15 Amazing Waterfalls in Karnataka
River Kaveri near Chunchanakatte village in Mysore (Karnataka) is the source of Chunchanakatte falls. The river falls from a height of about 20 meters in the Western Ghats, and then it rejoins the main course of the Maha Kaveri. According to Hindu mythology, Chunchanakatte is the resting place of Lord Rama during his canvass. This is also the place where the tribal couple Chincha (Chunchi) takes care of him.
Highlights:
Height: 20 m.
Best time to visit: January-February
River: Cauvery.
Distance from Mysore: 55 km
How to reach: It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Mysore via the Mysore-Hassan highway.
Other attractions: Ancient Sri Rama Mandir.
8. Godchinamalaki Falls:
Godchinamalaki Falls is located in Belgaum district of Karnataka. It is located in a dense, deep green valley. The first part of the fall, the Markandeyriver, is about 25 meters long and flows through a rugged valley. After that there is a second drop at a height of 20 meters.
Highlights:
Height: 25 m.
Best time to visit: July-October
River: Markandeya.
Distance: 15 km from Gokak
How to reach: A taxi can be hired from Belgaum for the 40 km drive.
Additional attractions: There are two dams within a radius of 6 km.
9. Gokak Falls:
Another waterfall is located in Karnataka, a Belgian district in India. It is a miniature version of Niagara Falls, where the Ghataprabha River, after a winding and long flow, plunges 171 feet over a sandstone cliff. It offers a magnificent view of the valley as it flows over the gorge. The waterfall forms a horseshoe shape at its edge.
Highlights:
Height: 171 m.
Best time to visit: July-October
River: Ghataprabha.
Distance: 65 km from Belgaum
How to reach: Ghataprabha is the nearest railway station. From Belgaum, you can also reach by KSRTC bus.
Other attractions: Ancient Chalukyan monuments on the banks of the river.
10. Kalhatti Falls:
Kalhatti Falls, also known as Kalahasti Falls, is located in the Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka. It slides down from the Chandra Drona hills and falls to a height of 400 feet. It is located near the Veerabhadreshwara Temple of Lord Shiva. The waterfalls carved by the temple's elephant are believed to cure many ailments.
Highlights:
Height: 122 m.
Best time to visit: July-November
River: Cauvery.
Distance: 10 km from Kemmanagudi Hill Station
How to get there: Tarikere Town is the nearest railway station. Mangalore is the nearest airport.
Other attractions: Wildlife and trekking.
11. Hogenakkal Falls:
Hogenakkal Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. It is found in Kaveri district of Dharmapuri. It is named Hogenakkala because of the appearance of "Smoky Rocks". Because of its similarity to Niagara Falls, this fall is often compared to it. Drinking water from this waterfall is also useful for treating many diseases.
Highlights:
Height: 839 feet.
Best time to visit: July-November
River: Cauvery.
Distance: 47 km from Dharmapuri Railway Station
How to reach: Bangalore Airport is 150 km away.
Other attractions: Boating.
12. Sirsi Falls:
Sirsi Falls (also known as Unchalli Falls) is 54 km from Jog Falls. This waterfall is found near Hegganur and is a popular tourist destination. The fall is also known as Lushington Falls after the collector who founded it. The falls can be reached by a 30-minute trek from the entrance.
Highlights:
Height: 380 feet.
Best time to visit: September to February
River: Aghanashini.
Distance: 2 hours from Sirsi.
How to reach: Hire a private jeep from Sirsi.
Other attractions: Scenic spots and trek.
13. Shivanasamudra Falls:
Sivanasandura is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. It is located in Mandya, Karnataka. This waterfall is located near Bangalore. Dividing the Sivanasamudra island into two sections, there are two waterfalls: Gaganachukki (and Baharachukki). These falls are collectively known as Shivanasamudra Falls.
Highlights:
Height: 320 feet.
Best time to visit: October-December
River: Cauvery.
Distance: 81 km from Mysore
How to reach: One can hire a car or taxi from the base station in Mysore.
Other attractions: Small pool under barachukki comes to play and enjoy the water
14. Apsara Konda Waterfall:
Apsarakonda can be found in the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka. It is located near Honnavur, a small village. This tourist attraction is slowly gaining popularity. Apsarakonda is a pond of angels. This pond is believed to be the favorite bathing place of many divine entities. The highlight of this waterfall is the Cave of the Pandavas behind the cascade.
Highlights:
Height: 10 m.
Best time to visit: June-October
River: Arabian Sea.
Distance: 140 km from Hubli
How to reach: Hire a taxi from Hubli Airport, Murudeshwar or both.
Additional attractions: Aparakonda Beach and Pandava Caves and Temples.
15. Jhari Falls or Buttermilk Falls:
Jhari Falls, also known as Buttermilk Falls, is located 23 km from Chikkamagaluru. It is located in the midst of dense forests and coffee plantations, making it one of the most popular tourist spots in Chikkamagaluru. Tourists can also enjoy safe water play at the small pool below the falls.
Highlights:
Height: 100 m.
Best time to visit: August-January
River: Bhadra.
Distance: 23 km from Chikkamagalur
How to reach there: Taxi can be hired from Chikmagalur. You need a jeep to reach the falls as normal cars cannot handle the muddy roads.
Additional attractions: Coffee plantations
Tips and Safety Precautions:
These waterfalls are mesmerizing and very inviting. These waterfalls are located in beautiful places that will make you feel like you are on vacation. These tips will help you have a memorable trip to the waterfalls.
Before you dive into the water, make sure you read all the safety instructions.
Some waterfalls like Jog and Hogenakkal are too dangerous to visit. Avoid trying!
These falls should be avoided if the current is too strong. Avoid getting too close to the stream if you must visit.
Keep an eye out for leeches. Salt is a good choice to keep away these sucking insects.
To avoid starving in these places, always have enough food and water.
Learn about rocks floating in the middle of a stream. If they slip, they can prove fatal.
These waterfalls are not for the faint of heart. These falls can threaten your life.
Questions and answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Is it safe to visit waterfalls during monsoons?
The best time to visit the falls is during monsoon. It can also be very dangerous. Flowing water is difficult to predict and drowning is common during this time. You can still enjoy nature at its best if you take safety precautions.
2. Are there food and other facilities in these areas?
Many of these watersheds are located in remote areas or agency areas, making access to basic services difficult. Lacking water or food, many visitors are hungry and tired. It is advisable to bring your own water and food along with spare clothes and towels. It is possible to find tea and omelettes, which can be a boon.
3. Is it safe to bathe in these waterfalls?
There are safety boards warning of the dangers of falling into these falls. You should only take the plunge if you are sure the water is shallow and has solid base. If the depth of the water is uncertain, do not go in.
4. Which is the biggest waterfall in Karnataka?
Jog Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Karnataka. These falls are often called the "Niagara of India" due to their height of 252 meters. You can see the full Jog falls during monsoons when the water is at its highest.
5. Which is the most famous waterfall in Karnataka?
Kalhatti and Hogenakkal waterfalls are the most famous tourist destinations after Jog falls. They are crowded with tourists throughout the year and very crowded during the peak season.
We hope you find the descriptions of famous waterfalls in Karnataka helpful. Waterfalls are always attractive, especially when they are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Tourists love Karnataka waterfalls. These waterfalls offer an experience to all the senses and people are willing to take risks to see them. The roar of the waterfalls cascading down the hill can transport you to another world. Remember to see these amazing waterfalls next time you visit Karnataka.
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