Karnataka’s spell-binding waterfalls...Must read....!

When the monsoon kicks into top gear, waterfalls reach the peak of their grandeur. The dry trickle of summer is long forgotten as these cascades gush with resurgent life and energise their surroundings as well as those who gaze upon their beauty. Many of the most captivating waterfalls, including some famous around the world, are in Karnataka, and many of these are located in the Western Ghats, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel photographer SHIVAKUMAR L NARAYAN reveals nine of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state.

Gaganachukki: Located in Mandya district of Karnataka, Gaganachukki (the name means “Fallen from the Sky”), and its twin Barachukki (next photo), are just over an hour’s journey from Bangalore. These falls are formed by the Cauvery River.

Barachukki: The spectacular Barachukki Falls are on the eastern branch of the Cauvery River and located just over an hour’s drive from Bangalore. A visit to these falls, along with one to the forceful Gaganachukki nearby, make for a refreshing day-trip.

 

Iruppu Falls: These picturesque waterfalls are situated at the edge of the Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, about 50 km from the district headquarters at Madikeri. They are also known as the Lakshmana Theertha Falls, a name derived from the Lakshmana Theertha River, a tributary of the Cauvery River that rises in these hills.

Chunchi Falls: Nestled among the rocky terrain of Kanakapura in rural Bangalore, these falls formed by the Arkavati River are less than 90 km by road from the city. A short off-road trek leads you to face the falls, which are a sight to behold.

Hebbe Falls: A treacherous drive along rough terrain inside a private coffee estate in Kemmanagundi – a famous hill station of the region – leads you to Hebbe Falls. The cascade plunges over 500 feet in two stages of varying sizes, aptly named Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. The water from the falls drains into the Bhadra River.

Jog Falls: One of the most spectacular waterfalls in India and India’s second-highest, Jog Falls needs no introduction. Formed by the Sharavathi River in Shimoga district of Karnataka, it falls from a height of over 900 feet and has four branches named Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani.

Sathodi Falls: About 50 km the town of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, the Sathodi Falls are a tributary of the Kali River. Plunging nearly 50 feet, it is fed by numerous streams and eventually drains into the Kali. The challenging terrain of its location, together with lush forests infested with leeches, makes access to this waterfall difficult. Nonetheless, it is a view to be enjoyed.

Magod Falls: Magod Falls is located in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district, about 80 km from the district headquarters at Karwar and about 20 km from the town of Yellapur, which is the nearest railway station. Formed by the Bedti River, it falls in two steps and plunges nearly 650 feet.