Falls in Karnataka

Nature's Wonder Jog falls With a Rainbow

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Waterfalls Have a Special Attraction of Their Own

Waterfalls create stunning scenery. There are not many things in the world that have a lure as irresistible as these natural roller coasters. Confluence of mountains (including the mighty Western Ghats) and rivers (like Kaveri, Sharavathi, Kali, etc) has given birth to many waterfalls in Karnataka.

Here is a brief overview of some of them.

Jog Falls

Also known as Gerosoppa Falls, Jog falls is the second highest (253 m) plunge waterfall in India. It the tallest un-tiered waterfall in India.

Best Time to Visit Jog Falls:

Visit Jog Falls between July and December.

Hotels Near Jog Falls

Name
Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa Jogfalls
Sharavathi Adventure Camp

Trivia

Kannada blockbuster movie Mungauru Male has captured breathtaking views of Jog Falls.

I love the sounds and the power of pounding water, whether it is the waves or a waterfall.

— Mike May

Hebbe Falls

This 168 m waterfall is located in Chikmagalur district. It is among the exotic hill stations at Kemmangundi. Trekking is permitted, but you need to beware of leeches.

Hebbe Falls

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Hotels Near Hebbe Falls

Name
Ranga Taana
The Green Leaves
Pavanaganga Homestay
Nature Nirvana
Jhari Eco Stay

Hebbe Falls Timings

Open from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

This is a place worth your time.

— Digvijay Janoti

Unchalli Falls

Unchalli Falls (116 m) is also known as Lushington Falls because it was discovered by J.D. Lushington, a district collector of the British Government, in 1845. This broad and beautiful wonder of nature is created by River Aghanashini.

How to Reach Unchalli Falls?

Unchalli Falls is located around 35 kilometers from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district. It is well-connected by road. I suggest that you take a jeep at Sirsi. These jeeps drop you at a spot that is around 500 meters from the waterfall.

Hotels Near Unchalli Falls

Name
Pragati Home Stay - Nagarakodi
Matthuga
Hotel Madhuvana

Shivanasamudra Falls

Located in Mandya district, the 98 m Shivanasamudra Falls is a treat to the eyes. Here, River Kaveri bifurcates into two and the branches plummet into rocky gorges to form wonderful Shivanasamudra Falls.

Shivanasamudra Falls

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Iruppu Falls

Located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district, this beautiful 52 m fresh water cascade is also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. It is created by River Lakshmana Theertha.

Iruppu Falls Timings

Opening	Closing
8.00 am	7.00 pm

Abbey Falls

Located in Kodagu district, Abbey Falls is amidst coffee plantations. You need to walk on a hanging bridge to get a good view of the falls. While enjoying your time here, beware of leeches.

Sathodi Falls

Located in Uttara Kannada District, the 15 m tall Sathodi Falls is formed by various unnamed streams. Popularly known as the Mini Niagara, this falls is in Ganeshgudi forest range.

Mallalli Falls

Located in Kodagu district, the magnificent Mallalli Falls is formed by by Kumaradhara river, which is a tributary of Netravati river. While enjoying the scenic beauty of the place, beware of leech attacks.

Kudumari Falls

Located in a deep forest near a village known as Chaktikal, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, the Kudumari Falls attracts trekkers from all parts of the world.

Magod Falls

Bedti river forms Magod Falls (200 meters), a group of waterfalls in Magod, Uttara Kannada district. It is located amidst dense forest. Visit between July and November.

Gokak Falls

Located in Belagavi district, Gokak Falls (52 meters) is formed by Ghataprabha river. Located around 10 kilometres from Gokak, this celebrated tourist center is well-known for its spread and shape.

Soorlabhi Falls

Located around 18 kilometers from Somwarpet, this beautiful waterfall is a sight to behold. Untouched by tourists, it is a hidden beauty amidst the nature. Here, the sounds of the waterfall, birds and insects delight you.

Barkana Falls

River Seetha becomes Barkana Falls (259 meters) in Shimoga district. It is located in Balehalli forest area. It is is the ninth-highest waterfall in India. The viewpoint is around three kilometers from Malandur village.

