Water Falls Travel tips for trekking at Waterfalls | Dos | Don'ts | Tips |
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Go for forest friendly coloured clothes like
green/browns | Litter | Don’t jump into water pool as there
could be boulders beneath | | Flat, comfortable walking shoes | Tease animals | Before plunging into stream for swimming seek
locals' advice | | Camera preferably with a tele photo lens | Talk loudly/make noise | Carry a bottle of kerosene to smear over
the shoes to avoid leeches | | Torch, sunglasses and hat | Get off the vehicle unless asked | Do not step on bounlders covered with algae
as they might slip | | Essential Medicines | Use strong perfumes | Stay away from alcohol and liquor | | Binoculars | Pick up anything as Souvenir | Do not go too close to the falls, as the water pressure
could gush you out | | Light jacket for winter | Touch insects/birds nest | | | Listen to sounds of nature | Wear bright coloured clothes | | Observe/obey safety rules during safaries,
coracles/boat rides and rafting | Play music | | | Always be alert | Disturb the tranquivility of the place | | | | Feed animals | | Cauvery / Shivasamudram Waterfalls  Full View: Shivanasamudra About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide.
In the Western Ghats of Kodagu district at Talacauvery, River Cauvery emerges and meanders to join the Rivers Harangi, Hemavathi, Lakshmana Thirtha and Kapila creating number of waterfalls. At Shivasamudram also called Bluff or Simsha, this water falls has twin jumps, the Gagana Chukki or the Western falls and the Bara/Bhara Chukki or the Eastern falls.
 Bharachukki: Shivanasamudra Monsoon season(during the month of July and August makes this waterfall swell to enormous proportion, when the river Kabini floods along with Cauvery creating a waterfall perhaps a thousand feet wide.The Hydro electric power stations is the first of its kind in Asia, in 1902, is still functional. It is been commissioned by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir K Seshadri Iyer. The first town to receive the electricity from this station is Kolar Gold Fields, hence Kolar become the first town in Asia to get hydro electricity.
Trekking : One needs to trek 2kms through the lush greenery, along the banks of Cauvery to approach the falls. Sitting on the benches provided at the watch tower you can revel the beauty of the river plummet into a spray of mist.
One Day Trip : One can visit the Somanathpur Temple, Shivanasamuram, and then visit Talakak(35kms ) One can find accommodation and food at Talakad.
Best Visiting time : June to September ( the water falls looks full and gorgeous during this season). The climate is moderate entire year.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station : Mandhya district.
Nearest Airport : Mysore Airport
By Road : 65kms from Mysore. 139kms from Bangalore, 35kms from Talakad.
Jog Falls The Western Ghats gives rise to the Sharavati river that plunges from a height of 810feet in four magnificent cascades namely Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. Jog falls, being the talleest waterfalls in India is situated in the dense evergreen forests, 16kms from Talguppa nearest railway station, Shimoga district, Karnataka. You can also reach this falls en route National Highway 48 or 4. During Monsoons the Jog falls voluminous creating a spectacular sight with rainbows every now and then. One can take a adventurous walk at the bottom of the gorge when the sluice gaes of the Linganmakki dam are closed. The best time to visit the Jog is in winter when the sky is clear of the mist. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thalaguppa, Shimoga district.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
By Road: National Highway number 206, From Bangalore 378kms, from Sarag 45kms, Siddapur 21kms or Honnavar 56 kms
Abbey Falls Karnataka boasts of some scenic and exotic hill stations that are frequented by those seeking the green and serene. Among them one such location would be the Abbey falls. This waterfalls also known as the Abbi falls, is amidst of lush spread of coffee plantation and is located at about 10kms from the town of Madikeri, Western Ghats. The waters join the River Cauveri, proves to be the trekkers delight. The best time to visit will be during the monsoon when the waterfalls in full gush and also during the beginning of winter. Do watch out for the leeches during these times on the marshes of the falls. One can complete their tour by visiting the near by places i.e., the Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol, Talakaveri (the origin of the River Cauveri), Bhagamandala How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Madikeri Station, Kodagu district.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 270 kms. From Nearest Town 10kms (Madikeri). Mangalore 136km, Mysore 129kms
Honnemaradu FallsHonnemaradu in Karnataka is situated in the Shimoga district which is about 25 kms from Sagara towards Jog Falls. Situated on the back waters of the Sharavathi River, Honnemaradu is famous for being the home to a wide variety of water sports. The shimmering waters under the blue firmament will cajole any water sports lover to venture into the lake and enjoy the adventures sports. Windsurfing, coracling, canoeing, kayaking and scuba diving are the various water activities people participate in when visiting Honnemaradu. Nestled in the greenery of the Western Ghats in a widely spread area of 50 km by 80 km that houses the lake, the reservoir is exclusively for those looking forward to have fun with water sports.
