Bangalore, as you know, is popular for its cosmopolitan vibe and pleasant weather. The city is surrounded by attractive natural landscapes as well. With a short drive from the city, you can reach the best waterfalls near Bangalore.
You might be a nature lover or you might be an adventure enthusiast. You can also be a person seeking serenity. In all these cases, your requirements can be met by the best waterfalls near Bangalore. You can visit these waterfalls that are located within a 500 km radius of the city centre. You can expect a combination of relaxation, beauty and adventure at these waterfalls near Bangalore.
12 Best Waterfalls near Bangalore
1. Shivanasamudra Falls
Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore located around 130 km away from the city centre. It splits the two districts of Mandya and Chamarajnagar. The reason is that it flows through the uneven terrain of the Deccan Plateau.
Two groups of waterfalls were formed. They are around 15 km away from each other. The outcome is that the streams created the island of Shivanasamudra in between. As mentioned earlier Sivanasamudra encompasses two streams of island. The first one is called Gaganachukki and the second is called Barachukki Falls.
- Among these two falls, the Gaganachukki Falls is very thunderous. It also features a vertical drop that towers the falls.
- Barachukki Falls on the flip side is huge and drops over a short height and long distance. After that, the flow reaches the ravine and continues to flow eastwards.
- You can reach Shivanasamudra Falls within around 130 km drive from Bangalore. When you travel by the Bengaluru – Mysuru Expressway, you can reach the falls within 132.7 km.
- Daily buses are plying from Bangalore to Malavalli or Mandya. From Mandya, you can find auto rickshaws that can take you to the falls.
- You can plan your trip between the second week of August and the second week of September. During this season, the water level will be modest for you to enjoy.
Check out my post on Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A Verdant Oasis in Bangalore
2. Hogenakkal Falls
Hogenakkal Falls is again one of the important waterfalls near Bangalore. From Bangalore, the falls are located around 251 km away. To cover this distance, you will have to travel by Kollegala-Male Mahadeshwara Betta road. You can understand the beauty of these falls from the fact that it is referred to as Niagara of India.
Hogenakkal Falls is a spectacular sight, particularly after the monsoon. The reason is that the water levels will be high after the monsoon. Above all, the falls are surrounded by forests and hills.
- You can take coracle rides in these falls
- The water in these falls is believed to have medicinal properties
- On the banks of the river, local men offer oil massage services
- Near the falls, you can find restaurants that sell food prepared from freshly caught fish.
- You will have to walk for a few kilometres in rocks and water to reach the falls. So, wear comfortable clothing.
3. Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls located around 259.1 km from Bangalore via NH 275 is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. It is located around 8 km away from Madikeri. You will have to walk for around 15 minutes to reach the falls from the road. You must walk down the steps and maintain the path well.
- You can see a lot of coffee plantations near the waterfalls
- When you visit the falls, you can cover the nearby attractions.
- The nearby attractions include Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwar Temple and Raja’s Seat
- As you will have to walk a lot to reach the falls, carry water bottles.
- You can find some tea stalls en route
- Remember that bathing or swimming is not permitted in the falls.
- You can plan your visit to these falls between June and September which falls immediately after monsoon.
4. Chunchi Falls
When you take the NH 48 route, you can reach Chunchi Falls from Bangalore within an 89.3 km drive. Rather than relying on public transportation, the best way to reach the falls from Bangalore is by your vehicle. This is the perfect fall to visit if you are looking for a waterfall that is not too far from the city and also a fall that is not too crowded.
- The waterfalls stand on the banks of Arkavati River
- The falls are named after the tribe couple Chuncha and Chunchi.
- The waterfalls are tucked in the middle of a delicious forest and rocky terrain
- You will have to walk for around 10 minutes on sand, gravel, mud and dirt to reach the vantage point of the falls
- On the way to the falls, you will find a watch tower that lets you get a 360-degree view of the falls.
- To reach the bottom of the falls, you will have to walk down a rocky path. You can get to the bottom if you love to trek. Otherwise, you can stay at the top to take some stunning pictures of the falls.
- A parking fee of Rs.30 is applicable. You do not need to pay anything to enter the falls.
- The entry to the falls is allowed between 8 am and 5 pm.
- The best season to visit is between August and February.
5. Jog Falls
Jog Falls is among the best waterfalls near Bangalore. However, you will have to travel for around 426.8 km via the NH 48 route from Bangalore to reach the falls. Otherwise, if you take the NH 69 route from Bangalore, you will have to travel 426.8 km when you choose the NH 69 route from Bangalore. It is proud to be the second-highest plunge waterfall in India.
- When you visit Jog Falls, you will find four waterfalls in the same place.
- Raja Falls is the tallest of them all
- Rani Falls is the smallest but has a royal view
- Rocket Falls flows superfast in comparison with the others
- The Roarer Falls flows with a huge sound.
