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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Historical Kalhatti Waterfalls, Kemmannugundi

      'Kalhatti Falls' is one of the famous waterfalls in Kemmannugundi. This place proves a great combination of history, religion, nature and adventure. The temple near the falls is associated with the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Marathas, the Vijayanagar Kings  and the Wodeyar Kings. There are various  carvings on the rocks surrounding the falls and on either sides of the temple entrance.
Road to Bliss
Kalhatti Falls as Seen From the Village
Closer View
  The Kalhatti falls from a  height of about 400 ft amidst the Chandra Drona hills and is clearly visible from a far away distance. It is a multi tiered falls and at its lowermost tier is a temple dedicated to Veerabhadra Swamy (Lord Shiva). The Tamil inscriptions on the rock indicate an association of the temple with the Cholas. The name Kalhatti (supposedly named so by the Marathas), is derived from two Hindi words 'Kala' and 'Hatti' meaning a 'Black Elephant'. The reason being that, the water falling near the temple cascades over three rocks that resemble elephants in their shape and size. Hence, the name. The village near the location of the waterfall is also named after the falls as Kalhattipura.
Approach to the Temple
Veerabhadra Swamy Temple and  the Kalhatti Falls
Elephant Shaped Rock
Lord Anjaneya
Lord Veerabhadra  
Lord Shiva
Kalhatti Falls
Note the Tamil Inscriptions at the Bottom 
Lord Vishnu
   Though the temple was closed, we heard from a local that the the temple is a cave temple and entry to the cave is restricted. The Annual fair is held during the month of April/ May. One can trek till the top of  the waterfalls but only during post-monsoon season. We walked up to the next higher tier through the slippery path. The place was filled with the noise of the waterfalls. While playing in the waters, we were also visited by a pair of blue whistling thrushes, though their whistles were overshadowed by the noise of the waters. After a while, it started to drizzle and  we had to hurry back.  
Another Tier of the Falls
Blue Whistling Thrush
The Slippery Path
Colors of Joy
Note: Avoid  visiting this place during festive season.

To be continued...............

24 comments:

  1. बिल्कुल ऐसा लगा कि जैसे हम खुद ही यात्रा कर रहे हो।

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  2. What an awesome place! Such gorgeous waterfalls and your photos are superb as always! What a great tour you've taken us on today and such a wonderful start to my day! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Hope your week is going well!

    Sylvia

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  3. Great place. Wonder how far it is from Bangalore?

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  4. Looks like an amazing place...Thanks for sharing...

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  5. no doubt kemmangundi is a fantastic place but this place is littered with scores of people visiting the temple...

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  6. A wonderful place in the lap of mother nature.. Would love to be there myself one day. Thanks a lot for sharing.

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  7. wonderful place and coverage TGS.. I loved the post.!

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  8. Wonderful place, especially liked the entrance to the temple crossing a falls/stream! Magical indeed, thanks for bringing out such hidden gems!

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  9. I have never seen a temple like this - looks like a must visit.

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  10. I felt like you took me on vacation and showed me all your favorite places Beautiful pictures

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  11. Beautiful place. I have to plan a trip to this place.

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  12. Enchanting place. Nice to see one has to wade thru' water t reach the temple.

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  13. Wow! Thats a lot of water in Kalhatti falls!

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  14. The veerabhadra swamy temple with falls on both the sides looks ravishing

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  15. hey post mulyengiri photos too...:D
    and when was kalathgiri falls so much thick..when i had been it was thin line of water fall.

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  16. wonderful place filled with nature... very scenic and beautiful.... must be refreshing...

    the idols were ancient and rustic... they add beauty to the place.... the whole place is so colorful and mind boggling... ur photos create the impression... wonderful captures!!!

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  17. What an interesting concept for the temple...right through the flowing water! A gorgeous place indeed...

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  18. Beautiful place. Great photographs

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  19. Lovely shots.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  20. nice pictures ... looks like a must visit place!

    -mukul

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