Karnataka is a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered! This magical state is home to not just a few, but hundreds of hidden destinations that are begging to be explored.
And when it comes to waterfalls, Karnataka is the reigning champion with over 40 breathtaking cascades that can be visited all year round. But here's the secret sauce: the monsoons unleash a torrent of beauty, turning this place into a waterfall paradise! Imagine rivers meandering through the state, carving out picturesque waterfalls that will leave you awestruck. It's like stumbling upon a secret fairyland that's just for you! And let's not forget the Western Ghats, the birthplace of mighty rivers like Cauvery, Krishna, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, and Souparnika.
While Jog, Shivanasamudra, and Hogenakkal waterfalls may be known to outsiders, there are a dozen hidden gems waiting to be discovered by non-locals. So, dear adventurers, buckle up and get ready to uncover the hidden magic of these 12 lesser-known waterfalls.
Karnataka is calling, and it's time to embark on an extraordinary journey through nature's untouched wonders!
1.
These Waterfalls are snuggled amongst the beautiful Western Ghats situated 50 kms from the headquarters of Belgaum. Also known as Venezuela of Karnataka, Sural Falls is also one of the most famous trekking routes of Karnataka. The pristine beauty of the waterfall and the splendid forest cover makes it an ideal trekking destination. The trek begins at Kalsa runs through the rocky bed of Kalsa stream and crosses the majestic Kalsa waterfall before reaching the Sural Falls. The trek culminates on reaching the Sural Valley after crossing the picturesque waterfall. The interesting factor here is that view point of the falls lies in Goa Madie Wildlife Sanctuary, where as the waterfall is situated in Karnataka.
Best time to visit:
During the moderate monsoons as the view of a waterfall from far is breathtaking. Still one can visit this place all around the year.
How to Reach:
Reach Kalsa from Belgaum and from there trek to the view point. Belgaum is well connected by trains and flights from Bangalore.
Stay nearby:
Ghataprabha River after flowing through rocky belt of Gokak takes a huge leap of 170 feet over a sandstone cliff and creates Gokak Waterfalls. The cliff is in a picturesque gorge of the Gokak valley and is in the shape of a horseshoe. Except the width and colour of the water, the general characteristics of the fall, height, shape and speed look a lot like Niagara Falls on a smaller scale. The dull roar of the falls can be heard long before it attained. Two more attractions here are monuments from the Chalukya era and river-front temple dedicated to Lord Mahalingeshwara, built in the Later Chalukyan style of architecture.
Best time to visit:
July to October to witness the roaring waterfalls.
How to Reach:
There are daily KSRTC buses plying from Belgaum to Gokak and also from Gokak to Waterfalls. And also there is a Ghataprabha railway station near Gokak. And Belgaum is well connected by flights from Bengaluru by Spice Jet airlines.
Stay nearby:
These multi cascade waterfalls are situated right at the base of Charmadi ghat in Dakshina Kannada district and also a can great weekend trek for people from Bengaluru. Better to book a local guide if you are alone and one can also camp near the waterfalls here. Usually many travelers take this trip as a two day adventure and enjoy a night stay by camping. There is also a waterfall named Didupe having the same name as the village from where the trek to the falls starts and is also a good place to swim in waters.
Best time to visit:
Monsoons are best to visit this place.
How to Reach:
Didupe village is 300 kms from Bangalore and also 85 kms from mangalore which is well connected by trains and Flights from the capital city.
Stay in Tents or Camps.
4.
Also known as Lushington falls, Aghanashini river falls into the gorge here through a 381 feet drop. Even these falls need a 5 km trek into the hamlet called Heggarne village in Sirsi city of Uttara Kannada distrct. Heggarne is in turn 36 kms southwest of Sirsi and can be reached by public transport.
Best time to visit:
January to April are ideal as you can trek easily.
How to Reach:
Reach heggarne and trek for 5 kms one way to reach the falls. Siris is well connected with buses from Bangalore and also nearby railway station is Talaguppa Railway station. The nearest airport is Hubli Airport which is located 105 kms from Sirsi.
Stay nearby:
Also called as Jhari Waterfalls, these falls are located in the coffee capital of Karnataka, Chikmagalur. Jhari Falls, situated on the way to Baba Budangiri or Kemmangundi from Chikmagalur, is surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations. This falls is created by the springs generated in the mountains. A pool is formed by the waterfall below which allows visitors swim and play in the water. This is a perfect retreat from the busy city life and it is one of the must visit tourist spots in Chikmagalur.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Jhari Falls is from August to January while the peak season is from September to December.
How to Reach:
One needs to hire a jeep to the waterfalls down the hill as personal vehicles are not allowed here. 23 kms from Chikmagalur headquarters and Chikmagalur is 240 kms from Bangalore.
