Chikmagalur is not just about coffee. It is one of Karnataka's most waterfall-rich districts and most travellers from Bangalore don't even know half of them exist.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full nature trip, this guide covers every major waterfall in Chikmagalur worth visiting. We've also added the exact distance from Mudigere and The Sunset Valley for each one so you can plan your day trips without guesswork.
Let's go.
Chikmagalur sits in the Western Ghats a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot. The region receives heavy monsoon rainfall from June to September, which feeds dozens of waterfalls tucked inside dense shola forests.
The best time to visit most waterfalls is July to October, when water flow is at its peak. Some are accessible in summer too, though smaller in volume.
Now, the list.
01 Kadambi FallsThe Hidden Curtain Waterfall |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~10 km from Mudigere | Height Approx. 40 metres | Best Season July - October |
Kadambi Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Chikmagalur. Unlike most falls that pour in a single stream, Kadambi spreads wide like a curtain across black rocks covered in green moss.
It sits inside a dense forest area near Kemmangundi, which means the approach itself feels like a nature walk. Expect lush canopy, bird sounds, and relatively fewer crowds compared to Hebbe Falls.
The trail to the base is short but requires some basic trekking footwear. Carry water and a light jacket the mist from the falls drops the temperature noticeably.
This is one of the easiest family-friendly waterfall experiences in the region. Children can safely enjoy the view from the viewing area without any technical climbing.
Read our full Kadambi Falls guide
02 Hebbe FallsChikmagalur's Most Famous Two-Tier Waterfall |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~15 km from Mudigere | Height 168 m (Dodda 90m + Chikka 54m) | Best Season July - November |
Hebbe Falls is the most well-known waterfall in Chikmagalur and for good reason. It drops in two dramatic stages through thick coffee and cardamom plantations, making it arguably the most scenic falls in Karnataka.
The upper tier (Dodda Hebbe) is thunderous during peak monsoon. The lower tier (Chikka Hebbe) is calmer and more accessible for photos.
To reach Hebbe Falls, you travel through a private coffee estate. A small vehicle fee is collected at the entry. During monsoon, only estate jeeps are permitted inside so plan accordingly.
The walk from the drop-off point to the falls takes 15-20 minutes through a winding forest path. The experience is completely worth it.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid Bangalore weekend crowds. Early mornings offer the cleanest light and fewer people at the base.
Plan your Hebbe Falls visit with our guide
03 Kallathigiri FallsThe Sacred Waterfall with a Temple |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~22 km from Mudigere | Height Approx. 120 metres | Best Season August - October |
Kallathigiri Falls is less visited than Hebbe but arguably more dramatic in monsoon. The falls drop into a deep gorge framed by rocky outcrops and thick forest.
What makes Kallathigiri unique is the ancient Kallathigiri Temple at its base. Locals consider the water sacred. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance gives this place a different kind of energy.
Access requires a short trek down a semi-steep trail. The path can be slippery in heavy monsoon wear proper grip shoes. No vehicles beyond the parking area.
This is one of the best options for travellers who want fewer crowds and a more raw, authentic experience. Not many tourist blogs even cover it properly which is exactly why it is worth visiting.
See our Kallathigiri Falls travel notes
04 Manikyadhara FallsThe Monsoon Powerhouse |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~55 km (near Kemmangundi) | Height Approx. 20 metres | Best Season July - September |
Manikyadhara Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Kemmangundi hill station. The falls are right beside the road no trekking required which makes it ideal for families, elderly visitors, and those with limited time.
In peak monsoon, Manikyadhara turns into a powerful roaring cascade. It is a popular pit stop on the Kemmangundi sightseeing circuit.
The water is believed to have medicinal properties by locals, and many visitors take a quick dip in the pool at the base.
Combine a visit here with the Kemmangundi rose garden and Raj Bhavan viewpoint for a full day's itinerary.
See Abbe Gundi Falls details on our site site
05 Abbe Gundi FallsThe Sakleshpur Crossover Gem |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~45 km from Mudigere | Height Approx. 75 metres | Best Season July - October |
Abbe Gundi Falls sits near the border of Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur districts. It is often listed under Sakleshpur waterfalls, but many travellers visit it as part of a Chikmagalur trip.
The falls drop into a lush green pool surrounded by boulders and dense plantation forests. A rope bridge near the falls area adds a small adventure element for the kids.
Abbe Gundi is photogenic throughout the monsoon season but can be completely dry by February. Plan your visit between July and October for the best experience.
The surrounding area has homestays and small resorts, but most visitors prefer to stay in Mudigere and visit as a day trip.
See Abbe Gundi Falls details on our site
06 Devaramane FallsThe The Underrated Local Favourite |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~5 km closest to your base | Height Approx. 30 m (seasonal) | Best Season July - September |
Most travel lists ignore Devaramane Falls which is exactly why you should put it on yours.
