Top 7 Waterfalls near Bangalore that are Worth Visiting

Cover Photo by Chaitanya Rayampally

Amidst the mayhem of the city life in Bangalore, there comes a time when the heart and mind demand peace; a time when you can unwind and just relax. Bangalore is known as the city where only marvellous infrastructures and bustling city lanes exist. However, that’s not entirely true!

While the city houses state-of-the-art concrete beauties; there are some of the most breathtaking places to visit in Bangalore, where you can go for rejuvenating trips. One of the most famous tourist attractions is the magnificent waterfalls.

Waterfalls have an aura, a charm of their own. Whether it is the sound of the water gushing from the peak or simply the lush green surrounding – it is difficult to put in words the serenity that waterfalls have. Coming to the waterfalls in Bangalore, they are located near the city and a weekend or one-day trip can be easily planned. If you are looking forward to relaxing your overworked and overstressed mind, here are the top 7 waterfalls near the city that are simply worth visiting!

Waterfalls near Bangalore within 300 Km

Abbey Falls, Coorg

One of the most famous waterfalls near Bangalore in Karnataka, Abbey Falls is your go-to place if you want to spend time in the embrace of nature that is well-complemented by cosy weather. An interesting fact is that the Abbey Falls were earlier known as Jessi Falls, which was named after a British officer’s wife. As for the current name, the waterfall is said to have derived its name after the daughter of Madikeri's first British captain. Situated on the early ranges of the Kaveri River, both sides of the waterfall is surrounded by private coffee plantations, spice estates, and huge trees that are entangled with pepper vines. Adding to this, a hanging bridge is situated right opposite the Abbey Falls, which enhances its beauty. Coorg is one of the most-loved hill stations near Bangalore and the Abbey Falls makes it famous even more.

Location: Madikeri, Coorg

Distance from Bangalore: Approximately 268 Km. 

Hebbe Falls, Kemmangundi

Located inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, the Hebbe Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore that you can visit for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. Hebbe Falls is touted as a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The waterfall is surrounded by coffee plantations that amplify the scenic beauty of the place by notches. The government and tourism department has approved a forest jeep that is considered the best way to go to the waterfalls. You can also consider trekking through the entire route but since the place has too many leeches, it is advisable to take the jeep. However, to reach the falls, you have to trek through the forest for around a kilometre. The Hebbe Falls cascades from a height of approximately 551 feet in two stages, which forms the Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and the Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). Make sure to add this waterfall if you choose a Bangalore travel package.

Location: Kemmangundi, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka

Distance from Bangalore: Around 292 Km.

Chelavara Falls, Virajpet

Naturally formed by a small stream, which is a tributary of the Kaveri River near the Cheyyandane village in Virajpet; Chelavara Falls is yet another waterfall around Bangalore that offers a beautiful amalgam of picturesque views and tranquillity. The drive to the falls is a very thrilling one; on the route, will get to see plenty of estates, hillocks, forest reserves, and so on, giving you eye-pleasing sights. Positioned near Tadiandamol, which is known as the highest point in the Kodagu district, to witness this beautiful waterfall in Bangalore, you have to walk for about 200 meters from the parking point. However, a crucial point that you need to note is that certain sections of the pool that are formed from the cascading water are as deep as 100 feet. There are warning boards put up for the same; make sure you abide by them.

Location: Virajpet, Kodagu District

Distance from Bangalore: 259 Km. 

Waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 Km

Thottikallu Falls, Kanakapura

Also known as the ‘Swarna Mukhi’ Falls, this breathtaking waterfall is located near Electronic City, Bangalore. The term, Swarna Mukhi, means Golden Faced and then mesmeric sight that this falls offers when the sun rays fall on it; truly justifies its sobriquet. Other than this, the Thottikallu Falls is also known as TK Falls, belonging to the Karnataka Forest Department. The Thottikallu Falls is one of the nearest waterfalls from Bangalore, where you can go for a day’s trip. As the Thottikallu Falls is considered as an elephant corridor, entry to the main waterfall area is restricted; however, the place has a small shrine where tourists can visit and witness the cascading beauty from there.

Location: Kanakapura, Bangalore

Distance from the city: 35 Km.

Muthyala Maduvu Falls, Anekal

Another waterfall near Bangalore within 100 km is the Muthyala Maduvu Falls. Also known as Pearl Valley, the waterfall is perched on the hills surrounded by scenic greens that bring tranquillity to your mind and soul. The waterfall is a famous tourist attraction for a day-out or picnic. Those who are into adventurous activities can explore the challenging trekking trail in the hillocks near the waterfall. There is also a small shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and if you want to witness the rituals of the shrine, the best time to go to this waterfall near Bangalore is early morning.

Location: Anekal, near Hosur, Bangalore

Distance from the city: 40 Km. 

Chunchi Falls, Kanakapura

A popular destination for one-day trips and family picnics, the Chunchi Falls is yet another breathtaking natural water places, located near Bangalore’s Shivanahalli region. The waterfall’s gorgeousness is even more amplified by the magnificent rock formations and dense greens around the falls. An ideal getaway place for unwinding from the stress of daily life, you can take a dip in the pristine water of the plunge-pool, formed by the gushing waterfall and let all the worries wash away. On the way to this Bangalore waterfall, you will come across a watchtower, where you can experience the panoramic 360-degree view of the rocky terrain that is adorned with dense deciduous forest, surrounding the fall. If your adrenaline rushes too much, you can trek down to the falls from the watchtower for an even better view of the surroundings.

Location: Kanakapura, Shivanahalli, Bangalore

Distance from the town: Approximately, 90 Km.

Mekedatu Falls, Kanakapura

The Kanakapura region of Bangalore sure houses a lot of waterfalls where you can go and simply rejuvenate yourself. And, yet another waterfall near Bangalore within 100 km is the Mekedatu Falls. The waterfall is also known as ‘Goats Leap’ and was formed due to River Kaveri flowing through a narrow and deep gorge of solid granite rock. To reach the Mekedatu Waterfall, you have to undertake a short trek through the rocky terrain. The sight of the plunging beauty is amazingly gorgeous; however, taking a dip at this natural water place near Bangalore is not advisable as the undercurrents are said to be very strong.

Location: Kanakapura, Ramnagara, Bangalore

Distance from Bangalore city: Around 93 Km. 

Apart from these, the Jog Falls, Shivanasamudra Falls, Hogenakkal Falls, Balmuri Edmuri Waterfalls, Chunchanakatte Falls, and Irupu Falls, to name a few are some of the other breathtaking waterfalls near Bangalore that you can visit to unwind yourself.

A small vacation, even if it is for a day or two, is something that everyone deserves. The amount of hard work that you put in at your workplace or at daily home chores makes everyone tired at some point or the other, leading to work unwillingly or with less dedication. Taking a break helps you relaxing those overstressed nerves in your body. And, what better than visiting the gorgeous and magnificent waterfalls, where only calmness and serenity resides. Now, let’s get to plan your waterfall trip, shall we?