Mookana mane falls in different seasons

Payaniga: Mookana mane falls in different seasons
March 2007: An early summer visit

It is always a gamble to paying visits to waterfalls in Summer. There is a high chance of returning disappointed with no much water. With that low expectation set, along with a bunch of friends, I set out to visit Mookana mane falls eight years ago. It was in the month of March, winter was slowly giving away to Summer. After enduring 40 KMs of bad roads post Sakaleshpur, we were standing in front of a slow and steady stream. We were about a hundred or so meters upstream from the falls. Water was knee-deep, slightly deeper here and there. We waded along the stream wherever the water was shallow. And resorted to climb the rocks to avoid deep places. With Summer around the corner, we got lucky as the water level was good enough for us to sit below the falls and take a dip. A perfect way to rejuvenate after an arduous 250 KMs motorbike ride. We did spend a quality time under the water cooling off ourselves.

Payaniga: Mookana mane falls in different seasons
Though early summer, a perfect time for a dip.
Payaniga: Mookana mane falls in different seasons
July 2015: Monsoon at its peak

While the first visit was in early summer, the next one was in peak monsoon last year with a couple of my friends. The small stream that I had seen years ago was completely unrecognizable. The previously witnessed small stream was a wildly flowing, wide stream at its full glory. There was one other addition – a small concrete bridge was constructed across the stream for the nearby villagers to cross during the monsoon season. With heavy rain in the past few days, the stream was a roaring, untamed wild beast. The currents were so strong that it was difficult to even step into the stream, forget wading around. The journey downstream to the waterfall was more adventurous, as the rain decided to give us company. We clung on to the tree trunks, roots and rocks to go down to the top of the falls. After some more of sliding and slipping, we got down to get a majestic view of the waterfalls. The persistent rain was no where close to dampen our spirits as we sat there enjoying the roaring waterfall. The rest of the two hours were spent silently enjoying the view with odd interruptions of shouting at each other (not fighting, but it was too noisy to hear one another).

Payaniga: Mookana mane falls in different seasons
October 2015: Almost at the end of the monsoon, but still not safe enough for a bath.

After three months from the second visit, as the luck would have it, I was back again in Sakaleshapura area – this time it was with my family. With the monsoon almost over, I drove back in the now familiar roads towards Mookana mane. The water level had come down to some extent – when compared to the previous visit. Though going downstream was still a bit tricky, but it was much easier than the last time. My mom was reluctant to come down to the falls, but she joined us along with the adventure. While we sat on the rocks with feet dangling in water, the kids had their share of fun splashing water at everyone. We wrapped up after a delicious packed lunch and headed back with a promise to visit the place in yet another season. In case you are planning to visit the waterfalls, my recommendation is to be at the falls as early as possible in the morning. The place attracts a lot of crowd, especially on weekends.

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