After a busy week working hard, you must be looking for a perfect weekend getaway to lay your mind off the hustle bustle of hectic urban life. What better way to spend the weekend than by relaxing near a waterfall and bask in the majestic glory of nature? With the Kaveri, Arkavati, and Lakshmana Theerta rivers flowing down gorgeous rock formations, Bangalore is home to many beautiful waterfalls . There are scores of activities to indulge in near waterfalls, so do pack some gear that will allow you to get wet. Here is a list of ten waterfalls you must visit near Bangalore.
1. Shivanasamudra Falls, Mandya
Just a three hour drive away from Bangalore, Shivanasamudra falls are fed by the mighty Kaveri river. After the river winds through the Deccan Plateau it falls back to the ground near the town of Shivasamudra. Shivanasamudra falls are a series of small waterfalls, which makes it a segmented waterfall. With more than 900 cubic metres of water falling through every second, the waterfall is beautiful and powerful. The first hydro-electric power plant in Asia was established at the waterfall and is still operational. You should be careful to follow the signs posted nearby, as it is dangerous to stand on the rocks.
2. Chunchi Falls, Mekedatu
Chunchi falls fall on a beautiful trekking route and are the perfect place for weekend getaway. The waterfalls themselves aren’t very big but the surrounding area makes for a serene and peaceful getaway. There are small snack stalls set up by locals nearby so if you are in the mood for a picnic this is the perfect place to have one. Do bring your camera along as the view is absolutely breathtaking and is sure to give you an Instagram worthy picture. During the summer months the amount of water flowing through the area is not as much and you may only see one or two segmented falls, so going during the winter makes for a more majestic view.
3. Hogenakkal Falls, Dharmapuri
Around 180 kilometres away from Bangalore, near the Tamil Nadu border, lies the majestic Hogenakkal falls. Fed by the mighty Kaveri, this is a great place for a weekend getaway. Many have called the Hogenakkal falls the Niagara of India. The rocks around the area are said to be one of the oldest of its kind in world, so don’t be shy to collect some. During the summers, you are allowed to visit the falls on a boat ride, so do take the opportunity to have a trip during the summer. The boats are traditional and use animal hides to keep safe from water. Do keep in mind that boats that use plastic to keep them waterproof are damaging the local area and avoid them at all costs. For the foodies, you are sure to find vendors selling fresh fish near the area.
4. Muthyalamaduvu Falls, Anekal
Known as the ‘Pearl Valley’, due to the falls creating an illusion of pearls falling down, this is a perfect place to go for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. At just an hour’s distance from Bangalore, this is a great place to leave your city troubles behind. The best time to visit is during the monsoons, as you can witness Muthyalamaduvu falls in all their glory. The surrounding forests and lush greenery filled with birds and wildlife are sure to pique your interests, and you can sharpen your bird watching skills in the area. The falls are part of the large Bannerghatta National Park, so you’re in for a plethora of fun activities.
5. Balmuri Edmuri Waterfalls, Belagola
A man-made waterfall created by a dam, these are still a fun place to go during the weekend. Just a three hour drive away from Bangalore, Balmuri Edmuri Waterfalls is famous due to it being a popular place for shooting movies. You are welcome to take a dip near the falls which it is completely safe. The area around is quite picturesque, so do remember to bring a camera along for some nice candid water shots. A nice spot to have a picnic with family or friends, you are sure to enjoy it here. The best time to visit is during the winters or monsoons, as the water levels are perfect during this time.
6. Jog Falls, Sagara Taluk
Jog falls is the second highest waterfall in India. Originally a segmented waterfall, like Niagara falls, it can become a plunge waterfall as well, depending on the season and the amount of rainfall. Both forms of the Jog falls are equally beautiful. It ranks 13th highest in the world, and if you are around the area you should definitely see it. When it is a segmented waterfall the four streams of water are named Roarer, Rani, Rocket, and Raja. The nearby Sharavati Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to enjoy some water sports and you are sure to have an amazing time here.
7. Chunchanakatte Falls, Cunchanakatte
Legend has it that Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, had taken a bath here during their exile. This led to the water and the rocks nearby to have a unique colour, that of turmeric, oil, and a natural shampoo called shikakai. Lakshman had shot an arrow into a rock which made these three things come out, so that Sita could have a proper bath. The Kaveri River goes down two small cascades, which in turn create these beautiful falls. The force from Chunchanakatte falls is immense and the speed the water comes down at is really thunderous. There is a hydro-electric power station just downstream which taps into this awesome energy.
8. Mekedatu Falls, Kanakapura
Mekedatu in Kannada means goat’s leap. The name of the falls comes from the fact that it is very narrow. The river, Sangama, is the confluence of both Kaveri and Arkavati rivers. The river spans an immense 150 metres from bank to bank. This then goes through a gorge that is around ten metres wide, giving the waterfall an immense amount of power. Swimming nearby is extremely dangerous, given to the excruciating force of water in descent. This is also one of the habitats for crocodiles, making swimming a very dangerous activity. Taking necessary precautions of the area is sure to give you an enjoyable and momentous experience.
9. Abbey Falls, Coorg
Located almost 300 kilometres away from Bangalore, this is the perfect place to go to during the weekends, especially if you are a coffee lover. Abbey falls are situated right inside a private coffee plantation and are fed by the Kaveri river. Surrounded by lush greenery and an impressive sight to behold during the monsoons, you are sure to have a great time trekking around or just watching the river cascade down the rocks. It is surely going to soothe and calm your mind, and it makes for the perfect getaway for nature lovers.
10. Iruppu Falls, Iruppu
Near the border of Kerala, is the beautiful and pristine Iruppu falls. The Lakshmana river plunges down 170 feet to create these awesome falls, and is said to have the power to absolve people of their sins. Many thousands of devotees come to the site of the waterfalls to have their sins cleansed during Shivaratri, so that makes it a good time to go if you are a fan of crowds. You can surely catch the waterfall in all its glory during the monsoons and winter. The woods that surround it are populated densely with birds and plants, and make for a nice serene haunt on the weekends.
With such an abundance of nature near Bangalore, you are sure to not fall into a monotonous life if you choose to have these small weekend trips. They are going to cleanse your mind and allow you to start afresh once you are back.
