Sural Falls is one of the most amazing natural sights in Karnataka. The beautiful waterfall is located at a distance of 32 km from Khanapur in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. Nestled amongst the greenery of the Western Ghats the picturesque waterfall is also known as ‘Venezuela of Karnataka.’ The waterfall is about 300 feet deep and presents an impressive sight all year round.
Sural Falls is also one of the most famous trekking routes of Karnataka. The pristine beauty of the waterfall and the splendid forest cover makes it an ideal trekking destination.
Trekking at Sural Falls
Sural Falls attracts visitors throughout the year for its splendid beauty. However, it holds special attraction for the trekkers and nature lovers. It is one of the most famous treks of the Kankumbi forest region. The trek begins at Kalsa in Karnataka. It runs through the rocky bed of Kalsa stream and crosses the majestic Kalsa waterfall before reaching the Sural Falls. The trek culminates on reaching the Sural Valley after crossing the picturesque waterfall.
One of the most interesting point of the trek is the place from where one can have a bird’s view of the Sural Waterfalls and a breathtaking view of the valley that spreads below it. The last part of the trek is not marked by a clear path and the adventurous lot find it an interesting and challenging task to navigate through the dense forest to reach the waterfall. For those who are not very adventurous, there are guides available to help navigate the route.
The trek also offers a scope to witness the rich flora and fauna of the forest. A visit to the waterfall through the dense forest presents a possibility to sight various wild animals that inhabit the region. However, the trek becomes a bit risky during the heavy monsoon season as the place becomes infested with leeches.
Best time to visit the Sural Falls
Though the waterfall can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit it is during the moderate monsoon. The deep waterfall becomes a lovely sight during the rainy season.
How to reach the Sural Falls
The easiest way to reach Sural Falls is to reach Belgaum. Belgaum is easily accessible by several means of transport. The place can be reached by road, air and rail transport from various parts of the country.
By Road
Belgaum has a very well connected road network. Four national highways pass through Belgaum and connect it to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Buses run by the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) connect Belgaum to other corners of the state. There are a few private buses that carry passengers to Belgaum from other cities and towns of Karnataka.
By Air
The Belgaum Airport has been serving the city for many decades now. There are flights connecting Belgaum to Bangalore.
By Train
Belgaum has one of the oldest railway stations in the region. The rail network connects Belgaum to several other places within and outside Karnataka. There are trains that connect Belgaum to Mysore, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and several other places.
Cabs and cars are available on rent from Belgaum to reach the waterfall. The road journey takes around 2 and a half hour to reach the waterfall from Belgaum.
Also See:
- Other Water falls in Karnataka
- Dams in Karnataka
- Rivers in Karnataka
- Trekking in Karnataka
- About Belgaum