10 Biggest Waterfalls in Karnataka

Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore, is a southwestern state of India. This state is divided into four regions: the Western Ghat hill range, the coastal plain, the Karnataka Plateau and the black-soil tract. Due to its varied geography, it has many natural tourist spots.

The Western Ghat hill range of Karnataka is home to some of the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Karnataka. The waterfalls of Karnataka are considered one of the "1001 Natural Wonders of the World".

Karnataka has stunning waterfalls that amaze tourists with their beauty. These waterfalls are surrounded by green landscapes and attract nature lovers as well as adventurers from all around the world. Here is a list of the biggest waterfalls in Karnataka:

1. Kunchikal Waterfall, Shimoga District | Height: 455 metres

source: travellersjunction

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, the Kunchikal waterfall is a magnificent natural wonder. It is the tallest waterfall in Karnataka and India. This waterfall creates a mesmerising sight as the water plunges from a great height into the ground below.

Moreover, surrounded by lush greenery, Kunchikal Waterfall stands tall at a height of 1493 feet.

• Location: Agumbe, Shimoga District
• How to Reach: There are several transportation facilities available to reach the Kunchikal Waterfall. You can hire taxis or any private vehicles from Hulikal to reach this waterfall. Otherwise, there are numerous bus services available from Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mysore etc., to Kunchikal Waterfall.
• Best Time to Visit: From July to September (During the monsoon season)

2. Barkana Falls, Shimoga District | Height: 259 metres

source: tripadvisor

Barkana Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Karnataka, is formed by River Sita in the dense forest of the Western Ghats. The Barkana viewpoint near this waterfall offers one of the most fascinating views of the Barkana Valley in the Western Ghats.

To visit this waterfall, tourists have to go through a steep trek from the Western Ghats via Gumbo Ghats. The trek is a heaven for all adventure enthusiasts, due to its challenging and extreme terrain.

• Location: Agumbe, Shimoga District
• How to Reach: Mangaluru is the closest airport and Udupi is the nearest railway station to Kunchikal. There are numerous bus services available till Agumbe. To reach the waterfall which is approximately 7 kilometres from Agumbe village, you need to book a private jeep or auto.  Otherwise, trekking can be a great option if you like adventure.
• Best Time to Visit: Between September and January.

3. Jog Falls, Shimoga District | Height: 253 metres

source: zingbus

Jog Falls is a waterfall gushing down on the Sharavathi River in the Western Ghats. Jog Falls also known as the Gersoppa Falls is the third tallest plunge waterfall in India. It is a segmented waterfall which becomes a plunge waterfall depending on rain.

It is one of the biggest waterfalls in Karnataka and has four distinct drops Raja, Roarer, Rani, and Rocket.

• Location: Siddapura, Shimoga District
• How to Reach: You can reach Jog Falls by direct buses from Bangalore. Otherwise, you can take a train from Bangalore to Sagara, then hire taxis, or private cars or take a bus ride to the Jog Falls.
• Best Time to Visit: Between August and December

4. Magod Falls, Uttara Kannada | Height: 200 metres

source: wikimedia

Magod Falls is a two-tiered waterfall between the trails of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This waterfall is formed by the Bedti and Shalmala rivers. It falls from a height of 200 metres and splits into two segments.

The trail of the waterfall offers one of the most exciting and adventurous treks. The slippery and muddy trail to the waterfall is heaven for all the adventure enthusiasts out there.

• Location: Yellapur, Uttar Kannada
• How to Reach: There are buses available to Yellapur from Karwar, Hubballi or Bengaluru. Taxis or private cars can also be hired to reach the Magod Waterfalls.
• Best Time to Visit: Between July to December

5. Belkal Theertha, Udupi District |Height: 180 metres

source: tripadvisor

Belkal Theertha is a picturesque waterfall near Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. It offers an incredible sight as the water falls from 300 feet off the Korshi Betta mountain. Another common name for the waterfall amongst locals is Govinda Theertha.

It is widely believed by its locals that the water of this waterfall is sacred and Lord Krishna once took a dip in it. Due to this reason many tourists from all around the world visit the spot to take a holy dip.

