Sita Falls, Rama Catches!

The title of this blog comes in as a comment during our visit to the very beautiful and pleasant Sita falls (Koodlu-theertha) situated in Udupi, Karnataka. 5 of us, Manju, Shanky, Angelo, Deepak and me, visited this place on April 19, 2008. So, jotting down the memorable journey!

Having had home made idlis and sambar followed by really delicious Mangalore buns and tea at Manju’s place, we decided on to visit Sita Falls. Manju had given us a rough idea about the route and distance to trek (approx. 2 km). Having traveled through ‘green’ roads for an hour via Hebri, we reached a river, which an Omni couldn’t have crossed. So, we got down and started off with our trekking. The sun was shining bright and the weather was hot and humid. We had just plain H2O with us! We knew its gonna be a tough path ahead.

We walked and walked and walked a lot (around 3 km.). Sadly there was no signs of a waterfall and we were all tired and drenched in sweat! Manju was greatly on the receiving end for misguiding us with the distance. This was when came up another shocking revelation from him. There was another couple of km’s to go! OMO, we sat down for sometime in the shock, but then gathered on the strength as we saw the path leading to a forest like area. We were happy and realized that atleast the path ahead would be shady one! And it was indeed cool. We came across a small stream, wherein washed our hands and face. The water was so cool, felt like taking a dip into it. Anyway’s, we walked ahead.

Here awaited our bloodsucking friends, the Leeches! Who knew that! Only Manju had a prior confrontation with them. It had rained the previous night, so along with moisture, surfaced these dirty, small animals! Shanky and Angelo were soon their first targets, but we realized it soon and so luckily, they didn’t loose much of the blood. Deepak was the next, followed by Manju. By the end of trip, Deepak had become favorite of Leeches and donated blood, the most!

Finally, with great difficulty, we walked the total distance (around 5 km.) and reached the falls. What a sight! Trust me, hidden from the outer world, its a world in itself. Ya, the place was not big, but within itself, it held a beauty hidden from the rest of the world. Rocks surrounding the beautiful water gushing down the top was a treat to watch! The rocks were slippery; somehow we managed to get under the falls. The water falling from around 40-50 ft. above, on us, left us all shouting in pain and excitement. The ‘indra-dhanush’ too, had come down and surrounded us! We all we made to feel noble at that time.

On enjoying it for sometime, we all settled down for some ‘boys-talk’ under the water. Better not ask what! First of all let me make clear, we are all straight! So, some secrets were revealed, some revisited. Overall, we all spent a quality time under the falls. The cold, pleasant water-fall had indeed come up as a relief from the heat and pain of trekking such a long distance. Our extreme efforts did bear sweet fruits at the end!

Then started the return journey, which was relatively easier and less tiresome. The leeches were still out there for welcoming us, however, we walked fast to avoid any such opportunistic attacks! Reached the Omni and all of us laid down flat, everyone tired and exhausted, very hungry and thinking of the good natural food that would be soon made available to us by Manju’s parents!

And so ended our half day trip! It was around 3 years since I had trekked and for the first time visiting a falls. It was fun indeed to be in such a great company and playing around in natures own enclave. The trip has left me only craving for more such expedites and explore the hidden and preserved beauties in the nature………..

Few things that were prominent during the trip :

* “Arey its just half a km from here” — Dialog by Manju for every half a km we used to cover.

* The ‘F’ words which Manju had to hear a lot, especially from Angelo and Shanky, owing to the long distance we had to walk.

* The freaky voices by Angelo and Manju while Leeches were enjoying their blood! I suppose the animals in the forest would have got scared for sure.

* Leeches enjoying everyone’s blood except for me. Though one was successful in getting inside my socks, but poor fellow died a miserable death as I crushed it to ‘chutney’. I felt proud of myself!

* Lots of plastic was seen near the falls! Would like to sincerely plead all the readers not to pollute atleast such a place, so that the place retains a dignity and always makes us feel to revisit!

Overall, it was a very wonderful experience of trekking, getting beneath a water fall for the first time and watching the colorful rainbow descend down, surrounding us amidst natures arms!

A very special thanks to Manju for suggesting the place and motivating us to walk along the whole distance!