History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Gündoğmuş Uçansu Waterfall, with its ancient name 'Çündüre Waterfall' among the local people, is one of the most untouched and majestic natural wonders of the Taurus Mountains and is protected as a 1st Degree Natural Protected Area. The waterfall is born as a result of groundwater fed by the melting of snow on the Geyik Mountains and Akdağ peaks, gushing under pressure from the mouth of a huge karst cave within the steep limestone rocks. According to local legends, in ancient times, it was believed that mountain fairies bathed in the foam veils of this waterfall, and that the booming sound coming from the cave of the waterfall in the spring months was a sacred scream heralding the awakening of the Taurus mountains. The waterfall waters constitute the strongest main water source of the historical Alara Stream, which flows into the Mediterranean. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The waterfall is located in the deep canyon valley between Eskibağ and Kayabükü villages, at an altitude of approximately 850 meters above sea level. The ice-cold water coming out of the karst cave cascades from a height of about 50 meters over the vertical rock walls in several branches and pours into the turquoise natural pools on the valley floor. The water temperature does not exceed 7-9 degrees even in summer. Its surroundings are covered with huge plane trees, walnuts, red pine trees and the scent of wild mint. The water dust cloud created by the waterfall creates a cooling oasis microclimate throughout the valley. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the natural protected area and the waterfall area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It can be visited 7 days a week in daylight; It reaches its most magnificent flow in April, May and June, when the snow melts with enthusiasm.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The rock base where the waterfall falls is constantly wet and extremely slippery; It is necessary to wear mountain/trekking shoes with non-slip soles. The paths leading down to the valley are steep and rocky and are NOT suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. One should not enter the water due to the danger of rocks falling just below the waterfall and strong water currents.•Facilities and Facilities:On the village road above the waterfall, there are authentic pancake gazebos run by village women, a wooden viewing gazebo and a natural village fountain; There is no luxury reinforced concrete facility. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Between Kayabükü and Eskibağ Neighborhoods, Çündüre Mevkii, 07860 Gündoğmuş / Antalya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 25 km from Gündoğmuş district center and 70 km from Alanya. Most of the road is asphalt and the last 3-4 kilometers is a narrow winding mountain road; It can be accessed by all passenger cars when used carefully.•Real Public Transportation Information: Public transportation does not operate directly to the gate of the waterfall; From Alanya or Manavgat, you should come to Gündoğmuş center by minibus and from there take Kayabükü village minibuses or local taxis.•Parking Availability:There is free parking for 20-30 vehicles on the roadside at the beginning of the path leading down to the waterfall. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Points and Frames:Vertical wide-angle shots taken from the suspension bridge/pathway level under the main rock wall, where the waterfall falls in several branches from 50 meters, and the rainbow moments created by water particles in the sun.•Light and Shooting Hours:11:30 - 15:00, when the sun enters directly into the canyon cleft, is the perfect time to make the white foams of the waterfall water and turquoise pools shine.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should try village pancakes with cottage cheese kneaded with fresh Taurus mountain thyme in the village gazebos around the waterfall, mountain tea in a samovar, and fresh buttered trout fed in the cold waters of the Alara Stream.