forest trail or sitting by the natural pools, the ambiance of Ermai Falls invites stillness, reflection, and a deep appreciation for the untouched beauty of nature.
To travel from Mangaluru to Ermai Falls, the total distance is approximately 85 km, and it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Start your journey from Mangaluru and head towards Ujire via National Highway 73 (NH73), passing through Bantwal and Belthangady. From Ujire, continue towards Mundaje, and then take a left turn towards Kajoor village. After traveling about 10 km, turn right just before Kajoor Dargah to reach the road leading to Ermai Falls. You'll then drive for another 1.5 km and need to cross the Ermai stream (a footbridge made of areca nut tree logs is used during the rainy season). The final leg involves a 1.5 km trek through dense forest to reach the falls. The entry fee is typically around ₹15–₹20 per person. It's advisable to visit during the dry months from November to February for a safer and more pleasant experience. The trek is of easy to moderate difficulty, and there are no eateries near the falls, so it's best to carry your own food and water.
I haven’t personally visited Ermai Falls, but I can imagine the experience from what many travelers and nature enthusiasts have shared. Visiting Ermai Falls is like stepping into a hidden paradise. The journey itself is an adventure—traveling through the winding roads of the Western Ghats with lush greenery around you, the air filled with the fresh scent of the forest. The final stretch, where you cross the Ermai stream and begin the trek, is especially serene. The 1.5 km trek through the forest can feel like a peaceful escape, surrounded by the sounds of birds and the rustling of trees. Reaching the falls after that hike feels rewarding, with the sight of the cascading water surrounded by rocky terrain. It’s a quiet and secluded spot, perfect for those seeking a bit of solitude in nature. However, you should be cautious around the slippery rocks and strong currents, especially if you visit during the rainy season. The place has a raw, untouched beauty, and the lack of nearby amenities means it’s best to come prepared with food and water. Overall, it’s a beautiful and refreshing spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
ನಾನು ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕವಾಗಿ ಎರ್ಮಾಯಿ ಜಲಪಾತ ಭೇಟಿಕೊಟ್ಟಿಲ್ಲ, ಆದರೆ ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕರು ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಪ್ರಿಯರು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡ ಅನುಭವಗಳನ್ನು ಆಧರಿಸಿ, ಅದರ ಅನುಭವವನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಬಹುದು. ಎರ್ಮಾಯಿ ಜಲಪಾತ ಭೇಟಿಯ ಪ್ರಯಾಣವೇ ಒಂದು ಸಾಹಸವಾಗಿದೆ—ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ಕಣಿವೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾರುವ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ರಸ್ತೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಸುವಾಗ ಸುತ್ತಲೂ ಹಸಿರಾದ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯಿಂದ, ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಚ್ಚಿದ ತಾಜಾ ವಾಸನೆ ತುಂಬಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಪ್ರೀತಿಸಬೇಡಿ. ಅಂತಿಮ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ, ಎರ್ಮಾಯಿ ನದಿವನ್ನು ಹಾರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು trekking ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗ, ಅದು ಖಂಡಿತವಾಗಿ ಶಾಂತ ಮತ್ತು ಸುಖಕರ ಅನುಭವವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ, ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳ ಹಾರಾಟ ಮತ್ತು ಮರಗಳ ಸದ್ದು ನಿನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡು ಸಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಆ ಹೈಕ್ ನಂತರ ಜಲಪಾತದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಹೋಗುವಾಗ, ನೀರು ಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಬಲು ಸ್ವಚ್ಛ ಮತ್ತು ಕಲ್ಲುಗಳಿಂದ ಬೆಂಬಲಿತ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅದರ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತುಂಬಿದ ದೃಷ್ಯವನ್ನು ನೋಡಲು ಬಹುದೂರ ಹೋಗಲು ಹೋಗುತ್ತೀರಿ. ಅದು ಬಹುಶಃ ಶಾಂತ, ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಪ್ರೇಮಿಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಉತ್ತಮ ಸ್ಥಳವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಆದಾಗ್ಯೂ, ನೀವು ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿದರೆ ಜಲಪಾತದ ಶಿಶುಕೋಟಿ ಮತ್ತು ಕಲ್ಲುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾರುವಾಗ ಮುಳುಗುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಇರಿ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಳವು ಅಮೂಲ್ಯ, ಕಲೆಮಾಡಿದ ಅಲಂಕಾರವಿಲ್ಲದ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ, ಮತ್ತು ಸಮೀಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ, ಆಹಾರ ಮತ್ತು ನೀರಿನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಗುವುದು ಉತ್ತಮ. ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆಯಾಗಿ, ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಪ್ರಿಯರು ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಹಸ ಪ್ರಿಯರಿಗೆ ಇದು ಒಂದು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಮತ್ತು ತಾಜಾ ಸ್ಥಳವಾಗಿದೆ.
Visiting Ermai Falls is an unforgettable experience, one that truly connects you with the rawraw beauty of nature. The journey itself is an adventure, as you drive through the winding roads of the Western Ghats, surrounded by lush greenery and the fresh, earthy scent of the forest. The path leading to the falls is serene, with peaceful villages and dense forests along the way. Once you reach the base, crossing the Ermai stream adds to the excitement—especially during the monsoon when the water flows with force. The final part of the journey is a beautiful 1.5 km trek through the forest, where the sound of chirping birds and the rustling of leaves guide you to the waterfall. When you finally reach the falls, the sight of the water cascading down into the rocky pool below is mesmerizing, a moment that makes the trek worthwhile. The area around the falls is tranquil, with no crowds, making it a perfect escape from the hustle of daily life. Although there are no amenities nearby, the experience of being surrounded by untouched nature more than makes up for it. The peaceful atmosphere, the beauty of the falls, and the serenity of the surroundings create a sense of calm and fulfillment. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, breathe in the fresh air, and experience nature at its finest.