Take a break from the monotonous city and complications of life and experience a natural abode of the divine at the Apasarakonda falls in the Honnavar district of Western Karnataka. You may be able to explore the region well even if you book a resort in Gokarna which is about an hour and a half from the region. It is a mesmerizing place of natural beauty. Apsarakonda is believed to be an ancient waterfall, quite literally means ‘pond of angels’ named so in the belief that it is the place of relaxation for angels where they came to bathe and get solace. It is also called the ‘pond of Celestial Nymphs’. How wonderful does that sound!
Apsarakonda is a small village that is situated about 8 kilometres from the Honnavar district and is a popular tourist destination in the region though comparatively unexplored by tourists from other regions. It is a coastal village with the Arabian sea at its coastline.
Known for its beauty and serenity, the Apsarakonda waterfall is known for its solitude and natural surroundings. Descending from a height of 50 feet, the waterfall forms a natural pond beneath it. The water is crystal clear and inviting with the area surrounded by woods and greenery making the place absolutely calm and breathtaking. Tourists tend to enjoy an inevitable dip in this refreshing pond and cool their bodies and minds down. On top of the hill that the water descends from is the perfect spot to watch the sunset into the vastness of the blue Arabian sea. Another interesting fact about this waterfall is that the water actually stems from the roots of a sacred fig tree that hide small moss-covered caves behind its roots.
There are some bigger caves near to the waterfall that has become an attraction themselves as tourist love to explore the interior of these naturally formed caves. Locally known as the Pandava caves, the legend surrounding these caves claims that during the exile period, Pandavas had stayed in these caverns. Various other tourist spots and temples surround this region so there is much to see and explore.
A trail created by the tourism department can help you reach the waterfall quite easily. The trail itself has been beautified by the tourism department so it is a delight to even reach there. Trekking to the waterfalls has become quite an easy feat as well because the route is well-marked and filled with scenic views. Even a beginner trekker will enjoy this route quite a lot without much difficulty.
Ancient shrines of Umamba Maha Ganpati and Ugra Narasimha were established by sadhus and saints who meditated in the caves here at Apsarakonda. These temples are also sights to see and must be visited for not just the legends surrounding them but the historic architecture and surrounding beauty.
Another spot with wonderful views is the Apsarakonda beach that dawns a deep blue sea at its hem. It is surrounded by green bushes and trees making it the perfect beach to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing. And an interesting fact about this place is even though it is a coastal place, the groundwater around 5 kilometres of Apsarakonda waterfalls is sweet
Some other spots you can explore in the region include Colonel Hill, Kasarkod Beach, Rama Tirtha, Higund, and more.
The best time to visit Apsarakonda is from June to October during the monsoon because this region comes to life and flourishes with the green hue all over. The waterfall is at peak beauty as well. Though trekking is not recommended during the monsoons. If you wish to visit in a different season, October to February is the perfect timeframe for pleasant weather. Book a stay in a resort in Gokarna and after exploring the wonderful region head over to the quaint abode of natural beauty that is Apsarakonda. To reach Apsarakonda you can opt for either flight to the nearest airport that is located at Hubli, train to the Honnavar railway station, buses to Honnavar or private vehicles by road.
The beauty of this place is astounding and you must consider visiting it once for a refreshing yet serene experience that will heal you from within.
