SNAKE FALLS

The Snake River is a 126-mile-long (203 km)[1] tributary of the Niobrara River. Entirely located within the Sandhills of north-central Nebraska, the Snake River rises near the eastern edge of Sheridan County. It flows eastward into Cherry County and passes along the southern edge of Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. On the southeast edge of the national forest, the river is dammed to form Merritt Reservoir. At this point, the river makes a sharp turn to the north.

Snake River Falls is immediately to the north of Merritt Reservoir; it is the largest waterfall, as measured by volume, in the state. (Nebraska's highest waterfall is Smith Falls.) The Snake River joins the Niobrara River about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Valentine, Nebraska.

Snake River Falls
Among Nebraska’s most spectacular waterfalls, Snake River Falls rushes over a 54-foot-wide ledge. When the Snake is full, it rushes over the edge at a rate of 230 cubic feet per second and sprays mist across the canyon.

Nebraska Waterfalls – Part One
BY JEREMY DIXON | PUBLISHED OCT 03 2011
Most folks will read the title to this post and wonder if I hit my head on something while out shooting or if this is a typo but I assure you it is not! When you think about waterfalls often you think of scenic places such as Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, or Colorado… not Nebraska. Despite contrary belief their really are waterfalls in Nebraska and all of them are located within an hour of eachother near the small town of Valentine, Nebraska in the North-Central portion of the state near the South Dakota border. My goal was to document that my lovely homestate does in fact have waterfalls and they while they don’t quite compete with what I’ve seen in other states, they do hold their own for Midwest waterfalls and unlike certain unnamed Southern states, whom I shall not name, these ones flow year-round because they are spring-fed which means anytime you go you will see water!


Nebraska's largest waterfall soon will sit on public land.
The Nebraska Environmental Trust on Thursday approved a grant to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission that will allow it to purchase land containing Snake River Falls.
Although the five members voting in favor of the award didn't represent a majority, opponents fell short of the eight votes necessary to kill the controversial sale. Six members voted no and one abstained.
“We've only got one chance. If it comes up for sale again, we'll have no control over it,” board member Vince Kramper said in urging approval of the measure.
The 3,100-acre Snake Falls Ranch is about 20 miles south of Valentine in Cherry County.
The Game and Parks Commission will pay $3.5 million for a 1,300-acre parcel that contains Snake River Falls and about three miles of river upstream.
The trust approved a grant of approximately $2.4 million. The parks commission will fund the remaining $1.1 million from revenue produced by the sales of hunting and fishing permits and excise taxes on goods such as guns and boat fuel.
Although the commission has been forced to cut its budget in other areas, the game cash fund is solvent.
The remaining 1,800 acres, costing about $5 million, will be sold to the 110-member Snake Falls Sportsmen's Club, which has leased fishing rights since the area was closed to public access 20 years ago.
“I've fished it for so many years, it's in my soul,” said Dave Baxter, a Lincoln resident and member of the club. “I just want to see it protected.”
The sale was strongly opposed by many neighboring residents, who fear that an onslaught of visitors would harm the fragile ecosystem. That portion of the Snake River is widely considered among the region's finest trout-fishing streams.
The parks commission is considering allowing only barbless hooks or fly fishing — or limiting access to the river through a lottery.
“The Environmental Trust Fund, to me, is about providing good access to the citizens of the state,” said board member Gloria Erickson, who voted against the measure. “This includes families and young people who might not meet the requirements to fish.”
Heirs of Les and Betty Kime own the Snake Falls Ranch and initially offered to sell the entire property to the private Snake Falls Sportsmen's Club.
The fishing club couldn't afford to buy the entire ranch so it approached the Game and Parks Commission about buying part of the property. The agency turned to the Nebraska Environmental Trust, which distributes funds from the state lottery.

KUNE FALLS

Kune Falls is one of the main places of tourist attraction in Khandala, Maharashtra. Located bang in the center of Lonavla and Khandala valley, the falls attracts tourists in large numbers during the rainy season when the waterfall is in its peak form and flows down with a huge gush. Stated to be the 14th highest waterfall in India, the Kune Falls comes down from an imposing height of about 200 meters or approximately 650 feet. The highest drop at this three-tier waterfall is of about 100 meters.

History

The Kune Falls is located amongst the twin hills of Lonavla and Khandala. The area is located 622 meters above sea level and set against the stunning backdrop of the famous Sahayadri Mountains of Western Maharashtra. The place is completely surrounded by lush green vegetation and provides a great visual experience. It is one of the most majestic forms of natural beauty that reveals itself in its full glory in the monsoon season. Khandala is known as one of the major hill stations of Maharashtra and draws the interest of millions of travelers, not only from India but from across the globe.
What Attract Tourists to Kune Falls
The Kune Falls is a must-visit tourist spot for those visiting this part of Maharashtra. The falls provide tourists with a view that’s truly breathtaking as it reveals the dazzling side of nature. The scenery improves as the monsoon season progresses and the surrounding areas turn into a calming green landscape even as the waterfalls turn a milky white.
The exceptionally heavy rains the hill station receives add to the beauty of the place. In fact, the Kune Falls lasts for quite a few weeks even after the monsoon season is over. The serenity and the stunning beauty of the place is indescribable and must be experienced in person to fully understand the blessing that nature has bestowed on the valley in absolute abundance.

How to Reach Kune Falls

Travelers from Mumbai can take the famous Mumbai-Pune expressway to reach Lonavla bypass. Local transport is available to travel to Khandala and from thereon to Kune. The Kune Missionary Church is the landmark to look for. It is a tourist attraction in itself, so visitors can spend some time in the Church before proceeding to Kune. From the church, it takes just a short walk to reach Kune falls. Travelers from Pune can get down at Khandala and follow the same route. Kune Falls are on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway and not the new Expressway.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kune Falls is during the monsoon season. The ideal time is mid-monsoon when the falls are in full flow and the entire valley has been painted a brilliant lush green by the artistry of nature. There are many hotels near Kune Waterfalls and also in Lonavla and Khandala. Visitors can choose from luxurious suites to well-appointed cottages for a comfortable stay within their budget. Tourists can also use many other low-budget staying options available in plenty near Kune Waterfalls.

