Skywatch Friday: Abbey Falls

Located in the heart of Coorg, the Abbey falls are on every tourist's itinerary. In the monsoon and the months following, the water cascades 21 m in a rush, drenching the surroundings with its spray, and rendering the whole area slippery and dangerous. In the summer, however, we see a far tamer version....

It is the local stream, called the Mutharmuttu, which cascades down this rocky gorge, forming this gorgeous waterfall. The name, however, comes from the Kodava word for waterfall - abbe. 

Interestingly, the British called these falls, Jessy Falls, in memory of the daughter of Madikeri's first chaplain, or so says the board here. The board also cautions visitors against trying to bathe in the falls, as the boulders are slippery, but a few deaths each year don't seem to keep enthusiasts at bay yet. 

A conveniently constructed bridge across the stream provides the perfect camera angle for eager visitors, and as far as I could see, even the searing summer sun and lack of water didn't seem to discourage tourists. 

For more beautiful images from across the world, visit the Skywatch Page.