Best Waterfalls in Chikmagalur & Nearby (with Entry Fee & Timings)

Last updated: 2026-04-26

The waterfalls in Chikmagalur are scattered across the Western Ghats — some inside coffee estates, others reached only by 4x4 jeeps through the forest. Hebbe and Jhari are the headliners, but lesser-known falls like Manikyadhara and Hanuman Gundi reward travellers who venture deeper. This guide lists every accessible waterfall with entry fee, timings, distance and how to reach.

All Waterfalls in & Around Chikmagalur

Hebbe Falls

Best for: Adventure & families

168 m • 60 km from town • Jeep ride mandatory

A two-tier 168-metre waterfall hidden inside Kemmanagundi range. The last 8 km is a rough forest trail accessible only by official 4x4 jeeps from Kemmanagundi.

  • Entry fee: ₹50 + jeep ride ₹600 per person (shared)
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Best season: September–February
  • Avoid mid-monsoon — jeep service may pause
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Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)

Best for: Couples & photographers

Inside Attigundi estate • 25 km from town

A tucked-away cascade locally called Buttermilk Falls for its frothy white water. Reached via a private coffee estate gate; 4x4 jeep recommended for the last 4 km.

  • Entry fee: ₹40 + jeep ₹500 per person
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Best season: October–March
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Kalhatti Falls

Best for: Families & temple visits

122 m • 55 km from town

A sacred waterfall flowing over a Veerabhadra temple complex. Easy roadside access — no trekking needed. Especially full in late monsoon (August–September).

  • Entry fee: free
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Best season: August–February
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Kadambi Falls

Best for: Solo travellers & nature lovers

Inside Kudremukh NP • 95 km from town

A roadside waterfall on the way to Kudremukh, framed by dense rainforest. Stop for 30 minutes en route to Kudremukh trek or Sringeri.

  • Entry fee: included with Kudremukh permit
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best season: September–March

Manikyadhara Falls

Best for: Spiritual visitors & families

Sacred falls • 30 km from town

A short 100-metre walk from the road, near Baba Budangiri shrine. Pilgrims bathe here believing the waters are holy. Best clubbed with Baba Budangiri visit.

  • Entry fee: free
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Best season: October–February

Hanuman Gundi Falls

Best for: Trekkers

100 m • Inside Kudremukh NP

A 100-metre waterfall reached after descending around 450 stone steps inside Kudremukh National Park. Powerful flow during and after monsoon.

  • Entry fee: ₹200 + ₹150 vehicle entry
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Best season: September–February

Shanti Falls

Best for: Quick stops

Small cascade • 35 km from town

An off-track cascade near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Best clubbed with a Bhadra safari trip. Often skipped, hence very quiet.

  • Entry fee: free
  • Best season: August–January

Waterfall Safety in Chikmagalur

The Western Ghats are beautiful but unforgiving. Every monsoon brings news of slip accidents at unmarked falls.

  • Never enter the pool below a waterfall — undercurrents are deadly
  • Stick to railed viewing decks; rocks are mossy
  • Avoid falls upstream during heavy rain (flash floods)
  • Don't drink the water — even at 'sacred' falls
  • Carry a dry-bag for phones and cameras

waterfalls in Chikmagalur — FAQs

Hebbe Falls is the most spectacular — a two-tier 168-metre cascade reached by a 4x4 jeep ride through forest. Jhari Falls is a close second for couples.

Sources:Karnataka Tourism — ChikmagalurWikipedia — Hebbe Falls