SIGUR FALLS

Sigur Plateau (Segur Plateau) is a plateau in the north and east of Nilgiri District in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India. It covers the 778.8 square kilometres (300.7 sq mi) portion of the Moyar River drainage basin on the northern slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, south of the Moyar River.
The Sigur Plateau is notable as an important wildlife corridor maintaining connectivity between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats to sustain elephant and tiger numbers and their genetic diversity.
It is an important link between several contiguous protected areas forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected forest area in India. This area supports over 6,300 elephants, that represents the largest single population of elephants and tigers in India.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes Sigur Plateau and the Nilgiri Hills, is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.The Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (more than 6,000 square kilometres (2,316.6 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park and the reserve forests of the Sigur Plateau, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. A proposal has been initiated to notify Sigur and adjoining forest areas as a wildlife sanctuary for Vultures.Sigur Plateau (Segur Plateau) is a plateau in the north and east of Nilgiri District in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India. It covers the 778.8 square kilometres (300.7 sq mi) portion of the Moyar River drainage basin on the northern slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, south of the Moyar River.
It is an important link between several contiguous protected areas forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected forest area in India. This area supports over 6,300 elephants,[4] that represents the largest single population of elephants and tigers in India.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes Sigur Plateau and the Nilgiri Hills, is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (more than 6,000 square kilometres (2,316.6 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park and the reserve forests of the Sigur Plateau, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. A proposal has been initiated to notify Sigur and adjoining forest areas as a wildlife sanctuary for Vultures.

HISTORY

On August 26, 2010, Jairam Ramesh the Indian Minister of State for Environment and Forests asked Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi for the Tamil Nadu government to favourably consider a proposal from his ministry to declare the Sigur Plateau in the Nilgiris as a buffer zone of the Mudumalai National Park.
In 1954, the tiger was still classified as vermin in the Nilgiri Hills. As agriculture expanded and tiger habitat shrank, Tamil Nadu stopped all tiger hunting in the Sigur reserve in 1965.
In 1954, a young man-eating male Bengal tiger named the "Tiger of Segur" killed 5 people between Sigur and Anaikatty villages in the Sigur Plateau.
In May 1859, a small monthly sanction was granted by the Government for the conservation and working of Sigur Forest. With only a small a sum to commence with, it was some time before any wood could be collected. However, the means for working the forest on a larger scale were obtained by an early sale of sandal wood, However by this time the Conservator of Forests of Madras Presidency, Dr. Hugh Cleghorn stated that "This forest has been much exhausted by a succession of unscrupulous contractors, and there is very little teak or Bombay Blackwood (Rosewood) at present fit for felling. It is important that the forest should be allowed to recover, as it is the main source of supply to Utakamund for house-building purposes.
In the late 1700s, Tipu Sultan maintained a fort and trading route between the Kingdom of Mysore and Travancore, along the Moyar River here.

Geography

The five major streams in the Sigur plateau are the Moyar River, the Sigur River, the Avarahalla River, the Kedarhalla River and the Gundattihalla River, which originate in the Nilgiris plateau.The Sigur Plateau is an important watershed area for the Cauvery River and its ecological health is important to the many people dependent on the Cauvery.The Sigur Ghat Road (SH 67) crosses the Sigur Plateau for 33 kilometres (20.5 mi) from Ooty to Theppakadu
Climate


Flora and fauna

There are several major threats to the Sigur area caused mostly by expanding human population. These are cattle grazing, coffee and tea plantations and other crops cultivation, private tourist resorts, Invasive weeds, fuel wood collection, non-timber forest products (NTFP) collection, legal status of the corridor, and vehicular traffic particularly during night hours. An estimated 1,801 tons of firewood are collected from the Sigur Plateau annually.Weed species, especially Lantana camara but also Parthenium, Stachytarpheta indica, Dodonaea viscosa, Euphorbia antiquorum, and Opuntia dillennii are widely distributed and are invading and degrading the quality of forage on the plateau.The major impact of private resorts on the corridor areas are: fragmentation and destruction of habitats due to invasion of unpalatable weeds, loss of forest connectivity between habitats due new buildings construction and agriculture fields, including installation of barbed wire and electric fences, increasing rate of dependence by local communities on natural resources for fuel wood collection, cattle grazing, fresh water supply and waste disposal.[30] Having said that though, there are private resorts that are also doing their bit in countering this threat and promoting eco-tourism in the region.

KUANG SI FALLS

The Kuang Si Falls, sometimes spelled Kuang Xi or known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, is a three tier waterfall about 29 kilometres (18 mi) south of Luang Prabang. These waterfalls are a favourite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60 metres (200 ft)cascade. The falls are accessed via a trail to a left of the falls. The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls.

The Falls

To enter the Kuang Si Park everyone must pay an entry fee (20,000kip). 
From the entry you can walk through a forested area where there are enclosures housing Asian black bears rescued from poachers.

At the very bottom of the falls there are several blue pools of water and small cascades (3-5 metres high); some of the falls are multi-tiered. Most of the pools are open for swimming (one is closed as being a sacred site) though the water is a bit cold because this area is shaded by big trees. This makes the falls a popular cool-off place among locals and tourists alike during the hot season.

There are small wooden huts to change in. Picnic benches are also available all around the park. The whole park area is shaded and cool that makes it perfect for a relaxing family outing and picnic. Sitting under the shade watching children swimming or jumping up and down in the pools can be relaxing and enjoyable. Jumping in the pool yourself can be fun too. 

The site is well maintained with walkways and bridges to guide the visitors. 
There are also trails to climb to the top of the falls where there are more natural pools for swimming.  The trails are steep and can be extremely slippery, especially in rainy season…so you’ll need proper shoes to climb to the top, but the climb is well worth the effort. However it not suitable for unfit people or small children. Don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you; I’m sure you’ll need it.

If you climb up to the top at the left hand side (of the entrance) trails you’ll arrive at a huge and very impressive pool and its source. At the top you actually cross the top of the falls and this is a great place to get a good view down.

If you want to recharge your energy after exhausting yourself exploring the trails or swimming, there are many stalls selling food and drinks near the picnic area at the entrance to the falls.

The Bear Rescue Center

Rather than taking the asphalt road to the top section of the Kuang Si Falls, take the signed trail that veers off to the right for better scenery and a chance to see the bears lounging around their enclosure at the bear rescue center. The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre began in 2003 to house bears that were rescued from the illegal pet and Chinese medicine trades.

Climbing the Falls

Starting from a trail to the right of the top tier of the waterfalls, it is possible to climb to the top of the falls. The trail is steep, slippery, and especially difficult in flip-flops. The view from the top is incredible and you can carefully wade in the shallow water literally to the edge of a potentially deadly drop.

Cross the viewing bridge to the right side of the falls to begin your climb.

Safety Around the Waterfalls

While swimming at the Kuang Si Falls is very popular, the current can get strong enough during the rainy season to sweep people down the cascades. Know your limitations, watch out for strong currents, and swim with others well away from the edges of each tier.

With so many people milling around, keeping an eye on your valuables while swimming can be a challenge. Keeping everything together in a waterproof bag works best.