Stay Nearby:
Also known as Markandeya river falls, this is also a multi-cascade falls which is tucked between lush green forests on both the sides. This falls offers great time to play in the cold water which take a leap over a flat rock and fall from a height of around 10 feet where one can stand below the falling water to take a cold shower. Within a 6 km radius there are two dams; one built across Ghataprabha river (Hidkal dam) and another one (Shirur Dam) across Markandeya river.
Best time to visit:
June to September.
How to Reach:
It is 15 kilometers away from Gokak and 40 kilometers from Belgaum. Belgaum is well connected by flights and trains.
Stay Nearby:
This Wonderful and Rectangular shaped waterfall situated in Yellapur district of Uttara Kannada region. The water flow is formed by the union of many other rivers that flow to Kallarmane Ghat, in Uttara Kannada region. The water that forms the waterfalls then flows into the River Kali through the Dam Kodasalli. The waterfall is found amidst the Ghats and the evergreen forests that truly bring out the marvelous beauty of the waterfall. Sathodi Falls is not very approachable because of the rocks. The rock formations around the waterfalls form a natural enclosure with the bountiful greenery and the clear and crystal water below.
Best time to visit:
All year Round.
How to Reach:
Yellapur (32km) is the closest destination to Sathodi Falls. From Bangalore (423 km) one can hire a cab or even take up KSRTC buses to reach Yellapur and from Yellapur tourists can hire an auto or a cab to reach the waterfalls. Hubli has the nearest airport.
Stay Nearby:
The River Bedti falls from the height of 200 meters forming the Magod Falls. These falls lie amidst the dense forest. It goes dry during summers and misty in monsoon. The place is remote with a magnificent view of the falls. You will find a large lake on the way to Magod Falls known as Kavade Kere which has an area of 60 acres. It is an ideal picnic spot with a beautiful view. The fall flows down into a rocky path from the height of 650 feet. Jenukallugudda and Kavadikere are the two nearby beautiful places to visit.
Best time to visit:
During monsoons for a best view.
How to Reach:
It is 80 kms from Karwar and 17 kms from the town of Yellapur. It is easily accessible by rail and road from the towns.
Stay nearby:
Situated in Chikmagalur, one has to trek for 8 kms to reach this place. It has beautifully laid gardens, magnificent mountain ranges and splendid valleys, and is an excellent visual treat for the travelers. This falls is created by the waters from the mountains. It plunges cascades down from 250 feet to Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, in 2 stages. The place will be filled with leeches during rainy season and needs to very careful if you are trekking.
Best time to visit:
October to January.
How to Reach:
The nearest town is Tarikere and in turn Chikmagalur district is 240 kms from Bangalore.
Stay nearby:
Also called as Suthanabbi falls is located in the hilly region between Karkala and Lakya dam which is surrounded by Kudremukh National Park. The water falling down from a height of above 100 feet falling on the natural rocks majestically is exciting view. You can have body rejuvenating and energizing bath at this place and enjoy the beauty of calm and marvel of the waterfall. There are about 300 well laid steps to reach the falls after little walk from the main road.
Best time to visit:
October to May
How to Reach:
26 Kms from Sringeri & 15 Kms from Kudremukh, can be reached by road. In turn Sringeri is well connected to Bangalore by KSRTC buses.
Stay nearby:
Situated near to Gokarna and only 50 kms from Sirsi, these are small waterfalls near Yana. The Vibhuti Falls is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the western ghats and not yet one of those over-crowded popular tourist destinations. The Vibhuti Falls is also called/spelled as Vibhooti Falls, Vibhuthi Falls. The falls gets its name from the Lime Stone rock nearby. From the entrance, you have to walk about 1-1.5 km to reach the falls. Once you pass the Vaddi Ghats you need to take a deviation at a place called Mabagi which is about 3 kms from the falls.Other places of interest would be Yana, Unchalli, Benne hole falls.
Best time to visit:
October to January as in monsoons, the place is too slippery and not advisable.
How to Reach:
By road from Sirsi which goes to Mattighatta, Devanalli via Hegadekatta. You will not get a bus which takes you near the waterfall you will have to walk the Vaddi Ghat after you get down at Vaddi cross or Yana. Hubli is the nearest airport to Sirsi.
Stay nearby:
Situated 5 kms from the Kigga village in Chikmagalur, this waterfalls is also nearer to Sringeri. It is a splendid fall with a beautiful view. The water feeds the coffee estates and paddy fields located downstream. It can be easily reached and visited in a single day, hence, it is ideal to club the visit with other locations like the Sringeri Temple, Agumbe and the Uluve bird sanctuary. It is at a height of 40 feet and there is a motorable road that enables easy access to the falls. One can also get to the bottom and enjoy the falls.
Best time to visit:
September to February.
How to Reach:
One can take the road to reach the falls. It is at a distance of 300 kms from Bangalore, 22 kms from Sringeri and 5 kms from Kigga Chikmangalur.
Stays nearby:
There are many more hidden waterfalls in Karnataka and also in our country. Have you visited any of such beautiful and amazing waterfalls and wanna share it with others?
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Happy Travelling!!!
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