| Karnataka abounds in a torrent of sparkling waterfalls set amidst the sylvan environs of the districts of Kodagu and Uttara Kannada. West-flowing rivers gush through thick forests in coastal Uttara Kannada, breaking into streams that meander over hilly tracts to end in a series of dramatic, plunging finales throughout the region |
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| Jog Falls |
| Bear witness to nature's headlong tumble as the Sharavati river makes a spectacular drop of 810ft. (253m) in four distinct cascades - known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket - to create the highest falls in Asia. The falls are at their best during the monsoon, with arching rainbows colouring the mist. When the sluice gates of the upstream Linganamakki Dam are closed, it is worth taking a walk right down to the bottom of the gorge |
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| Unchalli Falls |
| Heggarne, a dreamy hamlet in Uttara Kannada district, is just 35km from Siddapur. A further 5km trek from Heggarne through dense forests brings you to the picturesque Unchalli Falls. The sound of the cataract hurtling down the hilly tract shatters the silence of the forests, and the sight of the falls is unforgettable |
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| Also known as Lushington Falls, these falls were first discovered by J. D. Lushington, who was the Uttara Kannada District Collector of the British Government at that time. The cascade is also called Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound it makes |
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| Magod Falls |
| The mesmerising Magod Falls are located 80km from Karwar. Here, the Bedthi river takes two distinct leaps to hurtle from a height of 650ft. into a rocky ravine. The thickly wooded countryside, the roar of gushing water, and a beautiful view combine to make this spot an ideal choice for outings |
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| Hebbe Falls |
| An 8km trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250ft. in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls.) Don't miss a refreshing dip in this herb-infused water |
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| Shivanasamudra Falls (Bharachukki Falls ) |
| Discover nature's handiwork in the form of this tiny island-town 65km east of Mysore. Forested hills and lush green valleys cradle a small hamlet and two fine temples. Together, they provide a startlingly calm setting for the Cauvery river as it plummets from a height of 75m into a deep, rocky gorge with a deafening roar to form two picturesque falls, Barachukki and Gaganachukki. When the Cauvery is in spate, watching the river crash into a cloud of foaming spray can be an exhilarating experience. Downstream from the falls is Asia's first hydroelectric project, established at the behest of Sir M. Visvesvaraya in 1902. |
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| Abbey Falls |
| An 8km trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250ft. in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls.) Don't miss a refreshing dip in this herb-infused water |
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| Iruppu Falls |
| Nestling beside the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole,) Iruppu Falls presents a stunning sight during the monsoon. From their humble origins in the Brahmagiri Range, the falls plunge 170ft. in two distinct stages. They come down to earth to flow as Lakshmana Theertha (Sacred River of Lakshmana.) The ceaseless music of the falls and the hush of the densely wooded forest surrounding them makes this a great picnic spot. A forest trail leads from these falls to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu. En route to the falls, the Rameshwara Temple attracts a large number of pilgrims during the festival of Shivaratri |
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| Kalhatti Falls |
| Water cascades from the top of the Chandra Drona Hill from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva |
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| Lalguli Falls |
| Lalguli Falls are located about 15km north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District. Here, the Kali river creates a grand spectacle by tumbling from a height of approximately 250ft. in a series of picturesque rapids set at varying heights |
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| Sathodi Falls |
| About 32km away from Yellapur, several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat, and plunge from a height of about 15m to create a picturesque picnic spot. Situated in the midst of dense forests, Sathodi Falls is locally known as the "mini-Niagara of Uttara Kannada District. |
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| Gokak Falls |
| Located 65 kms from Belgaum, Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas. Close to the town is the Gokak Falls. Here, river Ghataprabha takes a leap over a rocky bed 170 ft down which makes a beautiful sight. The Gokak Falls is also known as the Northern Mysore Falls |
