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Odisha Part 5: Two less visited temples

My quest for ancient temples often takes me to hidden corners of the country, often less visited by regular tourists. More often than not, my drivers are completely unaware of these temples, and we often get lost looking for them, despite the ease that Google Maps has provided. On my recent visit to Odisha, I had only two such less visited temples on my list – the Varahi temple at Chaurasi, and the Gangeshwari temple. I had heard and read about the Varahi temple at Chaurasi , and was eager to go see her. The form of Varahi has always fascinated me, and this particular temple was said to have an exceptionally beautiful idol of the deity. Persuading my driver wasn’t an easy feat – he was reluctant (to say the least) about going in search of temples he had never heard of, but my persistence paid off. The Varahi Temple at Chaurasi The Varahi temple dates back to the 9 th century, and the architecture is unusual, as compared to the other temples of Odisha. The temple is closest in st...
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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. 
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Location: Abbi Falls, Hebbettageri, KA 571201, India

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 29, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Its Nice. I too visted this place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarDecember 1, 2013 at 8:02 AM

      Thank you. I guess everyone who visits coorg visits the falls :D

      Delete
  2. Valladolid Daily PhotoNovember 29, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Great contribution to the theme day. Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. R Niranjan DasNovember 29, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Nice captures of Abbey falls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarDecember 1, 2013 at 8:03 AM

      Thank you, Niranjan! I am sure you would have seen the falls in better form than that!

      Delete
  4. UnknownNovember 30, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Pictures are very beautiful,

    Please tell me more about this Skywatch and if we can link our blog there

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 30, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Lovely shots of the falls.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pune DiariesNovember 30, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Hey your blog is an interesting read! Check out our blog punediaries.com-for all the talking and listening taking place in the city of Pune! -

    ReplyDelete

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