Nature tourism
Best waterfalls in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur’s waterfalls range from a roadside stop to a jeep ride and a walk through a coffee estate. Here are the ones most visitors ask about, with what to expect at each and when to go.
The main waterfalls
Two drops, Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, inside a private coffee estate near Kemmangundi. Guides quote a height of around 168 m in total. Access is usually by a jeep ride through the estate followed by a short walk, and there is a fee for the jeep. In the monsoon expect leeches and strong water.
A wide curtain of water in the Baba Budangiri hills, close to Mullayanagiri. It is reached by walking through a private coffee estate, and the last stretch needs a local jeep. Best during and after the monsoon.
A smaller fall near the Baba Budangiri shrine, considered sacred. The last stretch of road is rough, and visitors usually go by jeep. Conditions change with the season.
Easy to reach and often combined with a trip to Kemmangundi. It flows near an old Veerabhadra temple and is at its best in the monsoon.
A quieter fall reached by a short, steep trek through plantations, with a pool at the base. Good for a picnic when the water is calm.
When to go
Waterfalls are fullest during and just after the monsoon. Guides commonly suggest July to December, with the flow strongest in the heavier months and the trails safer once the rain eases, roughly October onwards. Reports vary by fall and by year, so ask locally before you plan around a particular one.
See the best time to visit Chikmagalur and our monsoon travel guide for how the seasons compare.
Staying safe at waterfalls
- Do not enter the water after heavy rain. Flow can rise quickly, and rocks are slippery.
- Follow signs and local advice about where swimming is allowed.
- Wear shoes with good grip. In the monsoon, leech socks help.
- Many falls are on private estates. Pay the fee, respect the rules and do not leave rubbish.
- Do not rely on a phone signal in the forest. Tell someone where you are going.
Which one for you?
- Easy stop: Kallathigiri, on the way to Kemmangundi.
- A short adventure: Manikyadhara or Jhari, with a jeep and a walk.
- A full day: Hebbe, combined with Kemmangundi.
- Quiet and offbeat: Ukkada, if you like a steep walk through plantation.
Pairing one fall with a peak makes a good day. See places to visit near Mullayanagiri, and bring the right gear from our packing list.
Plan it around a stay
Our places around page lists waterfalls and viewpoints with live driving times. We can also arrange jeep tours, and our 2-day itinerary shows how to fit a fall into your trip. See our stay options and tariff.