Agumbe
Agumbe is a picturesque little village nestled on a plateau at the top of the Someshwara Ghat. There is an interesting story behind how ‘Agumbe’ got its name. During earlier days Agumbe functioned as a central point that connected this part of the world with ‘Bombay’ (now Mumbai) and served as a launch pad for people who dreamt of colonizing the wild and rich hinterland of the Deccan Plateau. The word ‘Agumbe’ literally means ‘will eat later’, this was precisely what people would say while ascending the 550m Someshwara Ghats with bags on their shoulders and with dreams in their eyes.
Agumbe or Aagumbe is located at a height of 826 meters in Shimoga district. Agumbe was the backdrop for the shooting of the film Malgudi Days, based on RK Narayan's novel. Agumbe and its surroundings are filled with thrilling and adventurous trekking routes. Densely forested paths lead from here to a jungle pool known as Emkal Kere, a small hill called Nishani Gudda and the Barkana Falls. Agumbe of Karnataka is also popularly nicknamed the Cherrapunji of South India.
Visitors may also drop by a locally popular 14th century temple with Hoysala-style sculptures consecrated to Lord Gopalakrishna. The sunset as seen from Agumbe is a marvelous sight and is a popular draw with most tourists, particularly between the months of November and January. A microwave tower serving as a major landmark of Agumbe, is to be found at this point.