Karnataka's Cascading Wonders: A Tour of its Majestic Waterfalls
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Magod Falls The mesmerisingMagod 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.
5. 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.
6. Shivanasamudra 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.
7. Abbey Falls Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Lalguli Falls Lalguli Falls are located about 15km north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District.
11. Sathodi Falls About 32km away from Yellapur, several unknown streams converge near KallaramaneGhat, and plunge from a height of about 15m to create a picturesque picnic spot.
12. Gokak Falls Located 65 kms from Belgaum, Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas.