Mookana mane falls in different seasons

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 more deeper here and there. We waded along the stream and resorted to climb on the rocks where water was too deep. We got lucky as the water level was good enough for us to sit below the falls & 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.

While the first visit was in early summer, the next one was in the peak monsoon last year with couple of my friends. The small stream that I had seen years ago was unrecognizable. What was a very small stream was a wildly flowing wide stream at its full glory. One other addition was a small concrete bridge for the near by villagers to cross the stream. With heavy rain in the past few days, the stream was 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 falls. 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).

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 the 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. Going downstream was still bit tricky, but 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.