Often known as the Cherrapunji of South India, Agumbe is a beautiful little hill station that is located in the Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka. This adorable hideaway is located in the centre of the Western Ghats at a height of approximately 2710 feet above sea level. Agumbe is a dream destination for anyone who loves nature, trekking and is an adventurous seeker. Being one of the rainiest places in the south of India, this tiny village of rich and thick green surroundings is encircled by deep trees of tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints that make it a unique break from the rush of life for those looking for peace in the lap of nature. The place is from the Malnad region and is a biodiversity hotspot; it is home to rare medicinal plants and has a large variety of flora and fauna. The area of Agumbe is known as the King Cobra capital of the world, as it is the most populated place of the snake in India. The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), which was set up by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, has turned a place into a centre of ecological research and wildlife conservation. Ecologically, it is very significant, but Agumbe still holds on to the charm of its past. Locations like the Sunset View Point are possible during the day, and they allow one to enjoy a panoramic sea view of the Arabian Sea on bright days. Barkana, Jogigundi, and Onake Abbi are the most visited waterfalls of the region, and the Kundadri Hill is attracting people in both the followers and the adventurers category. On top of that, Agumbe brought the charm of the screen through being the shooting location for the popular TV Series Malgudi Days, which is based on the works of R.K. Narayan.History of AgumbeAgumbe’s history is as fascinating as its natural beauty, having its origins in Karnataka's Cultural and Ecological Heritage. That is to say, Agumbe, being in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a significant place for ages mainly because of its location, biodiversity, and spiritual value. Historically, Agumbe and the surrounding Malnad region were part of the ancient kingdoms of the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire. Besides the promotion of art and architecture, these ancient rulers also acknowledged the ecological riches of the Western Ghats. The forests around Agumbe were surely a home for very few rare and valuable herbs and plants, which might have been used in large quantities in Ayurveda and Siddha practices. In this way, the region gained a reputation as a land of healing and natural riches. The town of Sringeri, founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, is very close to Agumbe and further contributed to the area’s spiritual importance. The first drop of rain was on pilgrims going to Sringeri, and they always preferred passing through the forest of Agumbe to reach their destination; thus, the forest of Agumbe was a very important spot for mixing in both religious and cultural matters. Nowadays, deserted ancient trek and pilgrimage routes are still located amongst the woods. During the Vijayanagara period, Agumbe and its surrounding ghats played a strategic role in trade routes connecting the Malnad interiors to the coastal ports of Karnataka. These woods were traversed by spice merchants carrying goods such as pepper, cardamom, and other spices to the export ships of the region, thus the area gained the historical importance of India's spice trade. In the colonial period, systematic study of the extraordinary rainfall patterns and the flourishing richness of life in Agumbe was carried out by British officials and naturalists.Nearby Places around AgumbeKundadri Hill: In the centre of the Kundadri Hill, about 18 km from Agumbe, is a spectacular hilltop with a very old Jain temple to Lord Parshwanath.Barkana Falls: Around Agumbe is Barkana Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in India, with a height of nearly 850 feet.Jogigundi Falls: Jogigundi Falls is a mysterious ocean that jets from a hole close to Agumbe.Onake Abbi Falls: The Onake Abbi Falls is a beautiful waterfall 8 km from Agumbe. The route to this fall is through the thick forest, crossing the region's abundant plants and animals.Sringeri: Sringeri is one of the most holy spots in Karnataka and is located 30 km from Agumbe. The two famous teaching institutes founded by Adi Shankaracharya, Sharada Peetham and Vidyashankara Temple, are the city’s prominent landmarks.Best Time to Visit AgumbeWinter (November – February): Winter is the best period to come to Agumbe. The atmosphere at this time of year is very cool and enjoyable, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, visiting waterfalls, and so on. Because the sun is relatively strong, one can also get a spectacular view of the sunset from the Agumbe Sunset Point.Summer (March – May): The summer period in Agumbe is pretty hot during the day, but still much lower than in the plains. One can hardly resist nature walks, forest short visits, and enjoying the green scenery if it is before the rains come in the summer, which is very good here. The afternoons, however, may not be pleasant for some people.Monsoon (June – October): Agumbe has received the title "Cherrapunji of the South" because of the quantity of rainfall during the monsoons. At this time, the scenery is transformed to a clean green paradise with the overflowing waterfalls and rivers, and hills covered with fog. Walkers might be struggling to trek on the slippery trails while in the wet season, but lovers of rainforests will certainly consider it a lovely experience.How to Reach AgumbeBy Road: Agumbe is quite accessible by car from most big cities of Karnataka, and so you may also pick a bus and a taxi as your means of transportation. A taxi, bus, or your car can be used to move from Shimoga (90 km), Udupi (55 km), and Mangalore (100 km). Also, a beautiful escape via the winding ghats road is not only a perfect way to relax your mind but also your body.By Train: The closest train station to Agumbe is at Udupi Railway Station (55 km away), which has connecting routes to Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mumbai. Then take a cab or local bus from Udupi to Agumbe.By Airport: The closest airport to Agumbe is Mangalore International Airport, which is 95 km away. A taxi or a bus, besides the private car, can also be used to get to Agumbe from the airport.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Agumbe and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.