• Location: Kollur, Udupi
• How to Reach: The waterfall is 25 km from Kollur. You can hire any taxi or private vehicle to reach the waterfall. The last few kilometres to the waterfall need to be trekked as the roads are not good enough for cars. And remember that these last 1-1.5 km of the trek are extremely difficult, so carry boots and other trekking gear.
• Best Time to Visit: During June and December.

6. Hebbe Falls, Chikmagalur District |Height: 168 metres

source: xafari

Hebbe Falls is situated 10 km from the Kemmangundi hill station in Karnataka. The waterfall is located inside a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. Locals of this area believe that the water of Hebbe Falls comprises medicinal healing properties. Thus, attracting many visitors to this waterfall.

Trekking is an option available, but it is recommended to take a private car or taxi due to the large number of leeches during the monsoon season.

• Location: Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur District
• How to Reach: Tarikere is the nearest railway station and Mangalore is the nearest airport to this waterfall. There are taxis available from Chikmagalur to reach Kemmanagundi, after that you need to hire 4×4 jeeps or trek the rest of the journey. 
• Best Time to Visit: From August to January (After monsoon season)

7. Kalhatti Falls, Chikmagalur |Height: 123 metres

source: planmitrip

Kalhatti or Kallathigiri Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Karnataka, situated in Kemmannugundi of Chikmagalur District. The Veerabhadreshwara Temple, which is located right next to this fall makes it such a popular attraction amongst tourists.

It is not extremely big in terms of height or width but accessibility to the waterfall and temple makes the Kalhatti Waterfall a unique natural wonder.

• Location: Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur
• How to Reach: The waterfall is 53 km from Chikmagalur City. The nearest airport is Mangaluru and Birur junction is the closest railway station. You can get taxis from Birur or Chikmagalur to reach Kalhatti Falls. 
• Best Time to Visit: Between July to September

8. Koosalli Falls, Udupi District |Height: 120 metres

source: tripuntold

Koosalli Waterfall is a magnificent piece of natural wonder located in the forests of Koosalli village, Byndoor taluk of Udupi District. It is a 6-step waterfall cascading from an elevation of 380 feet. If you want to reach the Koosali Waterfall, it offers one of the most adventurous treks in India.

• Location: Byndoor taluk, Udupi District
• How to Reach: The waterfall is at a distance of 45 km from Murudeshwar and 14 km from Shiroor. There are buses available from these places to Toodalli, which is 5 km from the Koosali Waterfall. To cover the rest of the distance, you need to trek or hire private vehicles.
• Best Time to Visit: From September to November

9. Keppa Falls, Uttara Kannada District |Height: 120 metres

source: deccanherald

Keppa Falls otherwise known as the Unchalli Falls is situated inside one of the thickest forests of the Western Ghats. It may not be one of the highest waterfalls in Karnataka standing tall at a height of 380 feet. Keppa Falls is the water stream of the Aghanashini River falling from 116 metres into a rocky terrain.

The waterfall is sometimes called Keppa Jogga because it creates deafening noise while crashing into the rocks.

• Location: Siddapur Taluk, Uttara Kannada
• How to Reach: Siddapur is approximately 35 km from the falls. You can get buses or taxis or private cars to Heggarne, which is 5 km from this waterfall. You have to walk or trek the rest of the distance on foot. 
• Best Time to Visit: From July to September (During full bloom)

10. Shivanasamudra Falls, Mandya District |Height: 98 metres

source: tripadvisor

Shivanasamudra Falls is a cluster of waterfalls on the borders of Malavalli, Mandya and Chamarajanagar. Situated in the Kaveri River it creates a line between the districts of Mandya and Chamarajanagara.

Based on width, Shivanasamudra waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls in Karnataka and the whole of India. The two waterfalls it consists of are Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki.

• Location: Shivanasamudra, Mandya
• How to Reach: Mysore is the nearest airport and railway station to this waterfall. There is plenty of public transportation available, 30 km from Shivanasamudra. From Malavalli, taxis can be hired to reach Shivanasąmudra Falls.
• Best Time to Visit: From September to January

Now that you have an idea about the highest waterfalls in Karnataka, plan your trip accordingly and keep these waterfalls in your itinerary. Not only are the sights of these waterfalls breathtaking but also the journey to reach the spot is worth all your penny. Adventurous treks and walks through such difficult terrain will create a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.