The small fish that ferociously attack unsuspecting swimmers' feet are completely harmless; people pay for the same dead-skin removal at fish spas around Asia!

Read more about staying safe in Asia.
Learn about the weather in Laos.

ILLILOUETTE FALLS

Illilouette Fall represents several polar extremes among the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. On one hand, it is the most difficult of the major waterfalls in Yosemite Valley to properly view - requiring a moderate 4-mile hike from Glacier Point to reach - and as such is without question the least visited of the valley's major waterfalls. Though the falls can be distantly seen from the John Muir Trail between Happy Isles and the Vernal Falls bridge, the angle at which the falls drop makes it nearly invisible outside of the heavy flow season (and even then the profile view is that of a very narrow column of water). Proper up-close views of the falls require a head-on view from the rim of the gorge, where the true nature of the explosive 381-foot tempest can be appreciated as it thunders into the craggy canyon. 

On the other hand, Illilouette Creek is the most voluminous and consistent tributary of the Merced River within Yosemite Valley and in following the falls are in full display for a longer period than any other waterfall in the valley, and do not run dry during the late summer months. We have not yet been able to find trustworthy data documenting the volume of water present in Illilouette Creek itself, but operating under the assumption that it's volume is - on average - greater than Yosemite Creek, we can infer based on the stream gauge on the Merced at the Happy Isles bridge that the springtime volume of Illilouette Creek can regularly eclipse 300 cubic feet per second, thanks to the 62-square mile drainage area.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Glacier Fall, South Canyon Fall, Too-lool-lo-we-ak
Illilouette Fall is the Official name of this waterfall
According to Lafayette Bunnell the Indian name for this waterfall was Too-lool-lo-we-ak, but suggested that it's literal interpretation was not appropriate for everyday use (what that translation is seems to have been lost in time). Bunnell proposed the name South Canyon Fall in following but this led to confusion in that the stream was thought to be the South Fork of the Merced River (which in actuality lies much further south). Josiah Whitney proposed the fall be called by its Indian name, which may have been bastardized into Illilouette, to which Bunnell then countered with the name Glacier Fall (for nearby Glacier Point) because the word "Illilouette" isn't an Indian word. In the end Whitney's suggested naming convention won out, but the real meaning of Illilouette remains unknown to this day.

OUR THOUGHTS

Even though it's one of the five largest waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, Illilouette Fall doesn't quite have the 
same luster and visual impact as the others do - whether this is due to the fairly limited viewpoint looking down on the falls from above, or because you aren't afforded the same kind of grand, sweeping vistas of the falls as are available at Yosemite, Bridalveil or Nevada Falls is not immediately clear and is probably subject to individual interpretation. Don't take this as an indictment against the falls however, Illilouette Fall is still an extremely impressive waterfall, and for those who find themselves at Glacier Point looking for something to do, the hike down is certainly highly recommended, and all personal feelings aside it is still one of the best waterfalls in California. 

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

Illilouette Fall is best accessed from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park - itself located about 30 circuitous miles from Yosemite Village via the Wawona Road and the Glacier Point Road (consult a park map when visiting). From the parking area find the large metal signs indicating the Panorama Trail which heads south from the trails heading to the viewpoints. The signs seem to have their distances a bit off, because one suggests the falls are 2-miles away, while the next says 1.6 miles. The actual distance is about 2 1/4 miles each way - stay left at the signed junction at the 1.7 mile mark. The viewpoint for the falls is unsigned but is fairly obvious. No guardrails are present at the viewpoint, and the ground is somewhat crumbly, so get no closer to the edge than your are comfortable with.


Getting There:  The trailhead is at the terminus of Glacier Point Road - a 16-mile (25 km) drive from the Glacier Point turnoff. From the South entrance to Yosemite, swing left on highway 41 and head 17 miles (28 km) to Glacier Point Road. From Yosemite Valley, take highway 41 nine miles (14.5 km) to the same road.

Illilouette Fall is a 370 feet (110 m) waterfall in Yosemite National Park. It is located on the Illilouette Creek, a left tributary of the Merced River, in a small side canyon directly across from Vernal Falls, and is visible from the trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The best vantage point is from the Panorama Trail as it descends from Glacier Point.

To get to this waterfall you need to drive to the top of Glacier Point and hike down to the waterfall. When you get to Glacier Point, walk toward the rim and you will see a dirt path and trail head sign on your right. This will be the trail head for the Panorama hike. 

ERAWAN FALLS

The Erawan Waterfall was really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with a shape and character all its own. All the waterfalls typically fell over limestone cliffs resulting in colorful plunge pools as well as interestingly rounded rock formations reminiscent of something that would belong in a cave. Moreover, we also saw some unsigned waterfalls that seemed legitimate but didn't appear to count towards the seven.

In any case, we thought this waterfall had it all - the scenery, the swimming, and the exercise. It was no wonder why it was popular and quite busy here. Of course, given how typically hot it was in this part of Thailand, I guess the swimming or playing in the many plunge pools of beneath these waterfalls were enticing as well as scenically alluring. It seemed like this waterfall epitomized the universal appeal of swimming beneath waterfalls in the typically humid tropical climate.

From the car park, the trail started off flat and mostly paved as it ultimately reached the first waterfall, which was called Ly Kung Lung (I also saw it spelled Hlai Keun Lung). A sign indicated that it was only a 20m walk from the visitor center area. Believe it or not, it was possible to bypass this section of walking by taking a tram to that visitor center area. We didn't do the tram option as we thought it was a little overkill.

The Erawan Waterfall was really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with a shape and character all its own. All the waterfalls typically fell over limestone cliffs resulting in colorful plunge pools as well as interestingly rounded rock formations reminiscent of something that would belong in a cave. Moreover, we also saw some unsigned waterfalls that seemed legitimate but didn't appear to count towards the seven.

In any case, we thought this waterfall had it all - the scenery, the swimming, and the exercise. It was no wonder why it was popular and quite busy here. Of course, given how typically hot it was in this part of Thailand, I guess the swimming or playing in the many plunge pools of beneath these waterfalls were enticing as well as scenically alluring. It seemed like this waterfall epitomized the universal appeal of swimming beneath waterfalls in the typically humid tropical climate.

From the car park, the trail started off flat and mostly paved as it ultimately reached the first waterfall, which was called Ly Kung Lung (I also saw it spelled Hlai Keun Lung). A sign indicated that it was only a 20m walk from the visitor center area. Believe it or not, it was possible to bypass this section of walking by taking a tram to that visitor center area. We didn't do the tram option as we thought it was a little overkill.