Best time to visit these places is in early Winter.
How to reach: From Madikeri it is best to catch a local transport (jeep or taxi) to the coffee estate. From here it is a 10 minutes walk to the waterfalls through the coffee fields.
Nearest Railway Station: Thalaguppa, Shimoga
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 400kms, Thalaguppa 12kms
Lalguli Falls Lalguli Falls in Karnataka located about 15 kms north of Yellapur, a plethora of thundering waterfalls plummeting down from great heights. Among the exotic waterfalls, in the Western Ghats rising to an average of 900m converges into the Nilgiri Hills and offers to Karnataka. This is the Kali river with plunges 250 ft. looking absolutely stunning throwing up a spray of misty clouds. The season to visit this falls would be winter though monsoons provide the full force of water, it is better to avoid due to land slides. Watch out of leeches. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station:Yellapur, Uttara Kannada
Nearest Airport: Goa Dabolim Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 515kms, Yellapur – 15km, Kumta – 60km, Dabolim (Goa) – 220km
Nisargadhama Falls
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island formed by the River Cauvery. This is situated 25kms from Madikeri, 2kms from Kushalnagar, in the Western Ghats. Nisargadhama is an island in Cauvery and to reach this island you have to cross a hanging bridge. The forest boasts of foliage, teak and rosewood, bamboo grooves. One may visit the mini zoo, the deer park and elephants and spend the nights in tree houses facilitates with resturant. The place is ideal for picnics and boat rides. Tibetian settlements in Kushalnagar and Bylakuppe are seen with monastery between well developed lawns and small ponds are enchanting. Periodic chants and sound of bells add to the serenity of the place. The place is suited with its appropriate name. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kushalnagar
Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 270 kms, for Kushalnagar 2 kms, from Madikeri 25 kms.
Hebbe FallsAmong the exotic hill stations at Kemmangundi are the beautiful Hebbe Waterfalls in Karnataka that cascade down from great heights. It is in Chikamagalur district in West Karnataka, 8 hour drive from Bangalore. Kemmangundi hill station is said to be the summer retreat for the erstwhile Wodeyar ruler, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It has beautifully laid gardens, magnificent mountain ranges and splendid valleys, and is an excellent visual treat for the tourists. One can take 8k ms trek to reach the Hebbe falls. This falls is created by the waters from the mountains. It plunges cascades down from 250 feet to Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, in 2 stages. The nearest town is Tarikere which is about 35kms from Kemmangundi. Other places of interest would be the Kalhatta giri falls. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Tarikere station
Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 300 kms.
