If you are looking for a refreshing and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, you might want to consider visiting Thottikallu Falls, a hidden gem in Bangalore. Thottikallu Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in the Western Ghats, about 40 km from Bangalore. It is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Thottikallu Falls, such as its history, legend, timings, entry fee, weather, climate, trekking options, camping facilities, nearby attractions, and more. We will also help you plan your trip to Thottikallu Falls by providing you with useful information and tips. So, let’s get started!
History and Legend of Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu Falls is named after a legend that says that it was created by Lord Shiva when he was angry with his wife Parvati for neglecting him. According to the legend, Parvati was bathing in the river Kaveri when she saw a handsome young man who caught her eye. She approached him and asked him his name. He said that he was Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. Parvati was enchanted by his beauty and decided to elope with him. However, before they could leave together, Lord Shiva appeared and saw them talking. He was furious with Parvati for betraying him and cursed her to be born as a fish. He also cursed Rama to be born as a monkey. Parvati begged Shiva to spare her life but he refused. He then turned her into a fish and threw her into the river Kaveri.
Meanwhile, Rama was also cursed by Shiva to be born as a monkey. He was separated from his wife Sita, who was taken away by Ravana, the king of Lanka. Rama searched for Sita across the land but could not find her. He then heard about Thottikallu Falls, where he saw Sita bathing in the river. He recognized her by her golden hair and approached her. However, before he could talk to her, Shiva appeared again and saw them together. He was enraged with Rama for trying to take away his wife and cursed him to be born as a monkey. He also cursed Sita to be born as a princess and sent them away.
The legend goes on to say that every year, on the full moon day of Magha (January), Parvati comes out of the river Kaveri and meets Rama at Thottikallu Falls. They embrace each other and confess their love. They then decide to get married and live happily ever after.
Timings and Entry Fee of Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu Falls is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays. The best time to visit Thottikallu Falls is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and dry. The average temperature at Thottikallu Falls during this period ranges from 15°C to 25°C. The rainfall is minimal or negligible during this time.
The entry fee of Thottikallu Falls is Rs 50 per person for Indians and Rs 200 per person for foreigners. You can pay the entry fee at the ticket counter or online through Paytm or UPI. There are no discounts or special offers for students, senior citizens, or groups.
How to Reach Thottikallu Falls
To reach Thottikallu Falls from Bangalore, you have a few options depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of them:
By car:
You can drive from Bangalore to Thottikallu Falls by taking the Kanakapura Road and then joining the Good Bangalore-Mysore Expressway. The distance is about 32 km and it takes about 2-3 hours to reach.
However, the road is narrow and bumpy, especially near the falls, so you may need to be careful and patient. You can also take a taxi or a private car for a more comfortable and convenient ride.
By bus:
You can take a bus from Banashankari Bus Station to Nallakkana Doddy Bus Station after getting to Bangalore Airport. The bus fare is around Rs 50 per person and the journey takes about 1 hour. The Nallakkana Doddy Bus Station is within walking distance of the Thottikallu Falls. You can also take a bus from other parts of Bangalore such as Chickpet, Silk Institute, etc. to Nallakkana Doddy Bus Station.
By train:
You can take a train from Chickpet Railway Station to Silk Institute Railway Station after getting to Bangalore Airport or other parts of Bangalore. The train fare is around Rs 10 per person and the journey takes about 1 hour. The Silk Institute Railway Station is within walking distance of the Thottikallu Falls.
Weather and Climate of Thottikallu Falls
The weather and climate at Thottikallu Falls are influenced by the monsoon season from June to September when it rains heavily and causes landslides and roadblocks. The average temperature at Thottikallu Falls during this period ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The rainfall is high or moderate during this time.
The weather and climate at Thottikallu Falls are also affected by the altitude difference between Bangalore city and the falls location. The falls are located at an elevation of about 1 km above sea level while Bangalore city is located at an elevation of about 300 m above sea level. This means that there is a significant change in temperature between them.
