The state of Karnataka is blessed with a number of exceedingly beautiful waterfalls. Laced with enrapturing beauty, these waterfalls are a source of attraction to a large number of tourists. It is a thrilling experience to watch the beguiling beauty presented by these gurgling waterfalls. As water falls cascades from a height and touches ground, a thrilling scene is created and is delightful to be watched by onlookers. Most of the falls paint picturesque images and catch the fancy of the beholders. Waterfalls of Karnataka are lovely spots for picnicking and spending leisure time with near and dear ones.
Located near Madikeri, Abbey waterfall is a nice tourist spots. As its water bursts out rapidly, it appears to be in a hurry to touch the ground underneath, a splendid site is created. The growl of the water along with scenic beauty presented by cardamom plantations is worth-watching.
The most famous among the waterfalls of Karnataka is Jog Falls. Initiating from Sharavati River, the fall is notable for a height (292 m) from which water drops down. Considered amongst the highest falls of India, Jog is a source of water to Mahatma Gandhi Electricity Station. The nearby attractions like Mupane and Honnemaradu are nice for those tourists who look forward to thrill and Adventure.
To the southern portion of Kodagu, another lovely waterfall is present, called Iruppu. Here, water makes a plunge into a cataract. A sacred place that shares its name with the fall is present in the vicinity. The water is believed to have magical powers to ward away all sins. A temple dedicated to Lord Rama is also present here. Bhagamandala is another holy spot that is present 39 kilometers away from the falls.
Distinctive for resembling a horse shoe, Gokak waterfall is derived from a river named Ghataprabha. Water gushes down here from an altitude of 170 feet above ground. The cliff from which water flushes down is built in the form of a horse shoe. The striking similarity of the falls to Niagara Falls of Canada lies in its speed, volume of water, and deep blue color.
Hebbe waterfalls are amongst those waterfalls of Karnataka that are known for their enchanting surroundings and pleasurable sites. A sacred Jatra done by the Pilgrims who arrive at a temple nearby is the main attraction of the place.
In a nutshell, we can say that Karnataka’s waterfalls are nice spots for unwinding and spending some time amidst captivating sceneries.
Abbey Waterfalls
- Situated: 8Kms away from Madikeri, (Karnataka), India
- Close By Pull Over: Cardamom and Coffee Plantations
- Languages Spoken: Hindi, English and Kannada
Situated at a distance of 8 kms away from Madikeri, this falls gushes down in a ladder to pour as a diminutive river. A huge lure for filmdom and tourists similar to the Abbey waterfalls gives the impression of being splendid with waters flowing down from dazzling heights. Even in the summer season, there is ample amount of fresh and splashing water in this falls.
The growl of the waterfalls can be heard from the foremost road, commencing where a trail goes from side to side the lovely cardamom and coffee plantations right to the falls. The tweeting of countless birds, that are unproblematic to heed than to notice, fill the atmosphere with charming music. Do not forget to carry your camera and binoculars when you visit this place.
Hebbe Waterfalls
- Situated: Close to Kemmanagundi, Karnataka, India
- Height: 168 meters
- Attraction: Colorful Jatra held for 3 days
Eight Kilometers from the Kemmanagundi is Hebbe waterfalls, water gushes down from an elevation of 168 meters.
Situated 10 kms away from Kemmanagundi, the water cascades from an elevation of 122 metres. These falls are bordered with enchanting scenic delights.
You can visit a nearby temple which is built in a gap between two rocks. Jatra is commenced here for 3 days annually and draws many Pilgrims from far off places.
Gaganachukki Falls
- Located at: Mysore
- Well known for: Waterfall
- Other Things to Enjoy: Trekking
About 65 kilometers away from Mysore, there lies a small isle town known as Shivanasamudra in the district of Mandya. At this place, is the presence of River Kaveri that meanders an amazing waterfall into the cascading Shivanasamudra Falls. This cascading waterfall runs through the lush green forest of Karnataka through the Deccan Plateau that plunges around 320 ft. into canyon into the wave, breaking down into the cloud of misty froth.