Given how pretty the falls was, it was no wonder why there was such bustle of activity. We had a good time taking photos from here while also chilling out and basking in the atmosphere of the scene. Come to think of it, perhaps the first waterfall might have been a perfectly fine swimming hole, but the second waterfall completely overshadowed it thereby causing it to become a victim of the lemmings effect.

After having our fill of the second waterfall (I recalled we spent quite a bit of time here), we finally started the race against time and climbed up to the waterfalls further ahead. It was a race against time because the park was said to close at 4:30pm with the last admissions at 4pm. We started hiking at 1:30pm.

On the way up, we were stopped at a check point where we had to register with the authorities there. In addition, I recalled having to leave some kind of collateral (a Thai baht deposit I believe) in exchange for the plastic water bottles we were carrying with us. Perhaps the thought was that the deposit would cover the potential clean-up costs in case the plastic was left behind.

I thought it was a good system (to minimize the amount of litter in the ecologically sensitive areas) though they probably should've charge a little more money to really make it attractive to bring the water bottles back here and get back the desposit.

It took a few more minutes of uphill hiking before we finally encountered the third Erawan Waterfall, which was called Pha Num tok (or Pha Nom Tok) and 220m from the visitor center. And like the first waterfall, this one also had lots of fish swimming in its plunge pool because most of the people chilled out at the second waterfall. However, this one was significantly taller than the first two (possibly 20-25m I think) though not nearly as wide.

Adding to the scenic allure of this waterfall was the colorful blue-green water of the plunge pool keeping us from getting all the way to the falls without swimming. It was up there with the 2nd waterfall as one of our favorites in the lot.

Further up the hike, the fourth Erawan Waterfall was more of a water slide. It also had a larger drop further downstream, but it was hard to see. We saw one person scoot himself on the rounded rock of the waterslide before finally letting gravity take over. This falls was called Oke Nank Phee Seah, and it was about 520m from the visitor center.

Continuing beyond the fourth waterfall, the trail became a little less steep as it followed the watercourse responsible for all the Erawan Waterfalls. Along the way, we noticed quite a few trees wrapped around with prayer flags as well as colorful silk-like garments. Our guide said that these were meant to have religious significance while also doubling as informal trail markers.

SURULI FALLS

Suruli falls (Tamil: சுருளி அருவி), is located 56 km (35 mi) from Theni and 10 km (6.2 mi) from Cumbum in the Theni District in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a 2 stage Cascading water fall. The Suruli River supplying the falls originates from the Meghamalai mountain range. The falls drop from a height of 150 feet (46 m) gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets an additional 40 feet (12 m).


History

The beauty of this falls finds mention in the ancient Tamil epic, Silappathikaram written by the poet Ilango Adigal. Near Suruli Falls are 5 caves which represent Indian rock-cut architecture of the 11th Century.On the Suruli river, The water is said to act as medicine and cure diseases.

Tourism

It is one of the major tourist attractions in the Theni district and draws tourists from different parts of the state, particularly during the southwest monsoon. June - October is the best season due to monsoon activity, though there is some flow year round. This falls is tourist friendly with showers and changing area near the falls. There are frequent bus services available from Cumbum and Uthamapalayam to reach this falls on the way to Periyar National Park. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates summer festival at Suruli falls every year.Construction of a bridge across the Suruli River at a cost of Rs.45 lakhs has increased tourist flow to the falls significantly.

Temples

Suruli hills is the part of the Pothigai Malai. Pothigai hills is a highly divine and spiritual center. There is a story that when Shiva and Parvati entered into divine matrimony at Mount Kailash in the north, the place was unbalanced because of the large number of holy beings witnessing the wedding. Lord Shiva asked Agastya Maharishi to proceed to the South of India to balance the world. Agastya Maharishi then proceeded to Pothigai hills and balanced the world. Agastya Maharishi was able to visualise the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati on a Shivalingam that was at Tiru Kalyana Teertham at Pothigai hills. These hills are visited by several saints and sages from Himalayas particularly on a full moon day. The striking similarity between the profiles of Mt. Kailash and Agasthyamalai strengthen the mythological connections of these sacred peaks.

In November 2009, Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, in a letter to Anil Kakodkar, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (India) (DAE) and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of India (AEC), denied permission for the Department of Atomic Energy to set up the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project at Singara in Nilgiris, as it falls in the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).

Instead, he suggested an alternate site near Suruli Falls. The Minister said this site did not pose the same problems that Singara posed and environmental and forest clearances should not be a serious issue. He also assured the DAE that the Ministry would facilitate necessary approvals for the alternative location. 

ANGEL FALLS

 Angel Falls

Angel Falls has an upper section where it emerges briefly from the slot canyon, plunges 100 feet or so and then goes into a cave or a crevice and emerges again below about 150 feet or so to take the long drop. It is extremely treacherous to move around in this area as even the short drop would kill you easily X3. You have to be anchored down when standing around the top of the falls.

That leads to the second consideration, that the falls at high water creates its own weather. There are tremendous gusts of wind and waves of spray that is created by the first and second part of the falls crashing against the rocks and into the cave. Great gusts of wind emerge both above and below the cave.  It is a pretty unique situation as you might expect from the world's highest waterfalls. From a distance you only see one great falls, but close up you can see a series of canyons, tunnels, and caves into which the falls enter and emerge several times at the top. In medium or high water this area is extremely violent with high unpredictable winds and waves of spray as I mentioned. The base jumpers always jump at low water to avoid the high winds. Some of the best jumpers in the world jumping under the very best of conditions have been killed there anyway.In the western part of Canaima National Park, is the Auyantepuy, one of the largest and better known "tepuy" (A flat top mountain ending with vertical walls). From this tepuy is where the Angel falls are formed. The fall is 979 meters high (around 3000 ft.), and is the higher waterfall in the world.
The Angel Falls were named after the american aviator that discovered them in 1937. However, the local indians, the Pemones, already knew it and called it the Churún Merú.

 Angel Falls 

Spills from the Auyantepui into what is known as the Devil's canyon 979 Meters below. The local indians call it Kerepakupai-merú but is was named Angel Falls after Jimmy Angel, an American bush pilot and gold-hunting adventurer, who discovered it in 1937. The waters fall freely some 807 meters (2,648 feet) and reach the bottom of the valley as a misty spray that gathers into a small creek which eventually finds its way into the north-bound Churun River.

The Natives in Venezuela had known about the "Salto Angel" since the beginning of time. Then United States pilot Jimmie Angel was flying over the area in 1935 when he landed on the top of a lone mountain in search of gold. His plane got stuck in the boggy jungle on top of the mountain and he noticed a pretty impressive waterfall plunging thousands of feet down. He wasn't too happy about the 11 mile hike back to civilization, and his plane remained stuck and rusting upon the mountain as a monument to his discovery. Soon the whole world would know about the falls, which came to be known as Angel Falls, after the pilot who "discovered" them.