The weather and climate at Thottikallu Falls can vary depending on the season, the day, and the time of day. For example, in summer, the temperature can rise up to 35°C while in winter, it can drop down to 5°C. In monsoon, the temperature can fluctuate between 15°C and 25°C while in dry season, it can remain stable around 20°C. In morning, the temperature can be cooler than in evening In monsoon, the rainfall can be heavy and cause waterlogging and landslides while in dry season, the rainfall can be minimal and cause dust and dryness.
Trekking Options and Difficulty Level of Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu Falls offers a variety of trekking options for different levels of difficulty and duration. The most popular trekking route is the 3 km long trek from the falls to the river Kaveri, which takes about 1 hour to complete. The trek is easy and suitable for beginners and families. The trail is well-marked and passes through lush green forests, rocky slopes, and waterfalls. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic views of the falls, the river, and the surrounding hills.
Another trekking option is the 5 km long trek from the falls to the nearby village of Thottikallu, which takes about 2 hours to complete. The trek is moderate and suitable for intermediate and experienced trekkers. The trail is more challenging and passes through steep slopes, narrow paths, and dense vegetation. Along the way, you can experience the rural life of the villagers, their culture, and their hospitality.
A third trekking option is the 10 km long trek from the falls to the nearby town of Bannerghatta National Park, which takes about 4 hours to complete. The trek is difficult and suitable for advanced and adventurous trekkers. The trail is very challenging and passes through rugged terrain, slippery rocks, and dense forests. Along the way, you can witness the wildlife of Bannerghatta National Park, such as leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, etc.
Camping Facilities and Amenities at Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu Falls offers camping facilities for those who want to spend a night under the stars or enjoy a bonfire with their friends or family. There are three types of camping options available at Thottikallu Falls: tents, huts, or cottages. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your preference and budget.
Tents are available at a nominal charge per person per night. They are spacious, comfortable, and affordable. They come with basic amenities such as mattresses, blankets, sheets, and pillows. They also have access to electricity, water, toilets, and firewood. Tents are suitable for small groups or families who want a simple and cozy camping experience.
Huts are available at a higher charge per person per night than tents. They are luxurious, spacious, and comfortable. They come with all amenities such as beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. They also have access to electricity, water, toilets, firewood, and Wi-Fi. Huts are suitable for large groups or families who want a lavish and comfortable camping experience.
Cottages are available at an even higher charge per person per night than huts. They are elegant, spacious, and comfortable. They come with all amenities such as beds, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and balconies. They also have access to electricity, water, toilets, firewood, Wi-Fi, and parking space. Cottages are suitable for special occasions or events who want a royal and luxurious camping experience.
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Nearby Attractions of Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu Falls is not only a beautiful waterfall but also a gateway to many nearby attractions that one can visit after visiting or before visiting Thottikallu Falls. Some of these attractions are:
Lalbagh Botanical Garden:
This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India that was established in 1866 by Sir William Jones. It is famous for its exotic plants from different regions of India such as roses, orchids, palms, ferns, etc. It also has a lake with swans and ducks that add to its charm. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is about 15 km from Thottikallu Falls by road or train.
Bannerghatta National Park:
This is one of the largest national parks in India that was established in 1973 by Dr. Salim Ali. It is home to many endangered species such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, etc. It also has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna that includes many rare and endemic species. Bannerghatta National Park is about 25 km from Thottikallu Falls by road or train.
Cubbon Park:
This is one of the oldest and most famous parks in Bangalore that was established in 1876 by Sir M Visvesvaraya. It is a green oasis in the heart of the city that covers an area of 200 acres. It has many attractions such as a lake, a museum, a library, a rose garden, a children’s park, etc. It also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Cubbon Park is about 10 km from Thottikallu Falls by road or train.
These are some of the nearby attractions that one can visit after visiting or before visiting Thottikallu Falls. They are all within a reasonable distance and can be reached by road or train. They are also easily accessible by public transport or taxi. They offer a variety of experiences and activities for different interests and preferences.
Also check out: Quest for Waterfalls in Karnataka!
Thottikallu Falls is a hidden gem in Bangalore that offers a refreshing and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a spectacular waterfall located in the Western Ghats, about 40 km from Bangalore. It is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit or recommend visiting Thottikallu Falls as a hidden gem in Bangalore. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know. We would love to hear from you!
