Best waterfalls in Karnataka

 

Best waterfalls in Karnataka: “One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin” as William Shakespeare rightly quoted, nature is undoubtedly the best gift to mankind. Karnataka is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and enchanting landscape and is certainly one of the most alluring states in the country.

The state is filled with diverse terrain, mystical mountains, sparkling waterfalls…the list can go on.

What stands out in all of these is the breathtaking waterfalls in Karnataka which are gushing in full throttle during the monsoon season and are a delight to gaze at. Here are the top 20 most captivating waterfalls in Karnataka that are an absolute pleasure to visit and experience.

 

1. Jog Falls

Securing a top position in the list of must-visit places in Karnataka, Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Located in the western ghats that give rise to the Sharavathi river, Jog Falls plunges from a height as high as 892 feet in the form of four cascades-Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket.

This magnificent waterfall is best witnessed in the months from September-December when it forms a spectacular sight with rainbows and is a visual delight.

Out of the four cascades, ‘Raja’ is the highest waterfall that eventually joins Roarer. The name Roarer is derived from the jet-like sound that the waterfall produces. Rani, on the other hand, takes its name as it flows smoothly and gracefully and touches the ground.

The falls also bear hydroelectric importance as the water is used to generate electricity and supply it around the district of Shivamoga.

Location: 402 km from Bangalore, Shivamoga District, Karnataka.

 

2.Shivana Samudra

Popularly known as Bluff or Shimsha, ShivanaSamudra is home to the twin waterfalls-‘Gaganachukki’ and ‘Barachukki’ which together are named the ShivanaSamudra falls. The pleasing waterfalls are located in the Mandya district of Karnataka and the name means Lord Shiva’s sea.

The falls Gaganachukki is a horsetail-shaped waterfall falling from a height of 90m. Asia’s first hydroelectric project was set up here in 1905. Power generated here is supplied to the Kolar Goldfields near Bangalore.

Tourist spots like Talakadu, BR hills, Bhimeshwari can be visited on the way to the waterfall. River water falling off a high cliff, lush greenery  ensures a mesmerizing view to all the visitors

Location: 133kms from Bangalore, Mandya district, Karnataka.

 

3.Abbey Falls

In the Scotland of India, amidst the jaw-dropping view of the misty mountains and the lush green coffee estates lies the Abbey falls. Abbey or Abbi falls is located near the town of Madikeri and is one of the most visited waterfalls in south India.

Not only does it attract nature lovers, but it also excites the shutterbugs as well. Falling off a cliff from a height of 70 feet, Abbey falls provides a spectacular view, especially during the monsoon.

Cradling between the mountains and the spice plantations, Abbey falls is situated opposite a hanging bridge. Many other spots to visit near Abbey falls include Nagarhole national park, Omkareshwara temple, Raja seat, Madikeri fort, Raja’s tomb to name a few. After many streams of the Abbey falls combine, they gradually flow together to join river Kaveri on the land.

Location: 268 km from Bangalore, Coorg, Karnataka.

 

4.Dudsagar Falls

With its name literally translating to “sea of milk”, Dudsagar is a majestic waterfall with water rushing through the vertical mountain. Standing as tall as 310 meters, it holds a place in the list of one of the tallest waterfalls in India.

Standing tall in between the Mollem National Park, this waterfall is a cascade of the Mandovi river that originates from originates in the Deccan plateau and finds its way through the western ghats.

After shooting the scenes of the famous Bollywood movie “Chennai Express”, Dudsagar is often seen on every tourist’s to-visit-list while traveling to Goa from Karnataka.

While there are several ways to reach the waterfall that include the railway line, the best way to explore your way through the dense forests is through trekking to this water body. This is what excites not just nature lovers but also trekking enthusiasts across the country. The view of the pure sparkling waterfall definitely makes it worth the climb.

Location: 552 km from Bangalore, Goa-Karnataka border.

 

5.Iruppu Falls:

Tucked in between the lush mountains, coffee estates, and the spice plantations is yet another enchanting waterfall, The Iruppu falls. This work of nature descends from the Brahmagiri hills and is also known as the Lakshmana tirtha falls, bearing religious significance.

Located on the borders of Karnataka and Wayanad, Iruppu falls cascades from a height of 170 meters and is a sight to remember.

Along the way up to the waterfall is a Shiva Temple Rameshwara along the banks of the river. which makes this water body holy and has most of its visitors during the occasion of Shivaratri and Navaratri.

The 500 meters uphill trek will take you to the first fall of Iruppu where devotees are said to take a dip in the cold water. There are locations close by to the waterfall that are perfect for camping and are a great place to spend some quality time.

Location: 220kms from Bangalore, Coorg, Karnataka.

 

6.Chunchi Falls

If you are looking for a fun picnic spot near Bangalore, Chunchi falls is definitely the one to consider. Located in the outskirts of Bangalore, this 50 feet high river is fed by the river Arakavtahi.

