Honnamanna Halla Falls, also known as Manikyadhara Falls, is a scenic cascade nestled amidst the lush hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. While it may not be the most dramatic waterfall you'll encounter, it offers a charming escape with its unique features and easy accessibility.
Pros:
Picturesque Setting: Surrounded by verdant hills and dense forests, the falls offer a visually captivating backdrop. The cascading water, particularly during the monsoon season, creates a refreshing and serene atmosphere. Easy Access: Located just 1 km from Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha, the falls are readily accessible by car or bike. A short walk through well-maintained steps leads you down to the pool at the base of the falls. Safe for Swimming: Unlike many waterfalls with strong currents, Honamanna Halla has a shallow pool and gentle flow, making it safe for swimming and wading, especially for children. Religious Significance: The falls hold religious significance for Hindus and Jains, attracting pilgrims who visit the nearby Dattatreya Peetha. The serene atmosphere adds to the spiritual appeal. Year-Round Flow: Unlike many waterfalls that dry up during the summer, Honamanna Halla maintains a consistent flow throughout the year, thanks to its natural springs. Cons:
Small Scale: Compared to other waterfalls in the region, Honamanna Halla is relatively small, with a height of about 30 feet. This might be a disappointment for those seeking a more powerful cascading experience. Limited Activities: Besides swimming and enjoying the scenery, there aren't many organized activities available at the falls. This might make it feel less exciting for adventure seekers. Crowds: Due to its proximity to Baba Budan Giri and its easy accessibility, the falls can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. This might take away from the peaceful ambiance. Basic Amenities: The area around the falls lacks basic amenities like restrooms and changing rooms. This can be inconvenient, especially for families with young children. Man-Made Enhancements: Some sections of the falls have been artificially constructed, which might take away from the natural charm for some visitors. Overall:
Honnamanna Halla Falls is a charming spot for a quick getaway or a refreshing break while exploring Chikmagalur. Its scenic beauty, easy access, and safe swimming opportunities make it a good option for families and nature lovers. However, be aware of its limitations, such as the small scale, lack of activities, and potential crowds, to manage your expectations and ensure a...
Read moreThis is a nice waterfalls enroute Baba Budangiri hills from Chikmaglur and a must stop point if you are going to Baba Budangiri. The waterfall is nice and you can stop your car, spend some time and have snacks. The waterfall has few stairs and makes for a good spot to take photos from multiple points and angle
Honnamana Halla is located about 70 km from Chikmagalur town, which is about 265 km from Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. Chikmagalur is well connected by road and rail to other major cities in Karnataka and India. You can reach Chikmagalur by taking a bus, train, or car from Bengaluru or other nearby places.
From Chikmagalur, you can hire a taxi or a two-wheeler to reach Honnamana Halla. The road to the waterfall is narrow and rough, so you need to be careful while driving. Alternatively, you can also take a local jeep that will take you to the base of the waterfall.
By road: You can drive up to the base of the waterfall, which is about 1 km from Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha. From there, you have to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the waterfall. This is an easy and convenient option for those who are not comfortable with trekking or have less time.
Honnamana Halla, also spelled as Honnammana Halla, is a hidden waterfall located in the Shola forest of Chikmagalur district in Karnataka. It is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Chikmagalur, but it is a beautiful and serene spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The waterfall is named after Honnamma, a local goddess who is worshipped by the villagers nearby. The waterfall is situated at a distance of about 25 km from Kemmanagundi and about 1 km from Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha, a holy shrine for both Hindus and Muslims.
By trekking: You can start your trek from Kemmanagundi, which is a hill station that was once the summer retreat of the former king of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The trek distance is about 25 km one way, and it takes about 5 hours to complete. The trek difficulty level is moderate, with some steep and rocky patches along the way. The trek route passes through lush forests, grasslands, and streams. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and fresh air as you hike up to...
Read moreHonnammana Halla Falls is situated in the dense forest of Baba Budangiri hills in Western Ghats of India.
With a height of about 30 feet, the waterfall is situated midst dense Forest offering great views of Baba Budangiri Hills. Locally known as Nellikayi Theertha, this waterfall is considered as a holy site by Hindus as well as Muslims. Manikya Dhara, which literally means a string of pearls, is the ideal site for people looking for a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. According to the legend, saint Baba Budan along with his 4 disciples came to the site in search of water. After their prayers, they were blessed with water flowing from the mountains in the form of this waterfall.
People believe that bathing in this fall can cure various ailments. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budangiri Hill. There are several shops around the fall that sell herbal medicines. The specialty of the fall is that it does not get drained during the summer. The waterfall also offers a splendid view of the surrounding natural beauty, while the mist covered hills and cool breeze add to the splendor of the site.
Pilgrims, who bath in the Manikya Dhara Waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief. Muslims believe that if a daughter of marriageable age is not finding a suitable groom, then offering bangles here will help. The girls wear these bangles and it is believed that this helps them to find good alliances. Muslim worshippers have carved out a cave here from where they collect mud. This mud is supposed to have curative powers to heal many ailments. It is also believed to bring good fortune.
There is a protection fencing built at bottom near the pool of the falls where visitors can take a dip. There are 200 well laid steps to reach bottom of the fall from approach road.
This place can be visited from Baba Budangiri by shared cabs. The falls are close to the approach road and not much walking is required. However, few people walk from Baba Budangiri shrine to this place to enjoy the nature.
Though it can be visited throughout the year, October to April is the best time to...
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