How to Reach Barkana Falls

• https://www.karnataka.com/shimoga/barkana-falls/

Kunchikal Falls

Formed by River Varahi, this waterfall (455 meters) is located in Nidagodu. It is the highest waterfall in India. The beauty of this waterfall is that many rocks form the backdrop against which the water cascades down and presents a marvellous view.

Chunchanakatte Falls

Located in Chunchanakatte Falls, this waterfall is formed by River Kaveri. It is located around 55 kilometers from Mysuru. Here, water gushes, roaring thunderously, from a height is 20 meters.

Chunchanakatte Falls is around 105 meters wide. You will find plenty of greenery and migratory birds in this popular tourist attraction. Many holy places (including the Kodanda Rama temple) are located in this region.

5 Things That You Need to Pack

Sl No	Item
1	Snacks, like nuts
2	Hiking shoes
3	Energy drink
4	Waterproof jacket
5	Bug spray

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is located on a ridge at a height of around 1677 meters. I have found the top choices of what to do in this extremely alluring and pleasantly boisterous city.

Yak Safari

Yak safari is a popular attraction in Gangtok. Experience it near the stunningly beautiful Tsomgo Lake.

You can either go around the lake or up the mountains. I suggest that you ride to the View Point, from where you can enjoy the beauty of the valleys.

Yak Safari in Gangtok

• Yak Safari in Gangtok | Things To Do in Gangtok

River Rafting

River Rangeet offers you a fine rafting stretch. Its turbulent waters make river rafting a pleasure. Various of swirls and turns, caused by the different terrains, enable both experienced and new rafters enjoy the activity here.

Cable Car Ride

Gangtok Ropeway is a double-cable zig back ropeway. Each cable car can carry up to 24 passengers.

This cable car ride offers you superb views of the city, valleys and much more. You should definitely not miss this one.

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Trekking

Valleys, scenic meadows and the snow-capped mountains have made Gangtok a dream-come-true destination for trekkers.

There are many trekking routes, but I suggest that you take the Gangtok - Rumtek - Sang - Sirwani - Temi - Namchi - Namthang - Rangpo route.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Helicopter Ride

Helicopter rides, operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, offer you an excellent opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Gangtok and mother nature in all her glory. It is a delight to watch buildings, mountains, rivers and streams from above.

Gangtok Photos

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Gangtok is from October to December, although the hill station enjoys a pleasant weather throught the year.

Gangtok snowfall time

Winter (December to February) is extreme in Gangtok and it can be very cold out there particularly early in the mornings and at nights. The average temperature hovers around 4°C.

Gangtok like Tsomgo lake and Nathula Pass often get closed due to heavy snow. Another problem during winter (particularly in February) is the fog. You will often find white blankets of mist blocking the views.

Gangtok tourist map

https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/sikkim/gangtok-city-map.html

6 Ways to Travel Responsibly

If you travel responsibly, you will leave a positive impact wherever you go.

Here are ways to travel responsibly.

Do Not Preach

When you are a guest in someone’s home, you are there to interact with your host and enjoy their hospitality, not to rebuild their house.

Similarly, when you are in someone else’s nation—you are there to learn and enjoy. Not to “fix” parts of local culture you do not like.

Choose Eco Lodges

Eco lodges strive to minimize their environmental impact. They celebrate regional culture and support local community.

Even though there are few agencies that certify eco-lodges, there is no agreed-upon industry standard.

I suggest that you look out for Sustainable Travel International, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The International Ecotourism Society and Rainforest Alliance.

These questions will help you find a good eco-lodge:

• Is the lodge affiliated with a conservation project?
• Do they sponsor scientific research?
• Do they have an education program for foreign volunteers and local employees?
• Do they make an effort to be sustainable and “Green”?
• Do they financially support any conservation causes?
• Does the lodge blend in with the environment?
• What options of accommodation do they offer?
• What do other people say about them on Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Facebook, etc?

Eco Lodge Design Concept

Respect Local Culture

One immensely useful guideline of the World Tourism Organization’s “Global Code of Ethics For Tourism” is to open your mind.

Such an attitude transforms your experience. You will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people.

