Karnataka is known for its Heritage destinations, miraculous hill stations and magnificent waterfalls. It is a state filled with glorious places be it for its famous Mysore’s Silk and Sandalwood, or experiencing the living ruins of Hampi, or a place full of such scenic waterfalls. This state will make you admire nature more and its beauty.
On that note, let’s check out some of the Must-Visit Waterfalls In Karnataka.
1. Jog Falls
Jog Falls, locally known as Gersoppa Falls, has been awarded the title of ‘Niagara of India’ as it is the second highest and most beautiful waterfall in the country. Situated on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada district, it falls from a height of 253m down the rocks. This waterfall is formed by the river Sharavathi and cascades in four streams, namely, Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. When you reach the top of the waterfall and look at the view, you’ll be enchanted by nature’s beauty.
2. Irupu Falls
Irupu Falls is situated in the Kodagu district, and it is one of the most visited waterfalls in Karnataka because of its ancient history. The story goes back to the times of Ramayana, when Lord Ram and Lakshman were passing the Brahmagiri Hills and how Lakshman shoot an arrow into the hills for water and the river sprung out of the mountains. That’s why Irupu Falls is also known as ‘Lakshman Tirtha Falls’. You can do a quick trek through Narimale forest camp with the permission from the Forest Department and enjoy the scenic views and checkout the Rameshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends it is believed to have been found by Lord Ram himself.
3. Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, also known as Jessy Falls, is a significant tourist attraction in Coorg. Abbey Falls is formed through many little streams, that comes down to the rocky slopes and enters this great coffee plantation and the spice estates. It is a picture-perfect destination for a picnic with an environmental touch and a freshly brewed coffee in your hand. You can take a car up to the entrance of the falls and take a walk of 10m to arrive at the waterfalls.
4. Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is situated inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. It is a place where you can have a stroll in the Tiger’s Reserve, and see them and you can go, and play in the small pool, created by the fall, and bathe in it as it’s said to have curative powers inside it. The Fall descends into two stages, Dodda Hebbe(Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe(Small Falls). To reach Hebbe Falls, you would have to take a small trek of 2km from the parking lot.
The calmest place to visit for a weekend getaway from Bengaluru is Shivanasamudra Falls. The Fall is divided into two streams, and they come down from the same point but to different directions, appearing as twin falls, one is known as Gagana Chuki, and the other one is called as Bhara Chuki. Watching one waterfall is soothing enough but watching two waterfalls coming together is a view of a lifetime. You cannot miss this one.
6. Unchali Falls
Unchali Falls, also known as the Lushington Falls, is situated near Sirsi in Uttar Kannada district. The waterfall is 380feet and is surrounded by thick forests. It is a part of Aghanashini River, which is the only river in India without any dams or industries around it. If you are an enthusiast traveller, it is a half an hour trek till the waterfall filled with adventure and exceptional views of nature.
7. Sathodi Falls
Sathodi Falls is located at a distance of around 32Kms from Yellapur district. It is a smaller waterfall surrounded by rocky caves and thick forests, giving out a look just like a scene directly from a movie. If you are looking for a peaceful and nature-filled getaway, look no more.
8. Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls, 10Kms away from Kemmangundi, is a place that looks just like a nature’s finest portrait, alive and breathing. The fall cascades from the Chandra Drona Hills from a height of 400feet and lands right near the Veerabhadreshwara Temple. If you are a nature lover, this is your place, as it is filled with nature’s beauty with a lot of floras and faunas to discover.
9. Gokak Falls
Gokak Falls is located in Gokak Taluka of Belgaum District. It is also known as a smaller version of Niagara Falls, as it falls from a height of 171feet through a sandstone cliff. The beauty of Gokak Falls comes out in rainy season as the flow of the water increases in rains. You can visit across the river to a hanging bridge, and because it is created at a height, you can look at these exquisite waterfall’s views from there as well.