To chill by a waterfall is always relaxing and refreshing. The many waterfalls around Bangalore delight the tourists with their cascading beauty. Here are some of the breathtaking waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 kms, which makes way for an exciting one-day trip.
1. Muthyala Maduvu Falls
Muthyala Maduvu falls, one of the waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 kms near Anekal is located 40 km from Bangalore. It is a small waterfall, which cascades from a height of 90 meters amidst the surrounding greenery. The water flows on the rocks and falls off in droplets, which renders an appearance like shiny pearls. Hence it gets its alternate name – Pearl Valley.
Tourists need to climb around 150 steps to reach the waterfall. The place is popular for birding owing to the waterfall. It also invites trekkers to trek amidst dense forests along the rocky terrains. There is a small, shallow lake by the side of the waterfall where tourists can swim about. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the waterfall.
Best time to visit Muthyala Maduvu Falls
The monsoon season between August to November, when there is a good flow of water down the fall, is the best time to visit Muthyala Maduvu waterfall.
How to reach Muthyala Maduvu Falls
From the Anekal – Thally road, tourists can turn right to reach Muthyala Maduvu falls.
Places to visit near Muthyala Maduvu Falls
- Bannerghatta Biological Park (25 km)
- Thattekere lake (19 km)
2. Kethanahalli falls
Kethanahalli falls is a beautiful, seasonal waterfall about 70 km from Bangalore. Also known as the Vivekananda falls, it is situated 14 km from Chikkaballapur. It is a two-tiered waterfall, which cascades from a height of 90 feet with a tremendous roar. The waterfall is in its full form during the monsoon season and is a beautiful sight. The hike to the falls is breathtaking, and one will have to walk about an hour or two to reach the waterfall.
Tourists can come upon various streams as they trek to the waterfall. This is one of the waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 km, which is an ideal spot to trek, picnic and explore nature. Tourists can also take a bath in the refreshing waters of the waterfall.
Best time to visit Kethanahalli Falls
Since Kethanahalli fall is a seasonal waterfall, the monsoon season is the best time to visit the falls.
How to reach Kethanahalli Falls
Chikkaballapur is well connected to the major cities of Karnataka. To reach Kethanahalli waterfall from Chikkaballapur, tourists will have to rely on the guidance of the locals.
Places to visit near Kethanahalli Falls
- The Papagni Mutt (16 km)
- Dandiganahalli Dam (29 km)
- Minakanagurki Park (20 km) is the other tourist spot near Kethanahalli falls.
3. Chunchi Falls
Chunchi falls is a scenic waterfall situated around 91 km from Bangalore in the Kanakapura region, which makes it an ideal one-day trip from the Garden city. The waterfall which has its origin in the Arkavati River is set amidst rocky terrain dotted by green trees. One can soak in peace with the beautiful view of the deciduous forest around the waterfall. From the vantage point on the way to the falls, one can gain a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Tourists will have to trek about 2 km downhill to reach the bottom of the Chunchi waterfall.
Since there are no eateries in the area, visitors are advised to pack food in the Kanakapura region en route to their journey. Swimming is dangerous owing to the strong currents of the water and crocodiles. Chunchi falls, one of the sought-after waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 kms is an ideal spot for trekking, photography and picnics.
Best time to visit Chunchi Falls
The best time to visit Chunchi falls is soon after the monsoon season, between October and February when there is a good body of water in the falls.
How to reach Chunchi Falls
From Bangalore, tourists can reach Chunchi Falls via Kanakapura and then journey on the road to Sangama/Mekedatu. However, there are only a few buses from Mekedatu, and hence it is advisable to journey in private vehicles to reach Chunchi falls, which takes about 2.5 hours to reach from Bangalore.
Places to visit near Chunchi Falls
- Sangama (13 km)
- Mekedatu Falls(14 km)
- Galibore Fishing Camp (21 km)
- Bheemeshwari (48 km) are other tourist spots near the Chunchi falls.
Visiting hours to the Chunchi falls are from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is no entry fee, but a parking fee of INR 30.
Chunchi Falls
4. Ganalu Falls
Ganalu falls in the Mandya district of Karnataka,100 km from Bangalore, is a seasonal waterfall which comes alive in the monsoon season. The Shimsha river flows over rocky terrain against a beautiful backdrop and cascades as the Ganalu waterfall. Ganalu falls, which is close to the Shivanasamudra falls, is a secluded place yet to be discovered by tourists.
Ganalu waterfalls, with a width of approximately 177 meters (580 feet) falls from a height of 170 feet, producing a misty spray as it gushes down to crash on the ground with a booming noise. After reaching Ganalu village, it takes about 2.5 km to reach the falls. The path to the waterfall is narrow and muddy and requires a little trek to reach it.
It is good to carry food as there are no shops around. Since the place is secluded, it is good to go there during weekends and monsoon season, as it is likely to attract a crowd. It is also not advisable to stay after the evening for safety reasons. Nevertheless, it is also one of the waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 kms that attracts visitors.
Best time to visit Ganalu Falls
The best time to visit Ganalu falls is during the monsoon season, between July and October, when there is a good volume of water.
How to reach Ganalu Falls
Malavalli, Tirumakudal, Narsipur and Kollegal are the towns near Ganalu falls. From Bangalore, one journey via the Kanakapura road, taking a left deviation at Halagur.
Places to visit near Ganalu Falls
- Bheemeshwari Fishing camp (13.3 km)
- Muthathi forest (14.9 km)
- Gaganachukki falls (50.9 km)
- Barachukki Falls (55.4 km)
- B.R.Hills (98.3 km)
5. Mekedatu Falls
Along the River Kaveri, bordering Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara, is Mekedatu, from where the river flows through a deep and narrow gorge forming waterfalls. Mekedatu means Goat’s leap in Kannada. The 150 meters wide river at Sangama flows through about 10 meters wide gorge at Mekedatu as easy as for a goat to leap over it. For this fact, the waterfall is called Mekedatu (Goat’s leap). The place is about 100 km from Bangalore via Kanakapura and an ideal spot for a one day trip, perfect for picnicking, biking and trekking.
However, the flow of water is very fast, and the rocks are slippery, cautioning tourists to climb down the gorge. It is dangerous to swim, bathe and take selfies on the rocks owing to whirlpools and the sharp rocks under the water that stay invisible to tourists.
Best time to visit Mekedatu Falls
The best time to visit Mekedatu is between October to March, after the monsoons, when the water level is not threatening.
How to reach Mekedatu Falls
The drive to Mekedatu is pleasant, which takes one through the rustic villages of Karnataka. The sign boards on the path clearly direct people to Mekedatu. Tourists will first have to drive to Sangama, which is just a five-minute drive to Mekedatu and from there, take a boat ride to reach the other side of the river. Then tourists will have to take a bus that runs every half an hour till 5 PM.
People can otherwise opt to trek to Mekedatu for about 5 to 6 km after disembarking from the boat. The last bus from Mekedatu to Sangama is at 5.30 PM after which people are not allowed to stay. Alternatively, tourists can also take public transport, which is available till Sathanur (about 27 km from Mekedatu) and then from there hire a taxi to reach Sangama/Mekedatu.
Places to visit near Mekedatu Falls
- Galibore nature camp (8 km)
- Chunchi falls (14 km)
- Bheemeshwari adventure and nature camp (22 km)
- Muthathi (22 km)
- Sangameshwara temple
- Shivanasamudra falls (85 km)
Visiting hours to Mekedatu falls are between 8.30 AM and 5.30 PM on all days.