Angel Falls plunges from the top of a mesa, or what the natives call a Tepuyi. Named "Auyantepui", the Angel Falls mesa is one of over a hundred of its kind which are scattered about the Guiana Highlands of southeast Venezuela. Like so many slumbering giants, what characterizes these mesas (Tepuys) is their massive heights soaring up towards the sky, each with a flat top and totally vertical sides (check out the picture at left). Also called "table mountains" (which accurately describes their shapes) these Tepuys were formed out of sandstone billions of years ago. Their vertical sides are continually being eroded by the action of water from the heavy rainfall the Guiana Highlands gets.



Angel Falls is located in the Guayana highlands, and it is just one of the five great adventure regions in Venezuela. The water comes in a free fall of 979 meters from the Churum river hovering of the edge of the "Auyantepuy" Table mountain, this the largest Tepuy (table mountain) in Canaima Venezuela. This height makes it the highest waterfall in the world.

Angel Falls is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls with its total of approximately 52 meters.

This fall is named for Jimmy Angel, an adventurous pilot from Missouri, United States, who flew to the air circus Lindberg. James Crawford Angel (Jimmy Angel) is a modern legend. He saw the waterfall for the first time in 1933 with his partner while searching for the legendary McCracken River of Gold, or the Golden City.

James returned again in 1937 with his wife and his friend Gustavo Henry Gardener where they had an emergency landing on top of the Auyantepuy. The aircraft was able to reach safely to the top of the Tepuy and stayed there for 33 years until it was taken down by a helicopter.

Jimmy Angel and his three companions managed to descend from Tepuy and return to the civilization walking through the jungle for 11 days. Angel's plane is currently in the Aviation Museum in Maracay, and nowadays on top of the Auyantepuy you will find a replica of Jimmys airplane.

KUTRALAM FALLS

Kutralam, is a panchayat town located at an elevation of 167m in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Kutralam is famous for the cascading waterfalls and for the medical properties of the water flowing through thick herbal forests. Kutralam Waterfalls is known as the “Spa of South India” due to the presence of multiple health resorts and also called as “Ooty for poor” due to its splendid climate. Climate will be fantastic during the monsoon season of South India falling between the months June and September. North East Monsoon sets over Tamil Nadu between October and December during which water flow is very high due to heavy rainfall.

Location:

Kutralam is located in Tirunelveli district in the state Tamilnadu, India. Located on the Western Ghats, the surroundings are inundated with exquisite beauty. The Agasthiar malai (mountain), which is named after a sage, Agasthiar, adds beauty to the place. The nearby cities to Kutralam are Tenkasi (Kasi of South India), Madathara and Anchal. Kutralam Waterfalls is located 5km away from Sengottai, 6km from Tenkasi, 40km from Tirunelveli, 137km away from Kanniyakumari, 152km from Alleppey, 112km from Thiruvananthapuram and 640 km from Chennai.

The town is also referred as Mukthiveli, Nannagaram, Pithur Kanda, Theerthapuram, Thirunagaram and Vasanthaperur.

Attractions:

Kutralam Falls are actually composed of several smaller waterfalls. These are:

Peraruvi (Main Falls) – Peraruvi is located in the center of Kutralam and it is the biggest falls about 60m high. It is one of the natural and spectacular waterfalls in the world. It is advised to drink some quantity of this water while taking bath as it contains medical properties. As soon as, one takes bath here, the person feels rejuvenated; both his mind and body will be fresh. This herbal water can cure various digestive problems and urinary problems, if the patient takes bath continuously for 6 months. The images of various forms of lingams and other Gods can be found carved on the rocks from where the water flows. The flow of water is interrupted by the rock Pongumakadal reducing the flow of intensity.

Chitraruvi (Small Falls) – Chitraruvi is located adjacent to the Main Falls. The size of the falls is comparatively small and the people who are scared of Peraruvi can literally enjoy Chitraruvi. Separate sections are present both for men and women to take bathe. Chitraruvi leads to other waterfalls like Shenbaga devi falls and Thenaruvi.Shenbaga devi Falls – Shenbaga devi falls is situated above Chitraruvi falls, at about 2.5 kms distance. We have to trek through Chitraruvi forest for 30 minutes to reach Shenbaga devi falls, where the water flows from a height of 40 feet. The falls are surrounded by Shenbaga trees that bear fragrant Shenbaga flowers that are offered to Amman in Shenbagadevi Temple.

Thenaruvi (Honey Falls) – Thenaruvi is located at a distance of 3km from the Main Falls. This waterfalls can be reached only by walk, which is very dangerous. Taking bathe in this falls is strictly prohibited as it is risky; but adventurous.We have to swim across a pond to reach this waterfalls. During rainy season, it is not advised to swim in this pond as the under water current will be very high.Thenaruvi means a river of honey. The place has acquired its name due to a number of beehives present in its vicinity.

Aintharuvi (Five Falls) – Aintharuvi is the most preferred and visited waterfalls by the tourists. The water emerges as five branches and flows as a single stream, which looks like Adisesha (five headed serpent). This waterfalls is located 4km from the Kutralam town. The waterfalls is situated 6km away from the bus stand in the western side of the hills. There is a Ayyanar temple and Lord Muruga temple in front of these falls.

Popularity:

Kutralam is very much for the waterfalls (Kutralam Waterfalls), splendid climate and sizzling water drops that fall upon us removing all the stress in our mind and body. It is also popular for the medical properties of the water. People travel all the way to have bath in Kutralam water falls as the water flows through the forests that are rich in medical herbs.

There are two popular temples located here – Thirukuttralanathar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and another temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Thirukutralanathar kovil contains many interesting inscriptions about Chola and Pandya kings. From this temple, about few kilometers away, there lies Chitra Sabha, a temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, decorated with the paintings of rural deities and devotees, ethical stories and religious events.

Many fruits are also found here like ramdan, mangoosten, egg fruit, dorian etc. Some of the specialties of Kutralam are Tirunelveli Halwa, Masala Paal (Masala milk), Aruvi thundu (a towel made of thin cotton) and the Children’s park.

Getting There:

Kutralam is well-connected by road, rail and air.

The nearest airport to Kutralam is Tuticorin airport that is 86 km away. The closest airport to Kutralam railway station is Neyveli Airport that is situated at a distance of 60.49 Km and Tanjavur airport that is located at a distance of 63.09 Km.

The nearest railway station to Kutralam is Tenkasi railway station. It is connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli through trains. Some of the train services are Podhigai Express (Chennai Egmore to Shenkottai and vice versa), Shenkottai to Madurai Passenger and Shenkottai to Tirunelveli Passenger.