Always be tolerant. Respect diversity. Observe social and cultural traditions and practices. It will be an enriching and ennobling experience. It will help you grow as a person.

I suggest that you try to learn local language. For instance you may learn how to say “Hello” and “Thank you” in the local language.

Be aware of local customs. Be sensitive to actions that may be considered offensive (like entering a place of worship with shoes on).

Source

Responsible tourism is traveling with an awareness that we, as travelers, have an effect on the people and places that we visit.

— www.dontforgettomove.com

Minimize Environmental Footprint

Travel with a reusable water bottle. I suggest that you also carry a foldable, reusable bag for groceries and shopping.

Use eco-friendly, reusable, organic bamboo straws instead of single-use plastic straws. Consciously limit the amount of plastic waste you generate.

Buy Locally Made Goods

Purchase products from the people who make them in order to directly support the economy. Opt for locally made handicrafts instead of mass-produced magnets, mugs or keychains.

Volunteer

Whether you are travelling for one week or one year, volunteering a part of your time to useful causes does help you leave a positive impact.

Many reputable organizations offer various opportunities. If you have a skill (like medical care experience) that may be useful in a developing country, use it for the general good.

10 Popular Tourist Attractions Around Mysuru

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Mysuru Is a Fascinating City

Mysuru is an enchanting city; it is the quaint charm of the city that enchants you. This clean city is the cultural capital of Karnataka, a state in South India. It is 770 meters above sea level.

Mysuru Has An Old World Charm

Even though Mysuru is an emerging IT hub, it retains the old world charm. It is one among the top tourist destinations in the world. There are places of interest not only in Mysuru but also around the city.

How to Reach Mysuru?

Even though Mysuru has an airport, it is not a major airport. It has one runway and one passenger terminal. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the nearest major airport to Mysuru.

Mysuru Is Well-Connected By Rail and Road

Mysuru is well-connected by rail and road. It has a railway station, the Mysore Junction Railway Station; and a bus station, the Mysore KSRTC Bus Stand ( Mofussil).

Hotels in Mysuru

After reaching Mysuru, the next obvious step is to find a good hotel. It is advisable to book in advance; if you have not done so, here are some reputed hotels in Mysuru.

Hotels in Mysuru

5-Star Hotels	4-Star Hotels	3-Star Hotels	2-Star Hotels
The Quorum Hotel	Radisson Blu Plaza	Ginger Hotel	Hotel Maurya Residency
Grand Mercure Mysuru	Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Mysore	United-21 Hotel	Aishwarya Suites
	Fortune JP Palace	Hotel MB International	SK Elegance

Places Of Interest Around Mysuru

There are many places to visit not only in Mysuru but also around the city. Here are some tourist attractions around Mysuru.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is 10 kilometers from Mysuru. This bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. It is located in Mandya District and covers an area of 67 square kilometers. It is on the banks of River Kaveri.

Around 300,000 tourists from all parts of the world visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary annually. My interest in birds grew after my visit to this beautiful bird sanctuary.

I have very fond memories of this place. I have visited it many times with my family. I clearly remember enjoying boat rides, watching wonderful birds (perched on trees and rocks) and crocodiles (lazing on the river bank).

During one of our trips, me and my son had lot of fun getting stuck in a large maze made of plants that purify the environment. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is open on all days of the week between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Birds That Breed in Ranganathittu Regularly

Bird
Painted stork
Asian openbill stork
Common spoonbill
Woolly-necked stork
Black-headed ibis
Lesser whistling duck
Indian shag
Stork-billed kingfisher
Egret
Cormorant
Oriental darter
Heron

Eastern Cattle Egret in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Season

Various migratory birds begin arriving at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in December. The breeding season starts during the winter months. These amazing birds migrate back with their nestlings in August.

Brindavan Gardens

Located in Mandya district, this major tourist attraction covers around 150 acres. This celebrated beauty spot, which is around 20 kilometers from Mysuru, is well-known for its symmetric design. This superb terrace garden is a landmark destination. I have visited it many times. Me and my family have fond memories of Brindavan Gardens.

