Karnataka, a state located in the southwestern part of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and mouth-watering cuisine. The state is home to various ethnic groups and languages, making it a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
The landscape of Karnataka is diverse and ranges from the coastlines of the Arabian Sea to the lush Western Ghats, which are a biodiversity hotspot. The state is also home to several rivers, including the mighty Cauvery, which is an important source of irrigation for the region.
Karnataka's culture is a blend of various traditions, including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Konkani. The state is known for its vibrant folk art and music, which includes Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, and Veeragase. Karnataka is also famous for its handicrafts, including Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood carvings, and rosewood furniture.
The people of Karnataka are friendly, hospitable, and diverse, with each region having its own unique identity. Kannadigas are the native speakers of the Kannada language, which is the official language of the state. Other languages spoken in Karnataka include Telugu, Tamil, and Konkani.
Karnataka's cuisine is a delightful mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with rice being a staple food. Some of the must-try dishes include Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Masala Dosa, Maddur Vada, and Mangalorean fish curry. The state is also known for its filter coffee and sweet dishes like Mysore Pak and Obbattu.
In this blog, we will explore the waterfalls of Karnataka, so, join us on this journey as we discover the wonders of this beautiful state.
Here is a list of some of the most popular waterfalls in Karnataka along with a brief description of each one of them:
1. Jog Falls: Jog Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Karnataka and is located in the Shimoga district. The waterfall is formed by the Sharavathi River and falls from a height of around 830 feet in four distinct cascades. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer breathtaking views.
What’s So Interesting? Jog Falls is not a perennial waterfall, meaning it does not flow throughout the year. Instead, it is a seasonal waterfall that is fed by the monsoon rains. During the monsoon season, the waterfall is at its fullest and most impressive, with water cascading down a height of 830 feet (253 meters) in four distinct falls, creating a breathtaking sight. However, during the dry season, the waterfall reduces to a mere trickle, and sometimes even dries up completely.
How To Get There: There are different ways to reach Jog Falls depending on your starting point. Here are some options:
By Air: The nearest airport to Jog Falls is the Mangalore International Airport, which is around 200 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jog Falls.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Talaguppa, which is around 16 km away from Jog Falls. There are frequent trains from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore that stop at Talaguppa.
By Road: Jog Falls is well-connected by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Shimoga, which is around 100 km away. If you are coming from Bangalore, you can take the NH 206 to reach Jog Falls.
Once you reach Jog Falls, you can take a short walk to the viewpoint to enjoy the stunning view of the falls. There are also a few restaurants and snack shops near the falls where you can enjoy local cuisine.
2. Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls is located in the Coorg district of Karnataka and is a popular tourist destination. The waterfall is formed by the Kaveri River and falls from a height of around 70 feet. The falls are surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, and the area is known for its picturesque beauty.
What’s So Interesting? Abbey Falls is surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, including coffee, pepper, cardamom, and vanilla. The fragrance of these spices combined with the sound of the waterfall creates a unique sensory experience for visitors.
How To Get There: Here are the general directions to get to Abbey Falls from the nearest city, Madikeri:
By Road: Madikeri is the nearest city to Abbey Falls, which is approximately 8 km away. From Madikeri, one can take a taxi or a private vehicle to reach the falls. The road leading to the falls is well-paved, and the drive is scenic.
By Air: The nearest airport to Madikeri is Mangalore International Airport, which is approximately 150 km away. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a private vehicle to reach Madikeri, and then follow the road directions mentioned above.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Madikeri is in Mysore, which is approximately 120 km away. From Mysore, one can take a taxi or a private vehicle to reach Madikeri and then follow the road directions mentioned above.
Once you reach Madikeri, you can ask locals for directions to Abbey Falls, or use a GPS navigation system to guide you to the falls. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry sufficient water, especially if you plan to trek down to the base of the falls.
3. Shivanasamudra Falls: Shivanasamudra Falls is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka and is formed by the Kaveri River. The waterfall is divided into two parts, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, and falls from a height of around 320 feet. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and are a popular picnic spot.
What’s So Interesting? It is the site of one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia, which was set up in 1902. Today, the power station is no longer in operation, but it serves as a museum and a reminder of the rich industrial history of the region.
How To Get There: There are a few options depending on your starting point and mode of transportation:
By car: From Bangalore, take NH 275 towards Mysore. At Maddur, take a left turn towards Malavalli. From Malavalli, take a right turn towards Shivanasamudra Falls.
By bus: KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from Bangalore and other major cities to Shivanasamudra. You can book tickets online or at the bus station.
By train: The nearest railway station is Maddur, which is about 40 km away from Shivanasamudra. From Maddur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the falls.