Regular bus services are available to Kutralam from the major cities of Tamilnadu. Special bus services are also operated by the government during the season. The city has two bus stands – one in the southern part of the city, namely the Central Bus stand, and another in the northern part, namely Chatram Bus stand. To supplement the town bus service there is also availability of taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

ELEPHANT FALLS

Shillong (English pronunciation:  Khasi: Shillong) is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis. It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m). Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with population of 143,007 according to the 2011 census.[4] It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East". The population density of the state of Meghalaya in the current decade is 342 people per sq mile.

It has steadily grown in size and significance since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.

Geography

Shillong is at 25.57°N 91.88°E. It is on the Shillong Plateau, the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield.[5] The city lies in the centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei and Lum Shillong.

Weather conditions: Pleasant, pollution-free; summers: The temperature varies from 23 °C (73 °F); winters: The temperature varies from 4 °C (39 °F).
Location: Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is just 55 km (34 mi) from Mawsynram, the world's wettest place. Shillong receives far less precipitation due to the orographic effect.

History

The Shillong Municipal Board has a long history dating back since 1878, when a proclamation was issued constituting Shillong and its suburbs, including the villages of Mawkhar and Laban, into a station under the Bengal Municipal Act of 1876. Inclusion of the villages of Mawkhar (S.E. Mawkhar, Jaiaw and part of Jhalupara and Mawprem) and Laban (Lumparing, Madan laban, Kench’s Trace and Rilbong) within the Municipality of Shillong was agreed by Hain Manik Syiem of Mylliem under the agreement of 15 November 1878. Although, there is no trace of Shillong in the British Era maps dated back to 1878-1900.

Climate

Under Köppen's climate classification the city features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). Its summers are warm and very rainy, while its winters are cool and dry. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. October–November and March–April are the best months to visit Shillong.

Places of interest

Elephant Falls: 12 km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.
Lady Hydari Park: The park stretches over a kilometre and has an adjacent mini zoo.
Wards Lake: Known locally as Nan-Polok. Its an artificial lake with garden and boating facilities.
Shillong Golf Course: Shillong has one of the largest golf courses (the world's wettest) in Asia: Gleneagles of the East. It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. Not only is the Shillong Golf Course scenic and enjoyable, it is also challenging. A group of British civil service officers introduced golf to Shillong in 1898 by constructing a nine-hole course. The present 18-hole course was inaugurated in 1924. The course is set in a valley covered with pine and rhododendron trees. The tight fairways, carpeted with a local grass which hardens the soil, are difficult to negotiate. The number of out-of-bounds streams that criss-cross every fairway makes it all the more trying. Obstructions come in the form of bunkers, trees and rain. The longest hole is the 6th, which is a gruelling 594 yards. Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "Glen Eagle of the East" at the United States Golf Association Museum. It was set in a valley at an altitude of 5200 ft in 1898 as a nine-hole course and later converted into an 18-hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.
Motphran: The “Stone of France” which is locally known as "Motphran" was erected in memory of the 26th Khasi Labour Corps who served under the British in France during World War I. It bears the words of the famous Latin poet Horace "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" which can be roughly translated as "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."
Shillong Peak: A picnic spot, 10 km from the city, 1965 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside and is the highest point in the state. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State.

AMBOLI FALLS

Welcome To A Peaceful Destination

Amboli is a striking though little known hill resort located in Maharshtra. This beautiful place is positioned in the southern
range of Sahyadri hills close to Sawantwadi. Situated at a height of 690 m this hill station is roofed with fog during the rainy
season. Covered by dense forests and a quite outrageous valleys, this peaceful summit throws up some excellent bird's-eye
views of the Konkan coast. It was developed as a prominent hill station by a British political agent Colonel Westrop. The
Bauxite mines located at a distance of 10 km make a different but enjoyable trip. Throughout the year plenty of tourists visit
this place.
The main rush of visitors actually starts from Diwali and lasts till the end of summer season. Attractive waterfalls can be seen
here in the monsoon while the summers at Amboli are tremendously pleasing and cool. Amboli is a peaceful and attractive
hill station with plenty of exciting things to offer. The hill station is a perfect romantic honeymoon destination as well. For
honeymooners, Amboli has all the privacy and exquisiteness they need. Be it a honeymoon or just a holiday tour, Amboli is a
place which offers an amusing and freshening change of place. You can go through Amboli travel guide for a better
understanding about how to reach Amboli, festivals in Amboli, Amboli attractions, best time to visit Amboli and excursions
from Amboli.

Attraction 

The Amboli Falls is an eye-catching and spectacular tourist attraction of Amboli. The waterfalls are in
full grandeur during the monsoon season which starts from June and lasts till October. The rains fill
Amboli with mist and during this time the attractive water fall is a wonder to behold. It is like a balm to
travelers and the locals during the boiling summers. Visitors coming to this place bathe in the
waterfalls to rinse away all the ill effects of the heat. It also forms a perfect picnic spot for all who
come here as tourists.

weather

Amboli experiences summer season in between March and May. These months are a bit hot and the temperature ranges
between 22 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon Season in Amboli
From June to September exists the monsoon season. Heavy rain occurs during this period and the climate becomes very
humid but pleasant because of the mild temperature.
Winter Season in Amboli
December to February is the winter season. The hill station becomes cooler in this period and the temperature ranges
between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. A large number of tourists come here to visit Amboli during this season as the weather
becomes very pleasant.

How To Reach

Reach Amboli By Air
The nearest airport to Amboli is Goa Airport which connects the city with local flights to Mumbai and Bangalore. For
international flights, one can move to the Mumbai airport which is at a distance of 555 km from the hill station.

Amboli is well linked via road to Goa (129 Km) and Mumbai (492 km). One can also get tourist buses and cabs from Mumbai
to Savantwadi on a regular interval.


The Savantwadi railway station is the nearest railhead to Amboli. It is located at a distance of 30 km and connects all the
main cities of the state. From the railway station, one can get easy transport to Amboli by investing a very nominal amount
from the pocket.


Fast Facts:

State: Maharashtra
District: Sindhudurg
Famous for: Hill Station
Languages: Marathi, Hindi
Best Season: Oct - Mar
Weather: Summers 22-40°C, Winters 12-33°C

JOG FALLS

Jog Falls  created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India Located in both Uttara Kannada & Shimogga districts of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

DESCRIPTION

River Sharavathi splits up into four different tracks which are named in accordance with their perceived trajectories. Going from left to right respectively in the picture, the names and the reasons for naming are:

Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall.

Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise.

Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed.

Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JOG WATERFALLS

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi, and the hydro-electric power station that it serves. The power station has been operational since 1949, and is, at 1200 MW capacity, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and a significant source of electric power for Karnataka. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960.