Iruppu Falls The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road. Originating from the Brahmagiri Range, the river Lakshmana Theertha plungess down from a height of 170 ft. forming the Iruppu Water falls. It creates a ceaseless thunder amidst the silence of the thick wood in two stages. It is located 50kms from the NagarahoLe National Park and about 50kms from Madikeri, South Karnataka about 300kms for Bangalore. The other places of interest nearby are Brahmagiri peak, a place called pakshi-pataLa (Brahmagiri Wild life Santuary) This waterfall is also known as LakshmaNa teertha falls. En route to the Iruppu Falls in Karnataka you will come across the Rameshwara Temple, serene among the vibrant nature. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during Shivaratri. Nearest town for all amenities will be Srimangala. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Srimangala
Nearest Airport: BIA
By Road: From Bangalore 260 kms, Mysore 120 kms, Virajpet 48 kms
Kalhatta Giri Falls About 10kms from Kemmangundi, Kalhatti Falls is mesmerizing offering an excellent view of the cascading water from the Chandra Drona Hill from 45m above in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is in Chikamagalur district in West Karnataka, 8 hour drive from Bangalore. Kemmangundi hill station is said to be the summer retreat for the erstwhile Wodeyar ruler, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It has beautifully laid gardens, magnificent mountain ranges and splendid valleys, and is an excellent visual treat for the tourists. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Tarikere
Nearest Airport: BIA
By Road: From Bangalore 245 kms, Mangalore 150 kms, Tarikere 35 kms, Kemmangundi 10kms
Magod Falls About 80kms from Karwar is the Magod falls River Bedti gushes down in two leaps offering a beautiful view and the wooded area offers an ideal picnic spot. The beautiful falls amidst dense growth of evergreen forests plummets down into a rocky ravine from a height of 650 ft. Magod Falls Karnataka can be reached by road comfortably in sturdy vehicles, keeping in mind the mountainous terrains required to traverse. It is about 19 km from Yellapur and 60 km from Kumta. On the way to this waterfall you will find nice lake called "Kavade Kere" of about 60acres area.Trip to Magod Falls in Yellapur taluq in North Kanara district in North West Karnataka will also be an opportune moment to visit the nearby sites like Jenukallugudda (honey rock hillock) where you can watch the mesmerizing sunset and Kavadikere (8km from Yellapur), a beautiful large lake. How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Yellapur
Nearest Airport: Goa Dabolim Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 520kms, Karwar 100kms, Goa 205kms, yellapur 19kms.
Sathodi Falls Sathodi Falls in Karnataka is about 32 kms form Yellapur. Close to Sirsi in Uttar Kananda there are many streams that join together in the Kallaramane Ghat and cascade into a 15m picturesque Sathodi falls. It further joins the backwaters of Kodasalli dam that is built over the Kali River. This is popularly called as the Mini Niagara forms a part of the Ganeshgudi forest range. other places of interest are Magod, Ganesh Gudi, Yellapur. This falls is about 500kms from Bangalore. Early winter and late monsoon season will be the best time to visit this place. How to reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Yellapur
Nearest Airport:Goa Dabolim Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 535 kms, Kumta 72kms, Goa 225kms, yellapur 32kms.
Unchalli Falls The picturesque Unchalli Falls close by Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) Falls was discovered by J.D. Lushington in 1845, a district collector of the British Government. Aghanashini river creates this water cascade which screams down from a height of about 450 feet. It is near Yellapur (19 km. away) in Uttara Kannada also called `Mini Niagara', Keppa Falls is another name for its unique sound. Cascading from a height of 170 feet, it is famous for its spread and shape. This falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom. Trekking 5 km from the Heggarne village along the dense forests can be an exciting experience. The steep mountain slopes and tracks, deep gorges, chilly breeze and the amazing flora and the rare avian species accompany you until you reach the roaring Unchali Falls plummeting down. How to reach: Siddapura Taluk in North Kanara by road
Nearest Railway Station: Sirsi town.
Nearest Airport:Goa Dabolim Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 400 kms, Sirsi 25kms.
Chunchanakatte Falls Chunchanakatte Falls is part of the river Kaveri, Krishnaraja Nagar taluk of Mysore district. It is famous for the Kodanda Rama temple on the banks. It is believed that Goddess Sita took a bath in this holy waters at Dhanuskoti thus rendering a tumeric tinge to the water. There will be Brahma Rathotsava (car festival) during January 15th of every year.A holy dip in the river could be considered but one must take caution of the high current during monsoons. A big cattle festival will be held during August. . Besides the picturesque falls this place boasts of greenery and migratory birds. There is an Hydral power station nearby. The power plant was started during 1994 and completed (two units) during 1998. The power station has got a capacity of 18MW (9 MW each). Kappadi kshetram, another holy place located nearby. Nearer to K.R.Nagar there is Arkeswara swamy temple located at the outskirt which is worth visiting. This temple is also located on the banks of river Kaveri. Best time to visit this falls is during January-February. How to reach: Only road transport possible. Private and Government transport available to Chunchanakatte from K.R.Nagar.
