Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Jan 9: The scene of waterfall gushing down from a great height at Kodachardi plateau is a visual treat even from a distance. However, one has to climb 3 km by foot to reach the spot. Making it to the spot can in itself could be gratifying experience for the trekkers. The happiness one gets while standing below the falls is unimaginable.
Belkal is situated at a distance of 8 km from Mudur under the limits of Jadkal Gram Panchayat of Byndoor taluk. Govinda Theertha is situated at a distance of 3 km from Govinda temple of Belkal. The path crosses via forests on both sides. Govinda Theertha is a picturesque place which has a rich religious history. It is an excellent tourist spot. This unique falls has no imitation anywhere else. Except the sound of the water falls, everything else is silent. Intermittent sounds of passing breeze and the percussion by the bending of trees is music to ears. The cool wind gives relaxes the body tired after a trek.
The road ends at the foot of the hills. From there it is just a foot trail. A little ahead there is a small office of forest department. Tourists have to give their details there and march ahead. Excepting the day of Ellamavasye, a charge of Rs 100 is levied on each person for the trek. Though the trail is somewhat fine till 1 km, later it becomes tough to tread. As there is no basic infrastructure and safety, every step should be taken carefully.
Still ahead one has to climb the branches of the tree and also climb on some trees that have fallen across the path. At some places one may experience wall climbing also. The way becomes tougher as one treads ahead. When there is one more kilometer to reach, we can hear the sound of falls. When you think you are almost at the foot of the falls the way gets even tougher. Ultimately when one reaches the foot of the falls, the sense of feeling is unexplainable. Here except the rocks there is no other support. With the support of rocks one has to carefully go near the falls to have a shower.
Many mythological explanations are available for Govinda Theertha. It is said that Goddess Mookambika washed her Trishul after killing demon Kamhasura. This place has shrines of Vishwambhara Ganapathi, Sri Govinda Swamy and Kotilingeshwara temple is on the downside of the falls. So Belkal falls is also a religious spot. November and December months are suitable for trekking in this area. During monsoon it is dangerous due to leeches.
Belkal falls, which is in between the reserve forest of Mookambika, has all the features of an excellent tourist spot. However, due to the lack of fundamental infrastructure and forest department rules, very few people know about it.
Ellamavasye special
The holy bath on the day of Ellamavasye is unique to this place. Thousands of devotees arrive at this place to take a holy bath on that day. There is a belief that all sins will be washed away if one takes bath in the water of falls of Belkal on Ellamavasye day.
On the day of Ellamavasye special pooja is offered in the temple. Food is also served to the devotees on that day. Buttermilk is also provided on the way itself for the thirsty devotees.
Though this falls has all the features of a marvelous tourist spot, lack of interest by the tourism department keeps it virtually unknown. As this area falls under the reserve forest it cannot be developed. If road is constructed for just 2 km and later if steps are constructed, tourists can easily reach this spot. Hope the department concerned realizes the potential soon.