CHANGE IN FLOW

Before the onset of monsoon, when there is not much water in the Linganmakki dam, the "mighty" Jog Falls are nearly unrecognizable. Instead of the roar and the spray and the massive flow of water, there are only a pair of thin streams of water trickling down the cliff. If you happen to ask any of the local people what happened to the falls, they would tell you that the authorities open the dam only during week ends, when there are a lot of tourists to view it.

During the monsoon of 2007, due to heavy rains the authorities at the falls had to open the dam. Due to this the water falls was seen at its best. Unfortunately this also resulted in the flooding of many villages down the river, destroying crops and the fishing industry for weeks. Many of the pictures in the gallery and the picture displayed alongside show the falls during that time.

HOW TO GET THERE

August-December is considered the season of best flow and the best time to visit. Jog is situated 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) away from Bangalore. One can reach Jog from direct buses to Jog from Bangalore.

Nearest Bus Stations - Jog, Sagara, Siddapura. Alternative way is to take direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 102 kilometres (63 mi) from Shivamogga, 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara and 20 kilometres from Siddapura. Also 60 km (approx.) east of Honnavar, NH206 - bus can be taken from Karwar, Honnavar or Shivamogga

Nearest Train Station - Shivamogga. One can take the train to Shivamogga from Bangalore and then can catch a bus to Jog.

Airport - Mangalore airport is the nearest operational airport. Another convenient airport is Bangalore.

ARGUMENTS ABOUT ITS HEIGHT

There are many waterfalls in Asia - and also in India - which drop from a higher altitude. But, unlike those falls, Jog Falls is untiered, i.e., it drops directly and does not stream on to rocks. Thus, it can be described as the highest untiered waterfalls in India.

VICTORIA FALLS

Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (Tokaleya Tonga: the Smoke that Thunders), is a waterfall in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe

Naming

David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view Victoria Falls on 16 November 1855 from what is now known as Livingstone Island, one of two land masses in the middle of the river, immediately upstream from the falls on the Zambian side. Livingstone named his discovery in honour of Queen Victoria, but the indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya—"the smoke that thunders"—continues in common usage as well. The nearby national park in Zambia, for example, is named Mosi-oa-Tunya,whereas the national park and town on the Zimbabwean shore are both named Victoria Falls. The World Heritage List officially recognizes both names.

In 2013 the government of Zimbabwe declared its intention to officially rename the falls "Mosi-oa-Tunya", citing continuity with other renamings such as Harare (from Salisbury), and Zimbabwe (from Rhodesia)

Gorges

The entire volume of the Zambezi River pours through the First Gorge's 110-meter-wide (360 ft) exit for a distance of about 150 meters (500 ft), then enters a zigzagging series of gorges designated by the order in which the river reaches them. Water entering the Second Gorge makes a sharp right turn and has carved out a deep pool there called the Boiling Pot. Reached via a steep footpath from the Zambian side, it is about 150 metres (500 ft) across. Its surface is smooth at low water, but at high water is marked by enormous, slow swirls and heavy boiling turbulence. Objects—and humans—that are swept over the falls, including the occasional hippo or crocodile, are frequently found swirling about here or washed up at the north-east end of the Second Gorge. This is where the bodies of Mrs Moss and Mr Orchard, mutilated by crocodiles, were found in 1910 after two canoes were capsized by a hippo at Long Island above the falls. The principal gorges are (see reference for note about these measurements):

First Gorge: the one the river falls into at Victoria Falls
Second Gorge: (spanned by the Victoria Falls Bridge), 250 m south of falls, 2.15 km long (270 yd south, 2350 yd long)
Third Gorge: 600 m south, 1.95 km long (650 yd south, 2100 yd long), containing the Victoria Falls Power Station.
Fourth Gorge: 1.15 km south, 2.25 km long (1256 yd south, 2460 yd long)
Fifth Gorge: 2.55 km south, 3.2 km long (1.5 mi south, 2 mi (3.2 km) long)
Songwe Gorge: 5.3 km south, 3.3 km long, (3.3 mi south, 2 mi (3.2 km) long) named after the small Songwe River coming from the north-east, and the deepest at 140 m (460 ft), the level of the river in them varies by up to 20 meters (65 ft) between wet and dry seasons.

Pre-colonial history

Archaeological sites around the falls have yielded Homo habilis stone artifacts from 3 million years ago[citation needed], 50,000-year-old Middle Stone Age tools and Late Stone Age (10,000 and 2,000 years ago) weapons, adornments and digging tools. Iron-using Khoisan hunter-gatherers displaced these Stone Age people and in turn were displaced by Bantu tribes such as the southern Tonga people known as the Batoka/Tokalea, who called the falls Shungu na mutitima. The Matabele, later arrivals, named them aManz' aThunqayo, and the Batswana and Makololo (whose language is used by the Lozi people) call them Mosi-o-Tunya. All these names mean essentially "the smoke that thunders"

A map from c.1750 drawn by Jacques Nicolas Bellin for Abbé Antoine François Prevost d'Exiles marks the falls as "cataractes" and notes a settlement to the north of the Zambezi as being friendly with the Portuguese at the time. Earlier still Nicolas de Fer's 1715 map of southern Africa has the fall clearly marked in the correct position. It also has dotted lines denoting trade routes that David Livingstone followed 140 years later.

History since 1900

European settlement of the Victoria Falls area started around 1900 in response to the desire of Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company for mineral rights and imperial rule north of the Zambezi, and the exploitation of other natural resources such as timber forests north-east of the falls, and ivory and animal skins. Before 1905, the river was crossed above the falls at the Old Drift, by dugout canoe or a barge towed across with a steel cable. Rhodes' vision of a Cape-Cairo railway drove plans for the first bridge across the Zambezi and he insisted it be built where the spray from the falls would fall on passing trains, so the site at the Second Gorge was chosen. See the main article Victoria Falls Bridge for details. From 1905 the railway offered accessible travel to whites from as far as the Cape in the south and from 1909, as far as the Belgian Congo in the north. In 1904 the Victoria Falls Hotel was opened to accommodate visitors arriving on the new railway. The falls became an increasingly popular attraction during British colonial rule of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), with the town of Victoria Falls becoming the main tourist centre.

Natural environment

The two national parks at the falls are relatively small—Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is 66 square kilometres (16,309 acres) and Victoria Falls National Park is 23 square kilometres (5,683 acres). However, next to the latter on the southern bank is the Zambezi National Park, extending 40 kilometres (25 mi) west along the river. Animals can move between the two Zimbabwean parks and can also reach Matetsi Safari Area, Kazuma Pan National Park and Hwange National Park to the south.

