The waterfall is locally known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls due to the belief that Rama and Lakshmana stopped here during their search for Sita.
The water is considered sacred by local communities, and a temple dedicated to Rameshwara Shiva is located on the riverbank near the falls.
It sits on the border between the Kodagu district of Karnataka and the Wayanad district of Kerala.
The site acts as a gateway for the multi-day trekking route to the Brahmagiri Peak, which requires prior forest department permission.
The Lakshmana Tirtha River originates from the Brahmagiri Range and eventually joins the Kaveri River.
During the Shivarathri festival, the site attracts a large number of pilgrims who come to bathe in the river.
The surrounding Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected biodiversity hotspot known for its elephant and tiger populations.
Irpu Waterfalls, also known as Iruppu Falls, is a tiered waterfall located in the Brahmagiri Range of the Kodagu district, Karnataka. The falls are formed by the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Kaveri, which cascades down from a height of approximately 170 feet. The site is situated within the Nagarhole National Park buffer zone, necessitating passage through forest territory. The falls hold religious significance, linked to the legend of Rama and Lakshmana from the Ramayana epic. The surrounding landscape consists of dense, evergreen shola forests and grassy meadows characteristic of the Western Ghats. The trekking path to the falls is paved and spans roughly 500 meters from the main entrance. The area serves as a primary access point for trekkers heading toward the Narimalai camp and the Brahmagiri Peak. Wildlife sightings, including various bird species and occasional mammals, are frequent in the surrounding foliage. The water flow is perennial but experiences significantly higher volume during the monsoon season.
The bridge view point providing a direct frontal look at the main tier of the waterfall.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the stone steps and paths become extremely slippery when wet.
Carry rain gear even if the sky appears clear, as weather conditions in the Western Ghats change rapidly.
Keep a safe distance from the water's edge, as the rocks are covered in slick moss and currents can be strong.
Avoid climbing on the rocks near the waterfall base, which are prohibited for safety and religious reasons.
Visits may be restricted or paused during peak monsoon if the forest department deems the trail conditions unsafe.
Maintain silence, avoid littering in the forest zone, and adhere to plastic-free regulations within the sanctuary.