Once you reach Shivanasamudra, you can park your vehicle in the designated parking area and take a short walk to the falls. There are two falls - Gaganachukki and Barachukki - and both are accessible by foot. You can also hire a coracle (a circular boat) to get a closer view of the falls.
4. Unchalli Falls: Unchalli Falls is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and is formed by the Aghanashini River. The waterfall falls from a height of around 380 feet and is surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain. The area is known for its natural beauty and is popular among adventure enthusiasts.
What’s So Interesting? Since it is surrounded by dense forest and is located in a relatively remote area, it makes for a perfect destination for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The falls also have a height of around 116 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the state of Karnataka.
How To Get There: To get to Unchalli Falls in Karnataka, you can follow these steps:
By Air: The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, which is about 120 km from Unchalli Falls.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Talguppa, which is about 30 km from Unchalli Falls. You can take a train from Bangalore to Talguppa and then take a taxi or a bus to Unchalli Falls.
By Road: Unchalli Falls is about 32 km from Siddapur and about 60 km from Sirsi. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these towns to reach Unchalli Falls.
Once you reach Unchalli Falls, you need to trek down a few hundred meters to reach the falls. The trek is a bit challenging, and you need to be careful while walking on the slippery rocks. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry water bottles and snacks with you.
5. Magod Falls: Magod Falls is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and is formed by the Bedti River. The waterfall falls from a height of around 650 feet and is surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular trekking destination.
What’s So Interesting? The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for trekking and camping enthusiasts. Another interesting fact is that the falls are situated within the limits of the Magod Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the Malabar Giant Squirrel and the King Cobra.
How To Get There? Here are the directions to reach Magod Falls:
By Air: The nearest airport is the Hubli Airport, which is around 130 km away from Magod Falls. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Magod Falls.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Londa Junction, which is around 35 km away from Magod Falls. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Magod Falls.
By Bus: Magod Falls is well-connected by road, and there are several buses available from major cities in Karnataka. You can take a bus from Bangalore, Mangalore, or Goa to reach Magod Falls.
Once you reach Magod Falls, you can park your vehicle in the parking area and take a short walk to reach the waterfall. The falls are located about 17 km from the town of Yellapur, and there is a small trek involved to reach the falls. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry water and snacks with you.
6. Hebbe Falls: Hebbe Falls is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and is formed by the Chikmagalur River. The waterfall falls from a height of around 550 feet and is surrounded by lush green forests and coffee plantations. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular trekking destination.
What’s So Interesting? The water at Hebbe Falls is said to have medicinal properties due to the presence of herbs and shrubs in the surrounding forests.
The falls have two stages: the Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). The former is about 168 meters in height and is situated amidst dense forests and coffee plantations, while the latter is about 55 meters in height and is located about 2 km before the Dodda Hebbe Falls.
How To Get There: Here are some ways to get to Hebbe Falls:
By Road: Hebbe Falls is situated at a distance of around 280 km from Bangalore, and around 70 km from Chikmagalur town. You can hire a cab or drive yourself to the falls. The road leading to Hebbe Falls is quite scenic and passes through dense forests, coffee plantations, and small villages.
Trekking: The only way to reach the falls is by trekking as there are no roads that lead to the falls. The trek to Hebbe Falls starts from a small village called Kemmanagundi, which is around 10 km from the falls. The trek is around 8 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Jeep Ride: You can also take a jeep ride from Kemmangundi to the falls. The ride is quite bumpy and thrilling as the jeep has to pass through narrow and steep roads.
It is important to note that the falls are situated in a remote area and there are no proper facilities available, so it is advisable to carry enough food, water, and other essentials with you. Also, it is best to visit the falls during the monsoon season when the waterfalls are at their full glory.
7. Kalhatti Falls: Kalhatti Falls is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and is formed by the Kalhatti River. The waterfall falls from a height of around 400 feet and is surrounded by lush green forests and rocky terrain. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular picnic spot.
What’s So Interesting? Kalhatti Falls is situated amidst a dense forest and can only be reached by trekking through the forest for about 2 km from the nearest road. The trek to the waterfall is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous streams and small waterfalls along the way
How To Get There: Here are the directions to get there:
By air: The nearest airport to Kalhatti Falls is the Mangalore International Airport, which is approximately 160 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kalhatti Falls.
By train: The nearest railway station is in Kadur, which is around 40 km away from Kalhatti Falls. From Kadur, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the falls.
By road: Kalhatti Falls is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle. The falls are located around 250 km away from Bangalore, and you can take NH 75 and NH 73 to reach there.
Once you reach Kalhatti Falls, you need to trek for about 2 km to reach the falls. The trek is not very difficult, and the trail is well-marked. You can also hire a local guide to help you navigate the trek.
These are just some of the many waterfalls in Karnataka that offer breathtaking views and are popular among tourists. Each one of them has its unique charm and beauty that is worth exploring.
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