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore
Nearest Airport:Mysore Airport, Bangalore International Airport
By Road: From, Bangalore 140kms,Mysore 54kms, K.R.Nagar 14kms
Shiv Gange Falls Shiv Gange Waterfall is situated on the border of threee taluks of North Kanaradistrict(Sirsi, Yellapur, Ankola). The water falls plunges from about 200ft, providing a picturesque view and pleasand trek. In the middle of the river is Ganesha temple, on the upstream. On can take the deviation before walking down the valley to view the fall. Forest Department has set up observation point from there one can get a good view of the waterfall. One needs to carry their own rations and tea shops are available en route. It is dangerous to try to get into the water.Other places of interest nearby would be Jog, Unchalli, Honnemaradu Best Time during and after monsoon, Early Winter How to reach: At about 40kms away from Sirsi Nearest Railway Station: Sirsi town. Nearest Airport:Mysore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 400 kms, Sirsi 40kms, Vaanali 12+kms.
Burude Falls Burude means the skull in Kannada (language of Karnataka people) This waterfalls is around 20+kms for Siddaput and 55kms from Sirsi on siddapur-Kumta road. One needs to trek through a small creek to reach the falls in summer. In winter and monsoon it becomes almost impossible to access the valley and falls.Hundreds of people watch the spectacular view of waterfalls from an stage setting. The mist adds to the scene. The other side of the waterfalls will need some serious climbing. The last stretch of the water fall may be heard. This requires 2 day stay. Best time to visit is winter and early summer. How to reach: On the way to Kumta from Siddapur after Kyadagi (1+kms) you will get down at iLimane cross and take a walk for 5+kms to reach the waterfall. Nearest Railway Station: Siddapur town. Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 450 kms, Siddapur 20kms, Sirsi 45kms.
Benne Hole Falls This glorious water falls is formed from the tributary of river “Aghanashini”, which flows in the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats. The height of the falls is about 200ft. Benne Hole means big stream in Kannada. About 21kms from Sirsi to Kumta is place called Kasage, which is 6kms from the waterfalls. One needs to take the path towards Hosur. The falls is 2kms walk from this route. How to reach:From Kasage en route Kumte from Sirsi. 5kms before Ragi Hosalli Nearest Railway Station: Sirsi town. Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 440 kms, Sirsi 26kms
Chunchi Falls For those who want a short break from their hectic schedule, Chunchi falls will be ideal one day outing. The waterfalls from the river Arkavati, about 90kms from Bangalore city. It is en route to Mekedatu and Sangama. Sangama is a place where 3 rivers join. Bus service is available to all the places. Walking along the river is pleasant experience. Mekedatu is a rocky valley where the river flows surrounded by forest. You may find lot of people visiting this falls on holidays and weekends due to its proximity to the city. How to reach:From Kanakapura to en route to Sangama you have to take a left turn to the Yeleguri village to go to this waterfall. The waterfall is about 6km away from the deviation. Nearest Town: Kanakapura Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 90 kms
Sirimane Falls This enchanting falls as its name suggests is nature bounty. It is 5ks distance from the place Kigga near Sringeri, Western Ghats. Best season for visiting would be just after the rainy season.Because of its easy accessability for one day goers, it is crowded most of the time.One can club their visit to the other locations like Narasimha Parvata, Aagumbe, Sringeri temple, Uluve bird Sanctuary. Best season for visiting would be just after the rainy season. How to reach: Sirimane falls is 5kms from Kigga in Chikmagalur district Nearest Railway: Sringeri Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 300 kms, Kigga Chikmagalur 5kms, Sringeri 22kms