On the Zambian side, fences and the outskirts of Livingstone tend to confine most animals to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. In addition fences put up by lodges in response to crime restrict animal movement.

In 2004 a separate group of police called the Tourism Police was started. They are commonly seen around the main tourist areas, and can be identified by their uniforms with yellow reflective bibs.

NIAGARA FALLS

Niagara Falls (/naɪˈæɡrə/, Cayuga: Gahnawehtaˀ or Tgahnawęhtaˀ) is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the United States; more specifically, between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. They form the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.

From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie mostly on the Canadian side and the American Falls entirely on the American side, separated by Goat Island. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the other waterfalls by Luna Island. The international boundary line was originally drawn through Horseshoe Falls in 1819, but the boundary has long been in dispute due to natural erosion and construction.

Located on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the combined falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, with a vertical drop of more than 165 feet (50 m). Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by vertical height and also by flow rate.The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (121 km) south-southeast of Toronto, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

History

There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the falls. According to Iroquoian scholar Bruce Trigger, "Niagara" is derived from the name given to a branch of the locally residing native Neutral Confederacy, who are described as being called the "Niagagarega" people on several late 17th century French maps of the area. According to George R. Stewart, it comes from the name of an Iroquois town called "Ongniaahra", meaning "point of land cut in two". Henry Schoolcraft reported:

"Niagara Falls. This name is Mohawk. It means, according to Mrs. Kerr, the neck; the term being first applied to the portage or neck of land, between lakes Erie and Ontario. By referring to Mr. Elliott's vocabulary, (chapter xi) it will be seen that the human neck, that is, according to the concrete vocabulary, his neck, is onyara. Red Jacket pronounced the word Niagara to me, in the spring of 1820, as if written O-ne-au-ga-rah."

A number of figures have been suggested as first circulating an eyewitness description of Niagara Falls. The Frenchman Samuel de Champlain visited the area as early as 1604 during his exploration of Canada, and members of his party reported to him the spectacular waterfalls, which he described in his journals. The Finnish-Swedish naturalist Pehr Kalm explored the area in the early 18th century and is credited with the first scientific description of the falls. The consensus honoree for the first description is the Belgian missionary Louis Hennepin, who observed and described the falls in 1677, earlier than Kalm, after traveling with the explorer René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, thus bringing the falls to the attention of Europeans. Further complicating matters, there is credible evidence that the French Jesuit Reverend Paul Ragueneau visited the falls some 35 years before Hennepin's visit, while working among the Huron First Nation in Canada. Jean de Brébeuf also may have visited the falls, while spending time with the Neutral Nation.

During the 18th century, tourism became popular, and by mid-century, it was the area's main industry. Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Jérôme visited with his bride in the early 19th century. In 1837 during the Caroline affair a rebel supply ship, the Caroline, was burned and sent over the falls. In March 1848, ice blockage caused the falls to stop; no water (or at best a trickle) fell for as much as 40 hours. Waterwheels stopped, mills and factories simply shut down for having no power. Later that year demand for passage over the Niagara River led to the building of a footbridge and then Charles Ellet's Niagara Suspension Bridge. This was supplanted by German-born John Augustus Roebling's Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge in 1855. After the American Civil War, the New York Central railroad publicized Niagara Falls as a focus of pleasure and honeymoon visits. With increased railroad traffic, in 1886, Leffert Buck replaced Roebling's wood and stone bridge with the predominantly steel bridge that still carries trains over the Niagara River today. The first steel archway bridge near the falls was completed in 1897. Known today as the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, it carries vehicles, trains, and pedestrians between Canada (through Canadian Customs Border Control) and the U.S.A. just below the falls. In 1912 much of the water coming over the American Falls froze, though there was still a trickle and the falls ran at the other two sites

Over the falls

In October 1829, Sam Patch, who called himself "the Yankee Leapster", jumped from a high tower into the gorge below the falls and survived; this began a long tradition of daredevils trying to go over the falls.

SUTHERLAND FALLS

Sutherland Falls is one of the most well-known falls in New Zealand and the world. At a height of 580 meters, Sutherland Falls is often recognized as the highest waterfall in New Zealand. However, this is in some dispute with Browns Falls also being unofficially recognized at 619 meters in height. Regardless, Sutherland Falls is a magnificent site to see.

Sutherland Falls is fed by Lake Quill, which in turn is fed by several glaciers, providing a constant flow to the falls. The falls is made up of three distinct drops of 229, 248, and 103 meters respectively.

A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation.

Some waterfalls form in mountain environments where the erosive water force is high and stream courses may be subject to sudden and catastrophic change. In such cases, the waterfall may not be the end product of many years of water action over a region, but rather the result of relatively sudden geological processes such as landslides, faults or volcanic action.

Typically, a river flows over a large step in the rocks that may have been formed by a fault line. As it increases its velocity at the edge of the waterfall, it plucks material from the riverbed. This causes the waterfall to carve deeper into the bed and to recede upstream. Often over time, the waterfall will recede back to form a canyon or gorge downstream as it recedes upstream, and it will carve deeper into the ridge above it.

Often, the rock stratum just below the more resistant shelf will be of a softer type, meaning that undercutting due to splashback will occur here to form a shallow cave-like formation known as a rock shelter or plunge pool under and behind the waterfall. Eventually, the outcropping, more resistant cap rock will collapse under pressure to add blocks of rock to the base of the waterfall. These blocks of rock are then broken down into smaller boulders by attrition as they collide with each other, and they also erode the base of the waterfall by abrasion, creating a deep plunge pool or gorge.

Types of Waterfalls

Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river.
Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.
Cataract: A large waterfall.
Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with bedrock.
Horsetail: Descending water maintains some contact with bedrock.
Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.
Punchbowl: Water descends in a constricted form, then spreads out in a wider pool.
Segmented: Distinctly separate flows of water form as it descends.
Tiered: Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.
Multi-Step: A series of waterfalls one after another of roughly the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool.

Getting to Sutherland Falls

Access to Sutherland Falls is limited to those walking the Milford Track, which requires reservations to walk independently or via guided walks Once you get to Quintin Lodge, drop your pack, grab your camera, and head up the trail to Sutherland Falls.

The Milford Track (53.5 km) is in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and is administered by DOC on behalf of the New Zealand public.

Logging requirements

In order to log this cache, you must post a photo of yourself with your GPSr and Sutherland Falls in the background. The posted coordinates will take you to a spot on the trail where you can first see the falls and gives you some perspective on the height of the falls. This spot was selected because it was hard to get a photo of the falls without the splashback from the falls interfering with the shot. You are welcome to get closer to the falls for your photo to meet the logging requirements.