Waterfalls Near Bangalore Within 100 Kms: Amidst Cascading Water And The Sound Of Nature
In July 2024, Bharachukki in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka became a tourist hotspot. The waterfalls formed by the river Cauvery showed their prowess and might as the river overflowed after heavy rainfall and an early onset of monsoon in Bengaluru. Water released from the Kabini and KRS dams further added to the strength of these rapids.
These Bharachukki Falls are around 130 Km away from Bangalore. However, don’t worry if you don’t want to travel the distance as there are many waterfalls near Bangalore within 100 Kms.
Muthyala Maduvu Falls, Kethanahalli Falls, and Chunchi Falls are great options to be amidst cascading water and the sound of nature. There are many secrets and stories about these falls, and I am sure no one told you about them.
These Are The Best Waterfalls Near Bangalore Within 100 Kms
We all love to climb in the rain., I find it most romantic and playful when the water drops fall on my face. Bangalore is a bliss to explore in monsoon with the canopy of clouds over my head.
However, the waterfalls are the biggest magic or secret of Bangalore during monsoon season. Have you ever wondered why there are so many waterfalls near Bangalore? It is hard to believe that the bustling tech hub can have these water curtains within 100 or 50 Kms.
| Bangalore has many bald or rounded hilltops. When it rains, the hilltops collect the surged water, and water keeps rolling down on the domes. Thus, Bangalore has many roaring waterfalls near it during the monsoon season. The height and strength of these waterfalls vary based on the girth of the hilltop, how high the dome is, and the amount of downpour in a particular season. Water falling through the ledges and caves of these domes is a sight to behold. |
Here, I have curated my favorite waterfalls near Bangalore, and as always, I love to talk about the secrets and lesser-known stories. So, let’s take a dip!
1. Muthyala Maduvu Falls | Best Waterfall Near Bangalore Within 50 Kms
Distance from Bangalore– 40 Kms
Height – 90 Meters
Best Time to Visit– August to November
Over Muthyala Maduvu Jalapatha or Bannihole River, the Muthyala Maduvu Falls is a favorite weekend gateway from Bangalore. Against the backdrop of lush greenery, this waterfall cascades through the rocks.
It is not a mighty flow, and its fall in droplets resembles the dropping of pearls. That is why the Telugu name Muthyala Maduvu translates to the “Pearl Valley” in English.
⁍ Things To Do At Muthyala Maduvu Falls
You have to climb 150 steps to reach this waterfall, and you will get to see many birds on your way. If you have enough time, you can also explore the area around by trekking through dense forests.
Further, you can take a bath in the shallow lake here and offer prayers at the nearby Shiva temple. Moreover, if you are adventurous enough and want to trek beyond the waterfall, you will get another waterfall nearby that very few people visit. So, make the most of your moments of tranquility and introspection at Muthyala Maduvu Falls.
⁍ Dream and Travel Tips
⦿ To have the best view of the surroundings, you must spend some time at the Nilgiri Plantation. You will find it near the top of the waterfall. You can also relax here.
⦿ Beware of wild monkeys here, especially while traveling with kids.
2. Kethanahalli Falls
Distance from Bangalore – 70 Kms
Height– Around 28 Meters
Best Time to Visit – July and August
Also known as Vivekananda Falls, it is a popular weekend destination near Bangalore due to its proximity to Chikkaballapur. Chikkaballapur is well-connected to all the major cities in Karnataka.
It is a two-tier waterfall, and you can hear its roaring sound from afar.
⁍ Things To Do At Kethanahalli Falls
Trekking, bathing in the falls, and relaxing in the stream are popular activities here. The trekking trail to the fall is very easy and flat. Don’t forget to cherish the surrounding beauty as you explore the trail.
| Near Kethanahalli Falls, there are two major attractions. You must visit Nandi Hills if you are at Kethanahalli Falls. You just need to make a journey of 60 Km more. It has many attractions, such as the ancient temples of Lord Shiva and the architecture of the Chola Dynasty. Around 30 Kms away from the falls is Gudibande Fort. Byre Gowda of the Tuluva dynasty built this 17th-century fort. |
3. Chunchi Falls
Distance from Bangalore– 91 Kms
Height– 50 Feet
Best Time to Visit – October to February
Chunchi Falls originates from the Arkavati River, and the water here cascades through a rocky terrain surrounded by dense deciduous forest. On the way to the fall, you will find a beautiful vantage point, and from there, you can explore the most beautiful view of the surrounding area.
However, to reach the bottom of the waterfall, you have to trek down for around 2 Km. Trekking and picnics are the best outdoor activities here, and you can capture the most beautiful photographs of your socials here.
Do you know that Chunchi Falls got its name from a local tribal couple? They were known as Chuncha and Chunchi.
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Tips ⁕⁕
⦿ Do not try to take a bath in the stream as it has crocodiles, and the strong current in the water will be fatal.
⦿ Pack your food while traveling to the falls. You can stop at Kanakapura to pack your food or grab some refreshments.
4. Ganalu Falls
Distance from Bangalore– 100 Kms
Height – 52 Meters
Best Time to Visit – July to October
Ganalu Falls is formed as the Shimsha River cascades through a rocky terrain in Mandya. It is one of the less-explored waterfalls near Bangalore. So, I find myself at peace here, and the place appears with a different charm before my eyes every time I visit during the monsoon season.
My cousin is placed in Bangalore, and whenever I visit him, we make sure to spend some time here. It is hard to explain the experience as the misty water spray covers your face. Also, it’s a BOOM as the water crashes the terrain and reaches the ground.
The 2.5 Km trek from Ganalu Village to Ganalu Falls is tricky. The initial 2 km of the trek is narrow and muddy and requires you to observe with utmost caution.
You can even seek help from the local villagers during the trek. The last 500 meters of the trek is easy. Nevertheless, you must wear shoes with good grip unless you want to break a leg.
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Tips ⁕⁕
You must visit Ganalu Falls during the sunrise. The water in the fall and the stream look magical with a touch of red.
5. Mekedatu Falls
Distance from Bangalore – 94 Kms
Height – 820 Feet
Best Time to Visit – October to March
River Kaveri flows through a narrow gorge bordering Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara. This canyon is called Mekedatu or goat’s leap.
Kaveri is around 150 meters wide when it reaches Sangama, and with all its might, it has created a 10-meter-wide gorge through which the waterfall flows.
Mekedatu is one of the most popular picnic spots near Bangalore and Kanakapura. You can also trek here.
| Mekedatu has a wonderful story related to its name. In Kannada, Mekedatu means a “goat’s leap.” Stories have it that a tiger chased a goat here, and the goat plunged from one side of the gorge to another. It managed to save its life and cross the raging river below. Local herdsmen witnessed the incident, and they named the place as Mekedatu. As the goat crossed over the raging river below and reached another side of the canyon safely, the tiger quit its chase. Local people believe that the goat was Lord Shiva in disguise. I found many holes resembling the hooves of a goat. They say that only a divine being can leave such prominent footprints on a rocky terrain. |
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Tips ⁕⁕
⦿ Mountain biking is popular here. However, the rocky and slippery terrain here makes it quite difficult.
⦿ You must exercise utmost caution, Even if you are trekking or just coming down the gorge.
⦿ The water flow is very swift, and there are whirlpools under the water. Also, the sharp rocks under the water are not visible from the surface. So, taking a bath and or clicking selfies here can be dangerous.