Located near the Devaramane Betta viewpoint and just 5 km from The Sunset Valley, this is a seasonal waterfall that appears during heavy monsoon and is at its best in July and August.
The falls are surrounded by mist-covered hills and grasslands. Since it is largely unknown to outside tourists, you often have the whole place to yourself a rare thing in any popular hill destination.
We recommend combining Devaramane Falls with the Devaramane Viewpoint trek in the early morning. The fog, the silence, and the seasonal waterfall together make for an experience that feels genuinely off-the-beaten-path.
It is literally in your backyard if you stay at The Sunset Valley.
Explore the full Devaramane area guide
07 Kemmangundi FallsThe Hidden Inside a Hill Station |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~55 km from Mudigere | Type Multiple cascades along trek trails | Best Season July - October |
Kemmangundi hill station itself has several small waterfall cascades scattered along its trails. The most visited is along the Z Point trekking route, where streams cascade across rocks through pine and shola forest.
These are not dramatic single-drop waterfalls they are the kind you walk past and through during a trek. The experience is about immersion in nature rather than a single viewpoint photo.
If you combine Kemmangundi with Manikyadhara Falls and the Raj Bhavan gardens, you have a packed full-day itinerary from Mudigere.
The road to Kemmangundi is winding and narrow. Start early. Avoid peak monsoon weekends unless you enjoy traffic.
Full Kemmangundi travel guide
08 ManjarabadBonus Fort with Seasonal Streams |
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| Distance from Sunset Valley ~60 km (near Sakleshpur) | Type Fort + seasonal waterfall streams | Best Season July - September |
Manjarabad Fort near Sakleshpur is not a traditional waterfall destination but during heavy monsoon, the hillside surrounding the star-shaped fort runs with multiple natural streams and small cascades.
It is more of a scenic bonus than a dedicated waterfall visit. The fort itself is a fascinating piece of Hyder Ali's military architecture worth seeing regardless of season.
If you are already visiting Abbe Gundi Falls nearby, add Manjarabad to the same day's route. The two together take about four to five hours including travel.
| Month | Water Level | Crowd Level | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | Low-Medium | Low | Good start to season |
| July | High | Medium | Best time peak flow |
| August | High | Medium | Excellent, fewer leeches than July |
| September | High | Low | Best overall post-peak, good flow |
| October | Medium | Low-Medium | Still good, especially Hebbe + Kadambi |
| November | Low | Low | Some falls drying |
| Dec-May | Minimal | Very Low | Most falls dry or very thin |
If you want to visit multiple waterfalls in one trip, your base location matters.
Mudigere is the most centrally located town for accessing Chikmagalur waterfalls. It sits roughly equidistant from Hebbe Falls, Kadambi Falls, Kallathigiri Falls, and Devaramane Falls.
The Sunset Valley is a hilltop resort located just outside Mudigere and it is the closest quality stay to most of the waterfalls on this list.
| Kadambi Falls Only 10 km away | Hebbe Falls Only 15 km away | Devaramane Falls Just 5 km away |
Waking up in the hills, stepping out to a valley view, then driving to a different waterfall each day that is what a Chikmagalur waterfall trip should feel like.
Only 15 km from Hebbe Falls and 10 km from Kadambi Falls.
Book Your Stay TodayHebbe Falls is the most famous and most visited waterfall in Chikmagalur. It drops 168 metres in two stages through a coffee estate and is best visited between August and October. Kadambi Falls is a close second for scenic beauty and accessibility.
July to October is the best time to visit waterfalls in Chikmagalur. Water flow is highest during and immediately after the monsoon season. September and October offer the best combination of full flow and manageable crowds.
Most Chikmagalur waterfalls are 250-300 km from Bangalore, roughly a 5-6 hour drive. Hebbe Falls, Kadambi Falls, and Kallathigiri Falls are best accessed by staying in Mudigere, which is 40-50 km from Bangalore's Tumkur ring road connection.
Yes, most waterfalls in Chikmagalur are family-friendly. Kadambi Falls and Manikyadhara Falls are the easiest with children. Hebbe Falls requires a 20-minute forest walk. Avoid visiting any waterfall base area during very heavy rain water levels can rise suddenly.
Hebbe Falls charges a vehicle entry fee for passing through the private coffee estate. Fees vary by vehicle type and are collected at the estate gate. The falls themselves have no separate entry charge. Check current rates locally before visiting.
Yes. A Kadambi + Hebbe + Kallathigiri circuit is doable in one long day from Mudigere. Start by 7 AM. Combine Kemmangundi and Manikyadhara on a separate day. Abbe Gundi can be paired with Manjarabad as a Sakleshpur day trip.
There is limited accommodation right at the falls. Most travellers stay in Mudigere or at resorts nearby. The Sunset Valley is 10-15 km from both Kadambi and Hebbe Falls, making it the most convenient base for a multi-waterfall itinerary.