It is rightly said that when you stand in front of a waterfall, everything else fade behind its majestic backdrop. Mysore- one of the most popular tourist destinations in India never fails to amaze one with its wondrous landscapes and historic antiquity. It is even more famous for its pristine dells and wonderful scenic abundance. Here, we have tried to sketch some of the most beautiful waterfalls in and around Mysore.
1. Balmuri Water falls
- Distance from Mysore: 18 kms
Balmuri Water Falls is not your typical waterfall because it is only a mere 6ft high. So, if you are expecting a thunderous fall roaring its beauty for all to see, then you will be disappointed. But I assure you, Balmuri Water Falls is in this list, because it has an ambience that attracts people from all over and has for years served as one of the popular tourist destinations in Mysore. It would surprise you to learn that it is actually caused by a check dam which has been constructed across the Kaveri River.
2. Chunchanakatte Falls
- Distance from Mysore: 18 km
The Chunchanakatte village has a secret well kept. This pristine village harbours a waterfall 20 ft. high. Chunchanakatte waterfall as you would have guessed is named after the village and is beauty at its epitome. Cradled by the beauty of the Western Ghats and the untouched virgin forests, the waterfall has two separate falls, which couple together to flow as one majestic roaring fall.
3. Shivanasamudram Falls
- Distance from Mysore: 85 kms
Shivanasamudram Falls captured headlines when it installed one of Asia’s largest Hydro-Electric Power Projects. This also happened to be Asia’s first prestigious project in Hydro-Electric Power. The villages it came to see, the twists and turns of the Deccan and finally cascading into a roaring fall, the Shivanasamudram Falls have a lot of stories to tell you.
4. Yedamuri Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 18 kms
The Yedamuri Water falls is often mentioned together with the Balamuri Waterfalls but I think it deserves special mention. But I must warn you, like the Balamuri this is not exactly your idea of a waterfall. It is only a few metres away from Balamuri but is more silent and instils a calm aura all over. People often flock to Balamuri and at weekends it can be a tad over-crowded. But if you just turn a few miles away from Balamuri and you reach this wondrous place away from hustle. It is definitely a great place to hitch up a picnic.
5. Chunchi Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 95 kms
The Arkavati is itself a beautiful river cradled by the Nandi Hills and you can trek to the Chunchi Waterfalls, surrounded by lush green valleys. It is safely tucked away in its crib and is set amidst a virgin forest. So it is safe, it is silent and it is yet to be touched with modernity. You can spend hours here and you would not be disturbed and you definitely won’t want to leave its calming aura which has that incredible power to soothe your nerves.
Now I am going to bring your attention to five Waterfalls, all located in the state of Karnataka but are a bit distant from Mysore. But I assure you that if you have a trip planned to Mysore, then you should definitely add these amazing falls to your list too. It will undeniably be worth your while.
6. Iruppu Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 119.3 kms
Now this is a waterfall with all its typical elements. It is located in the beautiful plush valleys of Koorg. Heavily adorned by the myth of the Ramayana legends and the epic characters in it, the Iruppu Waterfalls is believed to be sacred. Make sure you ask for the Lakshmana Tirtha, otherwise you might confuse the locals. Falling from a great height of 170 ft. this waterfall is an amazing delight and roars the scenic beauty of the dells.
7. Jog Falls
- Distance from Mysore: 346.2 kms
Okay, so this is a long drive from Mysore, but you definitely can’t miss Jog falls. The long drive is just nothing when you know that you will be rewarded as you drink in the exquisite beauty of the highest waterfall in India! The Sharavati River definitely knows how to surprise everyone and I don’t think much has to be said about the beauty of this mighty falls.
8. Muthyala Maduvu Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 150.4 kms
Want to catch some pearls? Then better head out to the Muthyala Maduvu waterfall. No, there are literally no pearls here! But the Waterfalls in the Maduvu Valley give the impression of pearls being spread all around. What better reward does a nature lover want? It is a definite delight!
9. Magod Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 528.1 kms
This waterfall is the crib of the Bedti River and fall from a thundering height of 200m. It is located just a few miles away from Yellapur a beautiful hill station famed for its lush dells and mesmerizing aura. The Magod Waterfalls is a two- step water fall which cascades into a pond down below. Surprisingly this pristine pond serves for a wonderful swim.
10. Sangama and Mekedatu Waterfalls
- Distance from Mysore: 119.1 kms
As the name, itself suggest the Sangama Waterfalls is located at the confluence of Arkavati and Kaveri. Just a few miles from here is the Mekedathu Point. You can visit both these falls in one trip and spend some quality time in the waters. But make sure you wade in the shallow ends, because the Sangama has a mean reputation for its deep trenches. Better to be safe than sorry.
Once in a while it is great to escape from the hustle and bustle of your modern life style. What better option than to spend a few days amidst lush valleys and roaring waterfalls? So, chart out a plan for your next vacation and you will definitely be a changed person by the end of your journey.
