Miles and Trails: Manikyadhara Falls-Chikmagalur

Few places have pretty names. Like the place we are about to see now. The uphill trail of 7 km from Baba Budangiri/ Dattatreya Peetha was barren of greenery, which was a surprise. The slopes looked like they are covered in pitch dark rocks peppered with black soil. There was a stark difference between the pictures we have seen and the reality we are seeing. The season matters after all. If it was monsoon or winter the entire landscape would be gleaming in colour green.

The parking area was spilling out with vehicles placed bumper to bumper. One glance over this and we decided stop the vehicle at a distance to avoid clogging. The walk was short from here to the base of the falls though not pleasant because of the sweltering heat. An entry fee of INR 2 was collected at the beginning of the steps. However, the lady looked annoyed when we asked her to give the ticket. We could see most people were not even waiting for the ticket. So, not sure whether the ticket collection is authentic or some tourist scam.

A well-paved steps took us near the falls. Manikyadhara it is called, 'the steam of ruby" is the literal meaning. I've told you it is a pretty pretty name. In summer the flow was just the sprinkle. Local people call it Nellikayi (Gooseberry) Theertha (holy water). The approximate height of falls is 30 feet. The distinguishing feature of this falls is it never dries up even in peak summer, which we can vouch for.

The legend has it Baba Budan and his four disciples came to this place in search of water feeling thirsty and exhausted. They prayed to the almighty and their prayers were answered with flow of this very falls from the mountains. So, this waterfall is regarded as holy spot by Hindus as well as Muslims.

Pilgrims, who bath in the Manikyadhara Waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief. There are several notice boards prohibiting the very act of throwing clothes. Still you see piece of clothes strewn all around. When it is a question of people's faith instead of a blanket ban, it would be ideal to allocate a little space where they can throw clothes and can be collected later for disposal. It is possible the exact measure was taken and people just refuse to follow the norms. We see few people carrying the water in large buckets and few collecting the mud, which is said to have medicinal properties to cure many disorders and will bring good luck. One believe is that offering bangles here will help find good alliance for marriageable age girls. Belief each to their own.