6. Hebbe Falls
Located around 277 km away from Bangalore, Hebbe Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. Post-monsoon season from August to January is the best time to visit these falls. Due to slippery rocks, it is better not to visit during monsoon season. From Chikmagalur, this falls is located around 65 km.
- You can spend 1-2 hours in these falls
- Hebbe Falls is located in a private coffee estate
- The falls gushes from 168 metres in height
- The falls encompass two sections and they are Chikka and Dodda Falls
- To reach the falls, you will have to trek for a kilometre along a forested path
- Remember that you can access the falls during daylight hours only
7. Muthyala Maduvu Falls
Located in Pearl Valley, this is one of the small waterfalls near Bangalore. If you do not want to travel a long distance from Bangalore, you can choose to visit this falls. It is located around 39 km from Bangalore. The small waterfalls come alive only during monsoon season. The falls are located inside a forest. You can find a small lake near the falls, where you can send your kids for boating.
- When you visit these falls, you will have to climb down 400 steps to reach the attractive valley
- From the valley, you can get an attractive view of the falls
- Close to the falls, you can visit a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Ensure that you visit between August and November to enjoy spending time in the falls.
8. Sangama and Mekedatu Falls
Are you thinking that the best waterfalls near Bangalore you choose to visit should not be more than 100 km away from the city? If so, you can choose Sangama and Mekadatu Falls. The falls are located around 95 km from Bangalore. To cover this distance, you will have to travel via the NH 948 and Kanakapura – Sangam Road.
- The best time to visit these falls is between September and December
- It is better to go by your vehicle as limited public transportation options are available
- You can drive only until Sangama.
- From there, you will have to cross a river to visit Mekedatu.
- Sangama and Mekadatu are two different attractions. The former is a confluence of the Arkavathi River with the Cauvery River. The latter is a narrow gorge downstream in which the river flows through cliffs.
9. Balmuri and Edmuri Waterfalls
How about visiting the twin waterfalls near Bangalore? Yes, Balmuri and Edmuri Waterfalls can meet your needs. Located around 140 km from Bangalore, these waterfalls are located around 16.5 km away from Mysore. You can take coracle rides and chomp on fried fish during your visit to the Twin Falls.
- The best time to visit these falls is between March and August
- You can visit any time between 6 am and 7 pm.
- When you visit during summer, you can take fun boat rides
- Edmuri Waterfalls is located around a kilometre away from Balmuri waterfalls
- You can expect Edmuri Waterfalls to be less crowded compared to Balmuri
10. Sathodi Falls
One of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, Sathodi Falls is a bit far away from the city. Yes, the falls are located around 449 km from the city centre. When you travel from Bangalore via the NH48 route, you can reach these falls. If you plan to visit by flight or train, the nearest airport and railway station to these falls is Hubballi.
You can also take buses until Yellapura. From Yellapura, you can hire taxis to reach the falls located around 27 km away. If you wish to stay near the falls, you can find a few homestay options. You can find some basic accommodation options in Yellapura City.
- Remember that entry to the falls is restricted only until 5 pm
- The roads leading to the falls are not maintained well. So, it is better to avoid visiting during the rainy season.
- You will have to walk on rocks to reach the falls. So, make sure that you come with non-slippery footwear.
- You can find changing rooms at the gate. Even, toilets are available.
- The road is not good for nearly 15 km close to the falls.
11. Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls is again an option as you are looking for waterfalls near Bangalore. However, the waterfalls are located around 296 km away from Bangalore. You will have to travel via the NH 75 route from Bangalore to reach Iruppu Falls.
- The entry fee to the falls is Rs.50 per person.
- You will have to handle parking charges of Rs.10 if you go by your vehicle
- Located in Coorg, the best time to visit these falls is between June and September
- You can also travel to Kannur by flight. From Kannur, you can hire a jeep or car to reach the falls.
- There is a trekking route to reach the falls. To trek, you will have to go to Nagerhole National Park.
- Trekking will bring you a unique experience if you are a trekking enthusiast.
12. Jogigundi Falls
Jogigundi Falls is located around 346 km away from Bangalore. Most locals feel that it is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. If you are a driving enthusiast, you can plan a weekend drive from Bangalore to reach these falls.
- You will have to travel via the NH75 route from Bangalore to reach these falls
- There are cottages to stay near these falls
- You can expect a serene and quiet atmosphere in these falls
- Many tourists say that these falls should be part of your itinerary when you explore Udupi
Conclusion
Almost all waterfalls near Bangalore that we discussed in this post are less than 400 km away from the city. So, you can easily plan your weekend trip with your family or friends by your vehicle. The drive will be an enjoyable experience if you travel as a group of people. Happy Waterfalls exploration!
Do not forget to read my other posts related to Bangalore:
Waterparks in and Near Bangalore
14 Places to Visit in Bangalore
1 comment
nice post , thanks for sharing