From Mysuru, the garden is easily accessible by bus (route numbers 303, 303A, etc) and cab. It is open between 6.30 am and 9.00 pm. Parking space is available for around 500 cars and 1,000 two wheelers.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Brindavan Gardens Timings

Opening	Closing
8.00 am	8.00 pm

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura

Located 35 kilometers from Mysuru, this architectural beauty was built in the 13th century. This breathtakingly beautiful temple stands as an example of Hoysala architecture. This Trikuta Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms – Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. I was awestruck by the artwork displayed here.

Chennakesava Temple

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Chennakesava Temple Somanathapura

Bandipur National Park

What was once the hunting reserve for the Maharajas of the Kingdom of Mysuru is today the beautiful Bandipur National Park. This well-managed national park is spread over an area of 874 square kilometers. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

It is replete with a wide range of fauna, including tigers, deer, elephants, hornbills, sloth bears, pythons and leopards. During one of our trips to Bandipur National Park, our safari van was surrounded by around 30 deer. It was a wonderful experience.

Bandipur National Park Safari Timings

Bus Safari	Between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Elephant Safari	Between 10 am and 11 am.
Jeep Safari	Between 6:00 am and 9:00am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Superb place. Driving through forest area itself is very pleasant. We can see many animals while driving like elephants, wild buffalo, peacocks, etc. I love this place.

— Shiva Kumar

B R Hills

This hill station is located at a distance of around 80 kilometers. This beautiful hill range enables you to stay absorbed in nature. It houses diverse species of plant and animal life, including dry deciduous, scrub, moist deciduous, montane grasslands, shola forests, tigers, elephants, leopards, sambars, gaurs, barking deer, four-horned antelopes and bears. My colleage shared his experience of how, while driving in B R Hills, a tiger crossed his path.

BR Hills from Bangalore

• Bangalore to BR Hills - Distance, Journey Time and Traveller Reviews

Dubare Elephant Camp

This elephant camp is located in Nanjarayapatna, on the banks of River Kaveri. Here you get to interact with these wonderful mammals. Many elephants are trained by experts in this well-maintained camp. I have always enjoyed the serene and pollution free atmosphere of this place.

Dubare Elephant Camp Timings

The camp is open from 9.00 am to 11.00 am, and from 4.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

Nagarhole National Park

Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this well-maintained national park is one among many "Project Tiger" tiger reserves in India. It is spread across two districts: Mysuru and Kodagu, covering an area of around 571 square kilometers.

It houses Asiatic elephant, spotted deer, tiger, panther, leopard, wild dog, sambar, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, bison, mouse deer, slender loris, jackal, langur, porcupine, Malabar squirrel, striped hyena and four-horned antelope. During our family trip I remember seeing many deer, snake eagles, bisons, wild boars and elephants.

Nagarhole National Park Entry Fee

₹250 per person for Indians.

₹1,500 per person for Foreigners.

₹200 per person for Camera.

Shivanasamudra Falls

Located at around 81 kilometers from Mysuru, this beautiful waterfall is a wonder of nature. The best time to visit is between the months of September and January.

This segmented waterfall is formed by River Kaveri. The river winds its way through the Deccan Plateau and drops downstream to form twin waterfalls. The western stream is known as Gaganachukki and the eastern stream is known as Bharachukki.

The breathtaking sight of water gushing down the gorge and plunging into the depths below with a roaring sound will be a feast for your eyes. Mist engulfs the entire place during the monsoon months, when the water will be in full flow. This lends an ethereal beauty to the falls.

Shivanasamudra Falls from Bangalore

Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is world famous for its 58 feet tall statue of Bahubali. This Jain pilgrim destination is around 80 kilometers from Mysuru.

Shravanabelagola Timings

Opens	Closes
6.30 am	11.30 am
3.30 pm	6.30 pm

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Located in Srirangapatna, this temple is one of the five important pilgrimage sites of Sri Vaishnavism. Here the idol of Lord Vishnu is in resting posture on a bed of serpent Aadi Sesha.

Ranganathaswamy Temple Timings

The temple is open on all days of the week.

Timings:

7.30 am – 1.30 pm

4.00 pm – 8.00 pm