River Kaveri converges with River Harangi, Lakshmana Thirtha, Hemavati and Kapila in the Western Ghats in Kodagu district at Talacauvery resulting into a number of huge waterfalls.
River Kaveri forms many of the isle on the way of its journey from the region of Talacauvery to the Bay of Bengal. One of such island is known as Shivanasamudra or the Bluff. This Shivanasamudra is also known as Bluff or the Simsha. The amazing past of this waterfall is that it has its falls on two points and this makes it flow in a vigorous manner which is known as Gagana Chukki which lies in the western part and the other side i.e. eastern part is known as Bhara or Bara Chuki.
During the month of the July and August these waterfalls flows enormously specially during the Monsoon Season. During the period when River Kabini floods while having its journey via River Kaveri floods resulting in the most amazing waterfall that has a height of thousand feet. There is also a hydro electric power station located in this region and in entire Asia which is still functional. The water fall is commissioned by the Diwan belonging to Mysore, Sir K Seshadri Iyer. The town which received electricity first that is generated from Kolar Gold Fields is Kolar. In this way, Kolar is considered to be the first town in entire Asia to receive the electricity generated from the Hydroelectric station.
Best Period to Visit: From the month of June to the month of September.
The waterfall looks gorgeous in this season. The climate of this region is quite moderate throughout the year.
Places to Visit Nearby: Talakad, Srirangapatna, Somnathpur.
Can also visit:
- Few other waterfalls in Karnataka
- Trekking in Karnataka
Iruppu Waterfalls
- Situated: Southern part of Kodagu, (Karnataka) India
- Major Pull Over: Iruppu, sanctified Spot
- Close by River: Laxman Tirtha
The enchanting Iruppu Waterfalls is situated in the route to Kutta commencing Gonikoppal and is situated at a detachment of (75km).
This fall is created by the vertical plunge into a huge cataract. Lakshmana tirtha River flows closeby. You will find a sanctified spot known as Iruppu in the Southern region of Kodagu located on the Brahmagiri Ranges.
It is said that this place possesses the power to absorb all the sins and therefore is visited by many pilgrims on the eve of Maha Shivratri.
There is a holy place devoted to Lord Ram, which is bordered by paddy fields. Iruppu waterfalls is just a climb away from this temple and the trail through which it passes is just mesmerizing.
Legend
According to the legend, it is believed that, the warrior gods Lakshmana and Ram had passed through this trail whilst searching for Lord Ram’s wife; Goddess Sita. Lord Rama had asked his younger brother, Lord Lakhsmana to fetch some water for Himself. Lakshmana Tirtha River came into being, as lord Laxman had shot a dart into Brahmagiri Hill, and water started pouring in.
Bhagamandala
Thirty-Nine kms away is located at the convergence of Kanika River, Sujyoti River and Kaveri River. Do visit the shrine, which is placed just adjacent to this confluence. The best part of this temple is that you will find the replica of all Hindu Gods.
Gokak Waterfalls
- Situated: 80kms away from (Belgaum), Karnataka, India
- Elevation: 170 Feet
- Distinctive Feature: Shape of a Horse Shoe
- Apt Time to Come Here: (July-September) is the apt time to get pleasure from the glory and fury of Gokak Falls.
The creator of this magnificent waterfall is River Ghataprabha, which takes a leap of 170 ft all over a cliff of sandstone. The cliff is located in the Gokak Valley and is horseshoe shaped. The picturesque gorge and rugged valley has inspired many poets.
The tedious roar of Gokak waterfalls can be heard from a long distance. The common features such as rapidity, shape and height, of Gokak waterfalls are very alike to the Niagara Falls apart from its color and width of the extravagant falls.
The waterfall with a (horseshoe shape) at the apex has a base breadth of (177 meters). Electricity was 1st produced here and also in India in (1887 AD). The spawning location can be reached by the exciting ropeway.
Viewing The Surge
Take the eccentric stumpy level overpass from the (Dhupadal village) and observe the great River Ghataprabha that storms its way placidly before plunging over a cliff of sandstone (52 meters).