Chunchi falls lies on the way to Mekedatu and is a perfect escape from the daily grind as it minimally commercialized and mostly deserted.

There is a power station ahead of the waterfall and if one is an adventure freak, they can go down and explore Chunchi falls as the water is almost flat at the bottom allowing the visitors to indulge in a dip or two. Mekedatu falls, Galibore fishing camp, Sangama, Bheemeshwari are some of the attractions around Chunchi falls that draw attention.

Location:83kms from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

7.Hebbe Falls

Making its soothing and pleasant appearance in the beautiful western ghats is the Hebbe falls located about 10kms from the famous hill station Kemmanagudi in Chikmaglur.

The 551 feet tall waterfall gushes down in two stages being Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe meaning Big fall and small fall in Kannada respectively. This beautiful waterfall is located in a coffee estate and can be reached either by a two-wheeler or by trekking towards it.

A pool is formed at the base of the waterfall which makes it ideal for a traveler to take a dip or swim. Apart from being a visual treat to the tourists, the medicinal herbs present in and around Hebbe falls attracts many biologists and scientists.

Professional trekkers start their journey from Tarikere and climb for about 35 km to reach Hebbe falls. The trail encapsulates the coffee estates, spice plantations challenging terrain, and a glimpse of exotic animals on the way.

Location: 292 km from Bangalore, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka.

 

8.Hogenakkal Falls

Often referred to as the “Niagara of India”, Hogenakkal falls is a blend of rocks, greenery, and mist located right on the Tamil-Nadu Karnataka border. It derives its name from two Kannada words, ‘Hoge’-meaning smoke and ‘Kallu’-meaning rocks and essentially meaning smoke over the rocks which is how it is seen when there’s plenty of water flowing over the rocks especially in the monsoon season.

The Hogenakkal falls offer a whole new experience to its visitors altogether. Apart from being scintillating, other activities that include the coracle ride post-monsoon that takes the travelers between the two giant rocks also rise the adventure quotient of the destination.

Adding to this are the fishing and the freshly prepared fish dishes that one can relish on the banks of the falls. The local men of the area are known to offer some really healing oil massages that make this place a definite winner.

Location: 126 km from Bangalore, Bangalore-Tamil Nadu Border.

 

9.Sathodi Falls

Sathodi falls lies in the Uttara Kannada District of Yellapur in Karnataka. Formed by several unnamed streams that converge near Kallaramane ghat, this rectangular-shaped waterfall is at a height of 15m and creates a clear blue pool underneath it. This is one of the very few waterfalls that is filled throughout the year.

Among the things to do when at Sathodi falls are trekking, swimming, picnic, and photography as the waterfall offer it all. The rough geographical terrain is best suited for trekking and adventure lovers.

With a clear blue pool beneath the falls, one can safely take a dip and enjoy the cold water and escape the scorching sun. The location of the waterfall between a jungle is what makes it shutterbug-worthy.

Location:448kms from Bangalore, Uttara-Karnataka, Karnataka.

 

10.Chunchanakatte Falls

At a distance of 55kms from Mysore, Chunchanakatte Falls is a part of the river Kaveri in Krishnaraja Taluk of Mysore. The river flows into the waterfall making it 60 feet tall and about 350 feet wide.

Brahma Rathotsava is held on January 15^th  of every year and this place has an abundance of greenery and migratory birds.

This picturesque waterfall is famous for the Kodanda Rama temple and it is believed that goddess Sita took a bath in the holy waters at Dhanushkoti thus adding the tinge of turmeric color to the water. The best time to view this waterfall is said to between January-February.

Location: 205 km from Bangalore, Karnataka

 

11.Jhari Falls

Jhari waterfalls popularly known as the “ButterMilk Waterfalls” is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Chikmagalur district. It is often visited along with Baba Budan Giri and Mulayanagiri.

Tucked in between the coffee plantations, this waterfall is naturally formed by the springs in the mountains.

The monsoons make the place worth visiting and the best time to visit Jhari falls is from August – January and is visited by tourists round the year. Beautifully located homestays around the waterfall make it a top tourist spot.

Location: 267kms from Bangalore, Karnataka

 

12.Gokak Falls

Situated 6kms away from the town of Gokak, Gokak falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the country. Sourcing its water from the Ghattaprabha river, the 170 feet waterfall takes a leap over a horseshoe-shaped sandstone cliff during its course.

One of the major attractions of this spot is the 200-meter long bridge that is situated 14 m above the bedrock which gives an elevated view of the scenic water body.

Tourists also pay a visit to the temples of goddess Durga, Lord Shanumkha, and Lord Mahalingeshwara that are constructed in authentic Chalukyan architecture.

The Kemple Park  Botanical gardens also catch the eye of many nature lovers. Apart from these, Gokak falls hold a historical significance as it was here that electricity was first generated in India in 1887.

