Dabbe Falls

Given how green, fertile and rich the valley is, many small and some big waterfalls on rivers and rivulets punctuate the valley, especially in the monsoon. Dabbe in Kannada means a fall or gorge or deep depression is one such. Magnificent and hidden, it is one straight fall where one of the tributaries of the Sharavathy dives down 300 ft forming a gorgeous waterfall tucked away from the routine tourist map. The descent to Dabbe is challenging, yet very enjoyable. You ought to relive your childhood, cling on to roots and descend carefully (sometimes like on a ladder) to reach this splendid surprise that catches you unaware. Reaching Dabbe is a challenge in itself. From Kargal town, one needs to drive out on the Kargal–Bhatkal road towards Kogar. About 28 km from Kargal town is a small village called Konjuvalli, right on the main road. A mud track turns right from here towards Dabbe and leads to the family home of Mr. Jain, popularly called ‘Jainrumane’. This is a dead-end. From here, one needs to approach Dabbe by foot. A trail that weaves through the paddy fields of Jainrumane, heads to the edge of the gorge. A nearly vertical descent through the dense foliage takes you to the foot of the waterfall. The water pool is quite safe. However unnecessary risks are unadvised. The return is by the same route. However in recent times, the forest department officials have tried to maintain strict control over visitors to the waterfall. A word from the Kargal ACF office or the DFO in Shimoga will be helpful.