Bandaaje Arbi This waterfalls(Arbi in Kannada) is near Dharmasthala in South Kanara, Western Ghats. Few kms from Mundaaje, Arbi plunges at height of 200ft. One can view the Ballalarayana Durga from the path atop the waterfalls. The falls can be reached from Sunkasaale and the Ballalarayana Durga. How to reach: By road, 25+Kms from Dharmasthala in South Kanara district. Nearest Railway: Dharmastala Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 350 kms
Waate Halla / Hole Falls This falls is created by the tributary of Aghanashini River. It is situated 30 kms from Sirsi town, Western Ghats. The waterfalls plunges from about 100ft. Waate meaning river side bamboo, which is found here in abundance. Halla meaning pit. Hole meaning pond. This place is close to Unchalli fall, Benne hole falle, Yana. How to reach: Bus ride from Sirsi which goes to HaggaraNi, get off at Nilakunda. 3kms walk to the valley, where one has to climb down to reach the Waate HaLLa falls
Nearest Railway: Sirsi Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 430 kms
Vibhooti Falls Vibhooti is a small waterfalls near Yana, about 50kms from Sirsi North Kanara, Western Ghats. The falls gets its name from the Lime Stone rock nearby. After we pass the Vaddi Ghats we need to take a deviation at a place called Mabagi which is about 3kms from the falls.Other places of interest would be Yana, Unchalli, Benne hole falls. How to Reach: By road from Sirsi which goes to Mattighatta,Devanalli via Hegadekatta.You will not get a bus which takes you near the waterfall you will have to walk the Vaddi Ghat after you get down at Vaddi cross or Yana Nearest Railway: Sirsi Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 400 kms
Alekan Waterfalls Alekan or alekhan falls is one the way to Kottigehara from CharmaDi. Its just next to the road before 4kms from Kottigehara. This water just next to a small bus stop by name 'alekhan horatti'. Since being both very easily accessible and immensly beautiful it attracts people. Other places are Bale Kallu Gudda. How to Reach: Alekan falls is around 18+kms from charmaDi ghats in Chikamagalur Hegadekatta.A walk to the Vaddi Ghat after you get down at Vaddi cross or Yana Nearest Railway: Chickmangalur Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 350 kms
Dondole Falls DonDole waterfalls is a nice water falls which is around 20+kms from a place called Kakkinje which is just 3kms before CharmaDi from Ujire, in the Chickamagalur District. After leaving the Kakkinje one gets a breathtaking view of the BanDaje Arbi and the Ballala rayana durga.One can enjoy the forest and also may see a bison, or two, also wonderful birds, butterflies.Other place of interest are Bale kalu gudda. After destroying Western Ghats for roads, mines and huge power plants, Government has come up with a new idea to continue the destruction of the forests, the mini hydro electricity projects. Soon, other falls like Bandaje, Koosalli, Irpu and Kudlu Theertha will follow the suit. How to Reach: Dondole falls is around 20+kms from Kakkinje near charnadi in South Kanara district . From Dharmasthala to charmaDi (18kms) can be the starting point to visit the place around. Nearest Railway: Ujre Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 350 kms
Muthyala Madu/Pearl Valley This lovely picnic spot is an hours drive from Bangalore about 40kms. Its in the periphery of Banneraghatta National Park.Head out on Banneraghatta road, continue beyond Banneraghatta National Park and reach Anekal. The Muthyalamaduvu Falls or the Pearl Valley Falls is a gushing stream cascading down from a height of 92 m. The drops of water strewn across the rock surface on impact lend the appearance of scattered pearls. Hence the name. The fall, its sereneambience and the lush green valley is a huge draw for visitors. Overlooking these falls is a small shrine dedicated to Shiva, adding a religious touch to the place. How to Reach: From Bangalore head out on Bannerghatta Road, continue from National Part to reach Anekal Nearest Railway: Bangalore Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport
By Road: From Bangalore 40 kms
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