Location: 622 km from Bangalore, Karnataka

 

13.Unchalli Falls

Unchalli falls is yet another breathtaking waterfall located in the north Karnataka region in Sirsi. Popularly known as the Lushington falls, this fall is named after  J.D Lushington who discovered it in 1845. River Aghanashini drops from a height of 116 meters thus creating this majestic waterfall.

The Unchalli falls is located near Hegganur from which it is a 6km trek. This trek offers views of the falls including numerous chances of spotting rainbows. The falls are also known as “Keppa falls” because of the unique sounds it makes and the best time to pay a visit to this waterfall is from July-September.

Location: 439 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

14.Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls or Kalahasti Falls is a perfect getaway for anyone looking for spirituality and serenity. Located in Chikmagalur, this falls is at a distance of 10kms from the Kemmanagudi hill station. It is closely located to the famous Veerabhadreshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The area is filled with greenery and Cardamom trees are found in abundance in and around Kalhatti falls. It is also home to various regional species and wild animals and it has a lot to offer when it comes to flora and fauna.

Location:264 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

15.Sural Falls

The Sural waterfalls or the Surla Waterfall is one of the most hidden and amazing waterfalls located in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. Nestled among the greenery of the Western ghats, sural falls are often called the “Venezuela of Karnataka”. This waterfall is about 300 feet deep and is gushing with water throughout the year.

The sural falls are one of the most significant treks of the Kakumbi region. It begins from Kalsa in Karnataka and goes through the rocky Kalsa stream to reach the Sural Falls. One of the most interesting points is that you can have a bird’s view of the Sural Falls and the view of the Sural valley after crossing the waterfall w

hich makes this destination adventurous and serene.

Location:535 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

16.Sirimane Falls

Sirimane waterfalls are located 15kms from the Sringeri Sharadamba temple in the Chikmagalur district. With a height of about 40 feet from the ground, this waterfall is located between dense jungles and has much greenery to offer. A small town called Kigga is located close to the falls and is known for its trekking trails.

Agumbe, Sharadamba temple, Uluve bird sanctuary are some of the places in and around the Sirimane falls that can be visited. One can also get to the bottom of the falls to enjoy the force of the water flowing down which is said to heal sore muscles in the body.

Location:335kms from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

17.Nisargadhama Falls

Kaveri Nisargadhama or the Nisargadhama falls is located 2kms from Kushalnagar in Coorg and is located on a small island shaped by the river Kaveri. This region can be well accessed by the hanging bridge nearby which brings an enchanting experience for the tourists. The surrounding is covered with thick forest and it also has a mini zoo that has various species of deer and elephants as a part of it.

Nisargadhama is a perfect picnic spot accompanied by calm boat rides and a picture-perfect view of the island. The falls can be visited throughout the year but it has a major tourist influx between October and May. Bylkuppa Monastry, Abbey falls, Raja seat is a few places located closely to Nisarghdama falls that are worth a visit.

Location:270kms from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

18.Balmuri Falls

Balmuri falls is a man-made cascade on the river Kaveri in Mysore. This 6 feet tall waterfall is created by the check dam on the river. Balmuri translates to “turn right” and is named so as it is in the course of this falls that the river turns right in Srirangapatna. From being the background drop to many Kannada movie songs, the scenic beauty and the relaxed environment that the Balmuri falls offer is what make it a perfect picnic spot.

The Edamuri falls, Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary, Daria Daulat Bagh, Brindavan Gardens are a few famous tourist spots that the travelers cover along with visiting the Balmuri Falls. If one wants to see the waterfall brimming with water, then the tourists must pay a visit to this destination post-monsoon season.

Location: 138kms from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

19.Kunchikal Falls

Formed by the river Varahi, Kunchikal falls is located on the Shimoga-Udupi border of Karnataka. The waterfall is as tall as 455 meters is the highest waterfall situated on river Varahi. Located amidst dense woods, deep jungles, this is also celebrated as a famous trekking spot. The Kunchikal falls come under hydroelectric projects to generate electricity.

Located in the Agumbe district of Shimoga, the Kunchikal falls is one of the most beautiful and most unexplored waterfalls present in the Shimoga belt. This is one of the few waterfalls that is pollution and plastic-free which makes it the best getaway for every tourist who wants to take a break from the rigid monotony of life.

Location:381 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.

 

20.Chelavara Falls

Chelavara falls is one of the most enchanting falls found in the trails of the dense forests in Coorg. The water gushed down from a height of 150 feet on a rock that is shaped like a tortoise. Thus, this waterfall is also known as “Embepare” which translates to “Turtle rock” in their native language.

This natural marvel originated from the tributary of the Kaveri river in the Cheyyandane village in Karnataka.

The best views of this waterfall are captured during the monsoon season or just after when the water levels are brimming high. Twisted narrow roads leading up to the falls are nothing wider than a minibus which makes the journey much more thrilling and exciting. Chelavara falls offer beauty at its best to the visitors and is an ideal getaway for tourists across the country.

Location:253 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.