BENGALURU: Towards the end of May, Coastal Karnataka was enveloped in the scent of first rains. Soon, other parts of the state were too. A month and half later, rain has fallen copiously and dams have their bellies full. Karnataka is experiencing the pluvial weather after almost a decade. With incessant rainfall in the catchment areas of Cauvery and Krishna basins, many famous as also hardly known cascades in the south interior, Malnad and the Mumbai-Karnataka regions are in full flow. This is the right time to visit as many waterfalls receive heavy outflows from the reservoirs during June-July.
Shivamogga
Coming to life, the Sharavathi River in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district is now roaring over the gorges of Gerusoppa in all its sylvan glory. Amid the riot of green and the mesmerizing misty veil, the Jog Waterfalls which cascades from a height of 830 feet is a sight to behold. Falling in four different cascades, one can reach the base of the falls by climbing down the steep and slippery 1,400 steps.
Mandya
Very close to Bengaluru, the twin falls of Shivanasamudra on the River Cauvery in Mandya district have been attracting the techie crowd literally in droves. The segmented falls of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki just 322 feet in height, but 1,000 feet wide, is a sheer beauty. Here, water flows in 2-3 channels before falling over a rugged cliff, resulting in side by side waterfalls.
Belagavi
Several rivers and tributaries of Krishna that flow through this district not merely enter adjoining areas but also snake through the famous green belts of the Western Ghats creating beautiful waterfalls during the monsoons.A Niagara on a smaller scale, the Gokak Falls in Belagavi district should be seen to be believed. In the Krishna basin, the Ghataprabha River traversing sand stone cliffs leaps over picturesque gorges and falls majestically over 170 feet.Apart from Gokak Falls, the other falls -- Godchinmalki, Amboli, Sural, Doodsagar and Kankumbi waterfalls are in full splendour. Doodsagar’s beauty can be seen perfectly through a train journey when it passes through Castlerock railway station to Goa.
Kodagu
The Kodava land abounds in major and minor cascades. The Abbey Falls at Madikeri (on way to Mandalpetta) flows from a height of 60 feet. On the foothills of Pushpagiri, if you walk 300 or odd steps, the Mallalli Falls at Somwarpet unfolds in its full glory. River Kumaradhara cascades over rocky and verdant ranges to fall down 200 feet – making it an awesome and risky destination.
Dakshina Kannada
Less explored is the spectacular Didupe and Ermai falls at Belthangady. One needs to walk a kilometer to reach this remote and most tranquil landscape. Lying at the base of Charmadi Ghats, the Ermai falls at multi-levels and standing behind the Falls at the middle level makes for a memorable experience. Just 12 kilometers from Mangaluru city is Adyar Falls which are actually two falls – 200 meters apart. Flowing amid thick foliage, the Falls located at two ends of a hillock attracts few youngsters though locals are not aware of its existence.