You can travel around the antique monuments of Chalukyan having captions that date back to the sixth century on the bank of rocky valley.
Jog Waterfalls
- Situated: 380kms away from Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Height: 292metres
- Starting Point: Sharavati River
Jog Waterfall is located at a distance of sixty kms from the place, Honnavar, a settlement of Kargal is popular for its splendid waterfalls.
River Sharavati flows over a rocky mountain and takes a spectacular leap from an elevation of (292 meters) and divides it into four smaller ones called as Rani, Roarer, Raja and Rocket.
Jog Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls of India. The fall from a certain height is a delight to the eyes. One of the prestigious electricity project the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electricity Station was started here in the year 1948.
Close By Attraction
Honnemaradu
If you are an Adventure and nature lover then this is the best place for you. You can explore many of the conservation, adventure related stuff here, and this place is an ideal nature studies centre.
Mupane
Mupane is situated at a distance of 11kms away from Jog. This is an apt place for Nature camps and wildlife.
Best Time
Apt time to come here is after the Monsoon months as during that time nature is in its peak and the magic is just pleasant.
Kunchikal Falls
- Address: Nidagodu village, near Masthikatte, Shimoga district, Karnataka
- Height: 183 meters (600 feet)
- Time required: 1-2 hours
An ideal and exciting picnic spot, the Kunchikal Falls located outside Agumbe village is formed due to the Varahi River cascading down the mountains. Lush green hillsides, thick with vegetation and the white frothy waters of the falls – a mesmerizing picture for all who visit this place.
Shivanasamudra Falls
- Address: Mandya, Karnataka
- Watercourse: Kaveri River
- Height: 90 metres (300 ft)
- Time required: 1-2 hours
Shivasamudra, located in the Mandya District of Karnataka, is a small town of situated on the scenic banks of the river Kaveri. The region forms the boundary of the Chamarajanagar District and is the site of the first Hydro-electric power generating stations of its kinds in Asia. It was established in the year 1902 and is an interesting sightseeing destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Shivanasamudra Falls are formed by the waters of the Kaveri River and can be seen after the river winds its way along the ravines and rocks the Deccan Plateau and then drops off to form a series of beautiful waterfalls. Shivanasamudra, the island town, divides this river into twin waterfalls and creates one of the largest islands along its course. While here, you may like to explore the areas temples that lie scattered all around.
Chunchi Falls, Kanakapura, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Address: Kanakapura 562119 Bangalore , Karnataka
- Height: 80 ft
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Tourists visit this mesmerizing location to experience the many bounties of its cascading waterfalls. Chunchi Falls is located 90 kms away from Bangaluru, Karnataka and lies nestled in the midst of dry deciduous forests, amazing rocks formations and the scenic banks of River Arkavati. This lovely picnic spot is best visited for its panoramic views of lush environs, rolling hills and trekking trails –which are rocky and slippery in parts. Be careful!
Gokak Falls
- Address: Belgaum, Karnataka, 591308
- Average width: 177 metres
- Height: 52 metres
- Watercourse: Ghataprabha River
- Time required: 1-2 hours
The Gokak Falls are made by Ghataprabha River that takes a 170-ft leap here over a sandstone high cliff. The cliff is in a picturesque chasm of the Gokak valley and is in the form of a horseshoe. The tough valley and the picturesque chasm influence poetry. The boring holler of the falls can be heard from a range. The general features such as the elevation; rapidity and the shape of the drops are very just like that of the Niagara Falls except width and color of the falls.
Kalhatti Falls
- Address: Manchethevaru, Karnataka 577129
- Height: 122 meters
- Watercourse: River Sharavathi
- Time required: 1-2 hours
Located 10 kms from Kemmanagundi, also known as Kalahasti falls, the water cascades down from an elevation of 122 meters. Around are fascinating beautiful thrills. There is likewise a regional temple here built in a space between rocks. A ‘jatra’ is held here for three days annually and brings in pilgrims from far and near.
