Mallali Falls is a magnificent waterfalls situated in the foothills of Pushpagiri Mountains in Coorg district of Karnataka. Formed by Kumaradhara River, Mallali Falls drops down from a height of 200 feet and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg. The Kumaradhara River later flows through Kukke Subrahmanya and merges with the Netravati River at Uppinangadi, which then empties into the Arabian Sea at Mangalore. The surroundings of the waterfall provide a spectacular view of green forest, valleys and mountain ranges.

Mallali Falls is about 5 km from Kumaralli. There is a motor able road up to 3 km from Kumaralli to Chiguru Homestay. From Chiguru, Mallalli Falls is a 2 km walk on newly laid concrete road or one can hire a jeep to take you all the way to the top of the falls. There are wide concrete steps to reach the bottom of the falls. Visitors can get into the waters, but not safe during peak monsoons. People trekking Pushpagiri Hills can also visit this falls with 2-3 hours additional effort. From Somvarpet there are very few buses to Kumaralli which is the nearest village to waterfalls. Hiring a private vehicle is a better way to reach Mallalli Falls. There are no shops/restaurants near the falls so it is always better to carry food. Monsoon season is the best time to visit the fall, when water rises high and flows with full speed.

Note: The falls is located in the borders of Sakleshpur Taluk so people can stay near Bisle and could travel to this falls.

Ettina Bhuja….a hidden gem of a trail in southern Karnataka. The trek to Ettina Bhuja is short and relatively easy. It is ideal for trekking enthusiasts, especially those with limited experience. Ettina Bhuja, about 1300 msl, is one of the numerous peaks in the Charmadi Ghats region of Karnataka. The name Ettina Bhuja is derived from classical Kannada meaning ‘ox’s shoulder’. The peak resembles the hump on an ox’s back. The trekking trail to Ettina Bhuja begins at Shishila, 15 kms from Dharmasthala. Usually, trekkers hire a jeep from Shishila to Holegundi where the actual trail begins. The peak lies 8 kms from Holegundi. A trek guide is necessary because this is a less-frequented trail and vegetation quickly covers the tracks, so chances of getting lost are high. Ettina Bhuja is visible through the trees at the beginning of the trail. The initial part of the trail takes one to the Kapila river crossing, a kilometer from Holegandi. Though the water level is not high, the current is quite strong and the rocks are slippery. A few minutes later, another stream flowing in the opposite direction, is encountered. This is a tributary of the Kapila river. The cool waters of this gentle stream offer respite and is an ideal location for a break. The trail lies alongside the stream, whose gurgling sounds accompany trekkers. For over an hour, one treks alongside the stream through patches of leech land. A mini waterfall, gurgling sounds of the water, thick canopy of trees, gradual ascent and an undefined trail are the highlights of this stretch. The trail moves slowly away from the stream and the gradient increases. This stretch has a rich variety of mushrooms that make for great images. The forest cover gives way to grasslands and one gets another glimpse of Ettina Bhuja.

Rolling hills and green valleys stand between the trekkers and the peak. The path to the peak takes one through hills and valley and through shola forests and grasslands. This stretch, lasting over two hours, is very tiring. It is advisable to take breaks from the scorching sun by taking shelter under tree cover during the crossovers. The ascent is steep and is a true test of nerves. At a the base of the imposing peak, lies a beautiful grassland. The final ascent to Ettina Bhuja is from behind the peak. Trekkers planning to camp near the peak set up camps and ascend the peak when the sun begins to set. The scorching heat can sap one’s energy easily. Seasoned trekkers take a small break and proceed to conquer the peak. The meadow is deceptively close to the peak. The final climb takes about 30 minutes and is completely exhilarating. The adventurous attempt a 70-degree incline and climb on fours in some stretches to reach Ettina Bhuja. The less strenuous route circles the peak and takes one along rocky ridges. The views from the ridges are mindblowing. There are deep gorges on one side and rocky patches on the other. With hearts in their mouths, trekkers reach Ettina Bhuja.

Ettina Bhuja offers breathtaking views of the peaks of the Charmadi Ghats including the Ombattu Gudda and Amedikallu. The peak offers beautiful sunset views. The Bhairaveshwara temple in the plains is clearly visible. The rocky peak is windy and there is no tree cover to offer respite. Trekkers camp in the base below the peak amidst the chilly winds, starry skies and cold weather. Ettina Bhuja is not the tallest peak in Charmadi Ghats and hence sunrise arrives late. The sun lights up the peak in its golden glow – a sight that will remain etched in your memory. Trekking to Ettina Bhuja amidst the tall elephant grass, damp forests, wide variety of mushrooms, harsh sun, slippery rocks, tricky trails, and open skies is popular among the trekking community in South India. The peak looks imposing from all directions and hence the final challenging ascent leaves one with a tremendous sense of achievement.

Ombattu Gudda / Ombattu Gudde / Ombathu Gudde is @ an altitude of 971m in the Kabbinale reserved forest range accessible from Hosakere (near Mudigere) as well as from Gundya. The usual trek trail is to start from Gundya check post (in NH48 / Mangaluru / Mangalore highway), head towards a water falls, climb up Ombattu Gudda, get down at Hosakere near Mekanagadde.

Ombattu Gudda peak is an uphill trek of approximately 6 hours from Gundiya checkpost. The trek starts along the NH27 for about an hour and then we say good-bye to civilization. The initial route winds along a jeep track where you would come across interesting wildlife and pebbled Kabbihole river! The path mostly goes along a stream where we can practice some diving. The forest is extremely virgin with huge bamboos and dense foliage playing host to a range of wildlife from the tiger, leopard, jungle cat, barking deer to gaur, sloth bear and, of course, the wild elephant.