Undoubtedly, Karnataka is one of the most alluring landscapes in India, where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. Karnataka has got it all, from beaches to plains to mountains, hills, waterfalls, rivers, rocky terrains, etc. As monsoon arrives, the whole state becomes alive with wild and free-flowing streams that make way for some mesmerizing falls. Some of these falls are perennial, whereas the others are only restricted to a few seasons.Here is a list of Best waterfalls in Karnataka that you can’t afford to miss out this coming monsoon.
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Best Waterfalls In Karnataka To Lose Yourself
Sathodi Falls
Sathodi falls the lesser-known beauty formed after multiple unknown streams unite together near Kallaramane ghat. It is a 50 ft waterfall that appears rectangular in shape and flows throughout the year amidst the dense forest near Yellapur of Uttara Kannada District.
You need to hike for about 500 m within the lush green forest, cross over a lot steep slippery rocks and hop from one log to another to witness the clear silky white water falling from great heights. The waterfall forms a natural pool like structure, where you can take a dip. If you are a biker then it is one of the best places to go for off-road trail and getting your bike dirtied with mud.
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar waterfalls are located on the Karnataka-Goa border, it is divided into a four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi river and has different pathways to reach each level. The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’ due to its appearance which seems like milk is overflowing from the mighty mountain peaks of the Western Ghats.
This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of India, at a height of around 1017 ft. Mostly people like hiking on railway tracks & through railway tunnels present amidst captivating natural surroundings, to reach the falls. No matter which way you choose, the noise of water crashing on the rocks, the cool breeze, water drizzling as you get closer to falls, and an endless flow of clear white water from greater heights is sure to make any person go down on their knees & fall in love with nature.
Gokak Falls
Gracefully flowing Ghataprabha river, after winding through a long route gushes down from 171 ft(52 metres) over sandstone cliff and rocky boulders to form beautiful looking Gokak falls. Besides this, the humongous waterfall has a flood width of 170 metres and its resemblance in many ways are similar to that of Niagara falls in the USA. Hence, It is also popularly known as “ Mini Niagara” by the locals. Gokak got its name from the Goki river that runs in this region.
There is a hanging rope suspension bridge which is 200 metres(659 ft) long and lies just 14 metres above the river bedrock of the falls. Hiking on the rope bridge during the rainy season as the river below is running violently causing chaos is sure to thrill the adventure junkies.
Best time to visit this place is when the rivers are running wild and free during the rainy season i.e. in the months of June to September
Vibhooti Falls
Just about 8 km from Yana caves lies this small perennial Vibhooti waterfalls surrounded by gigantic rocks and limestone deposits, in Sahyadri mountains ranges of western ghats. You need to trek for about 1.5 km to reach this 70 ft multi-tiered waterfall. The journey towards falls in itself is a great experience as you will be hiking through green shades of the forest; slippery rock, and small streams running with endless clear water. Not to mention the sight of mist-filled mighty mountains and deep valley next to you is mind-blowing.
Like many other waterfalls, even this is not visible, until you reach the endpoint. But what awaits you at the end, as the clear white water gushes down the rocks forming a pool & sound of free-flowing as it enters the forest area is pure bliss. There is a popular belief that the water that flows from the Yana caves region is the sacred ash (vibhooti), and hence the name Vibhooti Falls.
Magod Falls
Magod is a group of waterfalls sitting amidst the dense jungles of Western ghats, near Yellapur, Uttara Kannada. The rivers Bedti and Shalmala form this 2 tier waterfall. You can see the water gushing down the rocky paths from a height of 200m (650 ft) with a loud roar. Later, the falls are split into 2 segments before joining a narrow stream at the bottom of the valley.
The path leading to these falls is beautifully set up with narrow roads and deciduous trees lined up all along the way providing shades. Typical bikers would love the ride as most of the journey would seem like off-roading on muddy patches.
After reaching the spot, you need to take a small walkway, which will lead you down to viewpoints. The walkway offers a great view across the valley and has a railing protecting us from steep falls. There are two points from where we can observe Magod Falls and both offer a different stunning view.
Jog Falls
Jog is a majestic Waterfall standing tall amidst varying hues of lush green forests of Western ghats in Sagara, Shimoga. Sharavathi river cascades down from a height of 253 meters (830 ft) to form the famous Jog Falls. Indeed, this is the 2nd highest waterfall in India after the Nokalikal falls in Meghalaya that plunges from 335 meters. These falls are also known as Gerosappa or Joga falls or Jogada Gundi by the localities. There are 4 distinctive falls namely Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket that form the Jog falls.
With misty forests regions; water gushing down rapidly; the sound of water crashing on rocks; vaporous spray from the rock; birds chirping around; and rainbows everywhere will leave you mesmerized during the peak Monsoon season. However, water dries up a little bit during summer seasons making it look a bit empty.
Unchalli Falls
Unchalli falls is a hidden gem that is nestled in the Sahyadri forest range of Western ghats near Siddapura, Uttara Kannada. Water tumbles down from a height of 116 meters and spreads along rocks forming a triangle before reaching the ground. Untouched river Aghanashini that originates in Sirsi town. gives rise to Unchalli waterfalls.
Above all, these places are popular for their frequent rainbow spottings, mist-filled forests, and an uphill trek. In fact, this waterfall was discovered in 1845 by JD Lushington, the former collector of the Colonial British Government. Hence, Unchalli is also known as Lushington falls.
All along the way, you can spot blooming flowers, lofty trees, green creepers, and tiny wild animals. You will love every bit of journey as nature playfully blows gentle winds at you all day long. There are multiple paths to this trek, hence you can ask locals to know the easy and safe route.
There are 2 different platforms from where you can observe the scenic beauty of the falls. As you walk in right by the entrance you can spot the falls from the top angle. Besides this, if you want to have a closer view, then hike down a muddy path to Platform 2.
Conclusion
Do you feel like taking a dip and get lost in the serenity of some of the best waterfalls in Karnataka? So, what are you waiting for? just pack your backpack, put on your boots, and bid adieu to your normal life by staying in the wild.
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