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Onake Abbi: Nature's gift well hidden deep in the jungles of Western Ghat
There might not be a person who has never enjoyed the majesty and magnificence of waterfalls in the summer season. The serene beauty and a splendor of cascading water falls you rejoiced. The waters trickling down the hills freshen your mind and body and gets a clear answer to your question, ‘Have I earned it?’ with a very affirmative nod.
This very experience has motivated us to scribble a short write up on our visit to Onake Abbi. Myself, and my friends had a least of the clue that nature can preserve its most beautiful assets deep within the lush green forests of Agumbe. Satisha, who has infatuation to the water falls, knew this although not visited earlier. Our journey started at Someshwara with the help of a local guide who knew the terrain well. We had clear instructions from him to carry water, fruits and nuts. With water bottle in hand, few munchies, our trek started with a lot of ‘Josh’. The local terrain looked easy to trample as path looked wide for a group of 5 to trek without any trouble. Things appeared smooth for about 3 Km trek when sandals broke, the tiredness started to grip the feet and the terrains became rougher. The humid Agumbe forests drenched our clothing and dehydrated as we trekked the next distance of about a kilometer. Rest seemed obvious and my calf muscles made the uptrek even difficult and all advised me to take baby steps in the heavy slopes.
Then came a point where we could hear some sound of flowing water. The zeal to reach the ultimate point made the journey swifter, despite the tiredness and the slopy rugged mountains. Excitement on everyone’s face culminated to its zenith when we could see the water to our left side view flowing down the stream. A bungee by Abhi and Ambuli led them straight to the waters midst the rocks
It was not over yet, we quenched our thirst and proceeded with a small rock climbing for a magnificent view of Onake Abbi, the pounding stick fall. The blue clear skies of Agumbe, the perfectly crafted grey colored rocks, the ever green tree on the top of these rocks allowed the pounding stick, Onake Abbi froth briskly from the top. The smooth flowing air blew the stick and the white water droplets touching the grey rocks and making them wet, created a shiny surface. The mid noon sun made this a picture perfect setting, adorable by any nature freak.
Then it was a time to enjoy the waters, swim and bathe in the cold icy waters in the hot summer noon. A swim and few walk in the pond allowed us to refresh our lost energy and rejuvenate our spirits. Never did we feel that almost two hours had got spent being in the waters.
It was time to head back, as we had to get to Bangalore. We bid adieu to the serene beauty with a vow to visit once again. The trek back to Someshwara was easier as it was mostly a downward journey. It took almost an hour and a quarter to reach back with just a single halt.
This has been one of my great trek experience and look forward to few more in the months to come.
At a glance:
Onake abbi, fall in two phases, a height of almost 100 ft from the Agumbe hilltop (I call Level 1 - Possibly no simple root to go there (My wild guess) and the 2nd one a height of almost 450 feet to the bottom. A pond at the bottom where the water completes its fall lets you cool off, swim, enjoy refresh and rejuvenate.
Nature has been preserved best there. The two rocks formed perfectly to let this water fall perfect between the two major rock formations. Birds fly around, Honey bees have made their combs on the rocks and the greenery all around a perfect place for any one who seeks solace from bustling city life.
Treck to go: Up trek of about 6KM. 2.5KM pretty wider (width that can accommodate a 4WD, but not reachable by vehicles as few falls trees make the vehicle travel not practical). remaining about 3.5 to 4KM, challenging. Try this only if you have trekked previously and you have courage to climb slopes of varying degree from minimum 30 to even up to 65 degrees. We did our trek in April so the path was covered with dry leaves. Our guide told that climbing this slopes in Rainy seasons is almost impossible as it is very slippery.
Ensure that you have sufficient water when you climb upwards, since you perspire and tiredness grips and drains your water content easily when climbing the slopes. Take breaks if and when needed gulping banana, biscuits other snacks that give you back some energy.
Words of caution:
Do not go to this place without a local guide, as there is possibility of getting lost in the jungle. Have sufficient water while climbing up, carry some fruits, nuts and some munchies as you are in the middle of jungle. Wear trek shoes with good grip. Carry first aid items. Do not spoilt nature by throwing the plastic waste. Nature is pristine here.
Last word:
Enjoy the place, you feel worth it to have visited it and share your experience with others (This is not one of the commonest visited places for sure)
I will have more TRAVEL WITH ME series so keep following at @SHINEDIAMOND,