Have you ever dreamed of visiting a waterfall that is surrounded by lush green forests, exotic wildlife and aromatic coffee plantations? If yes, then you must visit Hebbe Falls, a hidden gem in Chikmagalur that will take your breath away.
Hebbe Falls is located in Kemmanagundi hill station, which is about 66 km from Chikmagalur town. It is part of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, which is home to many endangered species, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears and gaur. Hebbe Falls is one of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in Karnataka, and it is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and photographers.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to visit, enjoy and explore Hebbe Falls.
How to Reach Hebbe Falls
There are different ways to reach Hebbe Falls from various nearby cities, such as Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore. The distance, duration and cost of each mode of transportation are as follows:
1. From Bangalore: The distance is about 280 km and the duration is about 6 hours by road. The cost of a taxi is about Rs. 5000, the cost of a bus is about Rs. 500 and the cost of renting a car or a bike is about Rs. 2000 per day.
2. From Mangalore: The distance is about 180 km and the duration is about 4 hours by road. The cost of a taxi is about Rs. 3000, the cost of a bus is about Rs. 300 and the cost of renting a car or a bike is about Rs. 1500 per day.
3. From Mysore: The distance is about 250 km and the duration is about 5 hours by road. The cost of a taxi is about Rs. 4000, the cost of a bus is about Rs. 400 and the cost of renting a car or a bike is about Rs. 1800 per day.
What to See and Do at Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a spectacular sight that will mesmerise you with its beauty and charm. It has two stages: Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls) and Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls).
The Chikka Hebbe is about 551 feet high and the Dodda Hebbe is about 328 feet high. The water of Hebbe Falls is rich in medicinal herbs that can cure skin diseases, allergies and infections. The water also forms a pool at the base of the falls, where you can swim, bathe or relax.
There are many things to see and do at Hebbe Falls, such as:
1. Enjoy the view of the falls from different angles and perspectives
2. Feel the spray of the water on your face and body
3. Listen to the sound of the water crashing on the rocks
4. Smell the fragrance of the coffee plantations and the flowers
5. Taste the freshness and purity of the water
6. Touch the smoothness and coolness of the rocks
7. Take photos and videos of the falls and yourself
8. Have a picnic or a snack near the falls
9. Explore the surroundings of the falls, such as the forest, the wildlife and the coffee plantations
What to See and Do Near Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is not the only attraction in Kemmanagundi. There are many other places to visit near Hebbe Falls, such as:
1. Kemmanagundi Hill Station:
This is a scenic hill station that was once the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the former king of Mysore. It has a pleasant climate, a beautiful garden, a rose nursery, a rock garden and a sunset point. You can also enjoy activities like boating, horse riding, cycling and hiking here.
2. Z Point:
This is a vantage point that offers a panoramic view of Kemmanagundi and its surroundings. You can reach Z Point by trekking for about 3 km from Raj Bhavan. You can also see Shanti Falls on the way, which is another waterfall near Kemmanagundi.
3. Kallathi Falls:
This is a waterfall that is also known as Kalahasti Falls or Kalhatti Falls. It is located about 10 km from Kemmanagundi. It has a height of about 400 feet and it flows over an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can also see some carvings and inscriptions on the rocks near the temple.
4. Shiva Temple:
This is a temple that is situated at the base of Kallathi Falls. It is believed to be built by Veera Ballala II, a Hoysala king, in the 12th century. It has a unique architecture that combines elements of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. You can also see some idols and sculptures of various gods and goddesses inside the temple.
When to Visit Hebbe Falls
The best time to visit Hebbe Falls is after the monsoon season, from August till January. This is when the waterfall is at its full glory, with abundant water flow, lush greenery, blooming flowers and vibrant wildlife. The temperature is also moderate, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
You should avoid visiting Hebbe Falls during the monsoon season, from June till July. This is when the waterfall is at its lowest level, with less water flow, muddy water, dull vegetation and less wildlife. The temperature is also high, ranging from 25°C to 35°C, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Moreover, you may face difficulties and dangers such as leeches, landslides, roadblocks and permissions during this season.
Hebbe Falls is a hidden gem in Chikmagalur that you must visit if you are looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway. It offers a thrilling jeep ride, a refreshing trek and a rejuvenating bath in its herbal water.
We hope this article has given you all the information and tips you need to plan your trip to Hebbe Falls. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Also read: Witness the glory of this waterfall in Chikmagalur
