Karnataka, one of India’s most tourist-friendly states, boasts a stunning array of natural and cultural attractions. The lush Western Ghats carve through the region, giving rise to countless rivers and breathtaking waterfalls. Districts like Chikmagalur, Uttara & Dakshina Kannada, Coorg, Shimoga, and parts of Hassan are treasure troves of biodiversity, where dense forests, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls create a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Among these wonders stands the majestic Kunchikal Falls near Agumbe in Shimoga—plunging from a staggering height of 455 meters (1,493 feet), it once held the title of India’s tallest waterfall before hydel projects altered its flow. Today, Karnataka’s waterfalls—from the thunderous Jog Falls to the hidden Barkana Falls—remain must-visit destinations, offering trekking, photography, and eco-tourism experiences amid the state’s pristine landscapes.
Note: Jog Falls is the tallest fall by a single drop, so it’s called the tallest in Karnataka. The list below ranks waterfalls based on their overall height.
| Rank | Name of Waterfalls | Height | Location | Type | Watersource |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kunchikal Falls | 1,493 ft (455 m) | Agumbe, Shimoga District | Tiered | Varahi River |
| 2 | Barkana Falls | 850 ft (260 m) | Agumbe, Shimoga District | Tiered | Sita River |
| 3 | Jog Falls | 829 ft (253 m) | Sagar, Shimoga District | Cataract, Segmented | Sharavathi River |
| 4 | Magod Falls | 650 ft (200 m) | Yellapur, Uttar Kannada | Tiered | River Bedti |
| 5 | Belkal theertha | 600 ft (180 m) | Kollur, Udupi and Shimoga | Tiered | |
| 6 | Hebbe Falls | 551 ft (168 m) | Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur | Tiered | |
| 7 | Kalhatti Falls | 403 ft (123 m) | Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur | Tiered | |
| 8 | Koosalli Falls | 380 ft (120 m) | Udupi | Tiered | |
| 9 | Unchalli Falls or Keppa Falls | 380 ft (120 m) | Siddapur Taluk, Uttara Kannada District | Aghanashini | |
| 10 | Shivanasamudra Falls | 320 ft (98 m) | Shivanasamudra, Mandya District | Segmented | Kaveri River |
Interesting facts about the Tallest Waterfalls in Karnataka
1. Jog Falls (Gersoppa Falls)
- Height: 830 feet (253 meters) – one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.
- Unique Feature: Formed by the Sharavathi River, it splits into four distinct cascades—Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket.
- Seasonal Beauty: During monsoon, it transforms into a roaring giant, while in summer, the water reduces to a trickle, revealing the rocky cliff face.
- Historical Fact: Named “Jog” after the local word for “falls,” it was earlier called Gersoppa Falls by the British.
2. Hebbe Falls – Hidden Gem of Kemmangundi
- Height: Around 550 feet (168 meters).
- Location: Nestled deep inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, accessible only by a rugged jeep ride and a short trek.
- Unique Feature: The waterfall splits into two streams—Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls) and Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls).
- Medicinal Myth: Locals believe the surrounding herbs make the water medicinal.
3. Kalhatti Falls (Kalahasti Falls) – A Sacred Cascade
- Height: 400 feet (122 meters).
- Location: Near Kemmangundi, Chikmagalur.
- Religious Significance: The falls are near the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Wildlife Spotting: The area is known for sightings of Malabar giant squirrels and exotic birds.
4. Barkana Falls – The Hidden Giant
- Height: 850 feet (259 meters) – taller than Jog Falls, but less known.
- Location: Part of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats.
- Unique Fact: It is the tallest waterfall in Karnataka, but it remains off the tourist radar due to its remote location.
- Adventure Access: Requires a challenging trek through dense forests.
5. Kunchikal Falls – Once India’s Tallest
- Height: 1,493 feet (455 meters) – formerly the tallest waterfall in India before the construction of the Varahi Hydel Project diverted its flow.
- Location: Near Agumbe in Shimoga district.
- Current Status: Now reduced to a seasonal fall, visible only during heavy rains.
6. Shivaganga Falls – The Mystical Cascade
- Height: 500 feet (152 meters).
- Location: Near Sirsi in Uttara Kannada.
- Unique Feature: The water plunges into a natural cave-like formation, creating a mystical aura.
- Local Legend: Named after a nearby Shiva temple, believed to be blessed by the deity.
Bonus Fact:
- Karnataka’s waterfalls are primarily fed by the Western Ghats, making them most spectacular during the monsoon (June-September).
- Many of these falls are located in protected forests, home to rare wildlife like black panthers, king cobras, and lion-tailed macaques.
