Here’s a detailed guide to Ermai Falls (also spelled Ermayi Falls or Eramai Falls), one of the lesser-known yet captivating waterfalls nestled at the foothills of the Charmadi Ghat in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka:
🌊 Overview & Location
- Located near Kajoor in Belthangady taluk, Ermai Falls sits at the base of the Ballalarayana Durga range within the Western Ghats, about 18 km from Ujire, 19 km from Charmadi, and 5 km from Didupe Falls.
- The multi-tiered waterfall drops approximately 75 ft (≈ 22–25 m), flowing over serrated rock faces into a 5-foot-deep natural pool suitable for a refreshing dip.
🗓 Best Time to Visit & Seasonality
- Peak Flow: Best visited during July–September (monsoon peak) when the waterfall is full and cascading.
- Recommended Visiting Window: October to February offers balanced water flow, safer trekking conditions, and pleasant weather.
🚶 Trek & Trail Details
- Trek Length: From the road head near Kajoor Dargah, you drive ~1.5 km on unpaved terrain, then trek another ~1.5 km (≈30–40 mins) through plantations and forest paths.
- Trail Conditions: Can be slippery and confusing; during monsoon you cross Ermai stream via a footbridge made of areca nut logs. Lack of signage — hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
- Access Levels: Adventurous visitors can scramble to middle tiers of the cascade; however, this involves slippery moss-covered rocks and carries risk—only attempt with experienced guidance.
💵 Entry & Facilities
- Timings: Open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Cost: Entry fee is nominal, approximately ₹15–20 per person; card payments are typically accepted.
- Facilities: None on-site—no shops, toilets, or shelters. Visitors must carry water, snacks, and supervise children carefully due to slippery rocks.
✅ Visitor Tips & Safety
- Swimming advisories: The pool (~5 ft deep) is generally safe during non‑monsoon months, but currents become dangerously strong during rains—avoid swimming in peak monsoon season.
- Terrain hazards: Trek involves crossing streams, slippery rocks, and potential leeches—wear good trekking shoes and move cautiously.
- Land access issues: The path crosses private land and jurisdictional boundaries. Some sources suggest that permission from landowners may be required and locals may restrict access if visitors become a nuisance.
🚗 How to Reach
- By Road: From Ujire (~18 km / 40 min), take the Mundaje–Didupe road. Turn left toward Kajoor Dargah then continue ~1–1.5 km on a potholed access road before starting the trek. Vehicle parking is near the stream crossing point.
- From Mundaje/Didupe: Locals can guide the right deviation—routes are poorly marked so ask for support at each junction.
- Transport suggestions: Public buses are infrequent—consider hiring a jeep or auto from Ujire; roads become rough closer to the trailhead and may need 4WD during monsoons.
🧾 Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Waterfall Height | ~75 ft, multi-tiered cascade |
| Pool Depth | ~5 ft deep |
| Distance from Ujire | ~18 km (~40 min drive) |
| Trek Distance | ~1–1.5 km downhill trail from vehicle park |
| Entry Fee | ₹15–20/person |
| Best Season | Post‑monsoon (Oct–Feb) for safer trails & flow |
| Facilities | None (carry provisions) |
| Difficulty | Moderate; slippery terrain and unmarked paths |
🌿 Highlights & Warnings
- Secluded & Scenic: A serene spot rarely crowded, offering verdant ambiance, layered rock formations, and occasional rainbows in good light.
- Adventure: Great for light trekking, photography, and bathing—but not ideal for solo visitors due to navigation difficulty and slippery terrain.
- Risk Factor: Stay alert especially during monsoon—strong currents, hidden drop zones, and occasional restrictions from local landowners have been reported.