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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 21: Agumbe, popularly known as the 'Cherrapunji of South India' for its heavy monsoon showers and mist-covered landscapes, is witnessing an unusual spell of subdued rainfall this season, leaving many tourists disappointed.

Known for its lush greenery, rolling hills, dense forests, breathtaking sunsets, and rain-soaked viewpoints, Agumbe attracts thousands of visitors every monsoon. However, this year, the absence of continuous rain and thick fog has taken away much of the destination's signature charm, according to tourists visiting the hill station.

Many visitors who had planned their trips expecting the region's famous monsoon experience said they were surprised to find relatively dry weather and clear skies instead of the dense mist and heavy rain for which Agumbe is renowned.

Gangakot Reddy, a tourist, said he and his childhood friends regularly travel together to explore different destinations across the country. "We are all childhood friends and keep visiting different places once every two or three months. This time, all my friends came to Karnataka from Andhra Pradesh. From Hubballi, we travelled to Gokarna, Murudeshwara, the Kollur Mookambika Temple, and now we are in Agumbe. Unfortunately, our luck has not favoured us this time because the rainfall is quite low. Even my friends are disappointed. If there had been proper rainfall, Agumbe would have looked much more beautiful," he said.

Another visitor, Pratheek, an MA Kannada student, said his group was particularly drawn to the Malnad region because of its literary and natural significance. "We love visiting places associated with poet Kuvempu and enjoy travelling through the Malnad region. On our way, we stopped at this viewpoint in Agumbe. Nature always gives peace of mind, but the only disappointment is that there is not enough rain," he said.

Krishna, who has visited Agumbe several times in the past, noted a visible difference compared to previous years. "I frequently visit Agumbe. Earlier, the region used to receive heavy rainfall. During our previous visits, we could experience dense fog covering the entire area, but this time there is no fog at all," he said.

Local tourism stakeholders believe that while Agumbe continues to attract visitors because of its scenic beauty and biodiversity, the reduced intensity of rainfall has affected the overall monsoon experience that many tourists travel long distances to witness.

Despite the rainfall deficit, visitors continued to enjoy the panoramic views of the Western Ghats, lush green forests, and winding ghat roads. However, many expressed hope that the coming weeks would bring heavier showers, restoring Agumbe's misty landscapes and enhancing its appeal as one of Karnataka's premier monsoon destinations.

Agumbe is internationally recognised for its rich biodiversity, evergreen rainforests, and as a natural habitat of the king cobra. It also gained immense popularity as the filming location for the iconic television serial 'Malgudi Days'. Every monsoon, the hill station draws nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country who come to experience its unique blend of rain, mist, and pristine wilderness.