Waterfalls in Karnataka: 18 Best Falls, When to Go and How to Reach Them

Karnataka waterfalls at a glance

Waterfalls in Shivamogga and the Malnad

1. Jog Falls

The best known of all, with four streams dropping about 250 m. Visit from August to December. See the full Jog Falls guide.

2. Kunchikal Falls

Fed by the Varahi river near Agumbe, Kunchikal is often listed among the tallest in India. Access is restricted, so most visitors see it from a distance, and entry rules can change. Treat it as a bonus rather than the main plan.

3. Barkana and Onake Abbi Falls

Both lie in the Agumbe rainforest region, which gets some of the heaviest rain in Karnataka. Barkana has a wide viewpoint over a deep gorge, while Onake Abbi is reached via a forest path. Visit in the monsoon and expect leeches.

4. Dabbe Falls and Koodlu Theertha

These are quieter falls in the Shivamogga hills, best for travellers who prefer forest trails over viewpoints. Check local conditions and take a local guide for the final stretches.

Waterfalls in Kodagu (Coorg)

5. Abbey Falls

A short walk through coffee and spice estates leads to Abbey Falls, which drops into a rocky pool surrounded by greenery. It is the easiest and most popular waterfall in Kodagu. Swimming is not allowed, and the viewing bridge can get busy.

6. Iruppu Falls

Located in the Brahmagiri range, Iruppu (also called Lakshmana Tirtha Falls) is a sacred site as well as a scenic one. A path with steps leads down to the base and a footbridge. Expect crowds during the Maha Shivaratri period.

7. Mallalli Falls

Near the foot of Pushpagiri, Mallalli is a longer, quieter excursion that rewards those who like trekking. It is at its best after the main monsoon. See the Kodagu guide for nearby stays.

Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru

8. Hebbe Falls

Hebbe drops in two stages inside a private coffee estate near Kemmangundi. Access is usually by jeep and a short trek, and entry rules can change. Visit from the post-monsoon months when the water is strong and the paths are less muddy.

9. Kalhatti Falls

A small but pretty fall near the Baba Budangiri hills, easy to combine with a Chikkamagaluru trip. See the Chikkamagaluru guide and hill stations in Karnataka.

10. Sirimane Falls

Close to Sringeri, Sirimane is a calm waterfall with a temple setting. It is a good add-on to a Sringeri pilgrimage.

Waterfalls in Uttara Kannada and the coast

11. Magod Falls

The Bedti river drops nearly 200 m in two stages near Yellapur. A viewpoint gives a wide look at the falls, so it is easy even in rain.

12. Unchalli (Lushington) Falls

A tall, narrow fall on the Aghanashini river in a deep gorge near Siddapura, with steps and viewpoints that can be slippery.

13. Sathodi Falls

Set in the forest near Yellapur, Sathodi is a collection of smaller streams that are best in the monsoon and after, with a calm pool and green walls.

14. Vibhuti Falls

A forest fall near Yana, often combined with a Gokarna trip. Reaching it involves a short trek and it is best after the rains. See Gokarna beaches.

Waterfalls near Bengaluru and Mysuru

15. Shivanasamudra

Gaganachukki and Bharachukki on the Cauvery, about 135 km from Bengaluru, make an easy day trip with good water from August to November. Check viewing and coracle rules locally.

16. Chunchi Falls

A pretty, short-drop fall near the Arkavathi river on the Kanakapura side. It is best after good monsoon rain and mostly suits a quick weekend picnic.

17. Mekedatu

The Cauvery squeezes through a narrow gorge, a place that is both scenic and popular with day-trippers from Bengaluru. Water levels and safety rules change, so follow local guidance.

18. Hogenakkal side trips

The Cauvery tumbles near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Whether you cross depends on the permits and local rules in force at the time, so check before you plan.

Waterfall safety tips

• Never swim in strong currents. Drowning is a risk at many falls.
• Do not climb wet rocks. Moss makes them extremely slippery.
• Avoid visiting after heavy rain without checking. Flash floods can happen upstream.
• Wear grip shoes and carry a rain jacket.
• Respect closures and barriers. They are there for a reason.
• Carry out your waste.

Plan your waterfall trip

Combine Jog Falls with Gokarna, Abbey Falls with a Coorg weekend, or Hebbe Falls with a Chikkamagaluru trip. For rainy-season routes, read Karnataka in monsoon. For timing, see the best time to visit Karnataka. For short trips from the capital, use the weekend getaways from Bangalore.

Frequently asked questions