10 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Mysore to Visit in 2023

The flowing water splashing over boulders, the immaculate white surf glittering in the sun, and the lush greenery…that’s the ideal waterfall and a wonderful day. Splashing around in nature’s bounty is rejuvenating, calming, and a lot of fun. A vacation usually conjures up visions of sandy beaches or verdant mountains, but spending a day at a waterfall can be just as memorable.

India has a diverse landscape, and all but the desert include waterfalls, some of which are perennial and others that arise only during the monsoon season. Mysore, too, has many waterfalls nearby that you could see on your next visit.

Top 10 Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Mysore

1 Balmuri Falls

The Balmuri Waterfalls Mysore does not have a waterfall. At least not a natural one! It was created as a result of a check dam built across the powerful Kaveri (also called Cauvery). When the dam’s water overflows, it forms a beautiful cascade that you could spend hours admiring. The name of the fall is derived from two Kannada words: Bala (which means ‘right’) and Muri (which means curve), and the river does indeed take a right bend at this point. And so would you if you added this amazing waterfall to your bucket list.

Entry Fee:	None
Timings:	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• NOTE: Bring water and snacks with you.

2 Chunchanakatte Falls

According to legend, Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Sita stopped at a picturesque mountain in the forest (in present-day Mysore) at the invitation of the local tribal couple Chuncha and Chunchi during their exile. Goddess Sita desired to bathe, but there was no water available. Lord Rama directed his brother, Laxmana, to supply water. Laxmana penetrated the mountain with his great bow and arrow to create the Chunchanakatte Falls, allowing Goddess Sita to bathe. According to legend, the water in the location appears to be combined with turmeric and other holy materials that Goddess Sita used in her pooja. Chunchanakatte, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Mysore’s proximity, is formed by the Cauvery River and is one of the most popular tourist spots within 150 km of Mysore. The waterfall, which is surrounded by lush trees, is approximately 350 feet wide and 60 feet tall. A temple dedicated to Lord Kodanda Rama sits directly next to it, attesting to the legend’s story.

Entry Fee:	INR 30
Timings:	Open 24 hours

• NOTE: Swimming should be avoided in Chunchanakatte Falls during the monsoon season because it can be slippery.

3 Shivanasamudra Falls

Shivanasamudra, a beautiful combination of twin falls, is one of the most frequented locations near Mysore. This spectacular natural beauty, formed by a meandering Cauvery slashing its way across the Deccan Plateau and tumbling down 90 metres in two streams, takes your breath away. The twin falls, known as Barachukki and Gaganachukki, create lovely streams pouring down through a rock at a height of roughly 320 feet – quite the show, don’t you think? The falls should be on your agenda for your next vacation to Mysore, especially during the monsoon season. 

Entry Fee:	None
Timings:	8:00 am – 4:00 pm

• NOTE: There are no food stalls or restaurants nearby, so bring your own food and water.

4 Chunchi Falls

Chunchi Falls, like Chunchanakatte Falls, is related with the Ramayana; the area around it is said to be another spot where the exiled couple resided for a spell. It is surrounded by nature and peacefulness and is fed by the Akravati River. Its plunge pool is ideal for quick dips and swims in the scorching summer heat. But come here during the rainy season to see the falls in full force; don’t go swimming, though.

Entry Fee:	None
Timings:	8:00 am to 5:00 pm

• NOTE: Be cautious since the rocks in and around the falls are quite slippery. Wear traction-enhancing footwear. Furthermore, because public transport is restricted in the area, it is preferable to have your own automobile or rent a cab.

5 Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls, located in the picturesque Brahmagiri range in the Kodagu district, have a mythology similar to Chunchankatte Falls. Lord Rama became thirsty during their exile and begged his loving brother Laxmana to bring him some water. Laxmana shot an arrow through the mountain to redirect a little stream in the Brahmagiri. As a result, the Iruppu Falls, also known locally as Lakshman Tirtha Falls, were created. The roaring waters of the falls, which cascade down 170 metres, are a sight to behold in the green Western Ghats. Unlike many other falls in the area, you are permitted to approach the actual falls, which makes for a memorable experience.There are also change rooms accessible! So don’t forget to bring a change of clothes.You might even walk to the Brahmagiri mountain summit (with forest department permission, of course) and visit the neighbouring Rameshwara Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Isn’t it worth a day trip to Iruppu with so many things to do?

Entry Fee:	INR 30 per person
Timings:	6:00 am to 6:00 pm

• NOTE: You may become confused with the directions, so seek assistance from locals. Wear appropriate footwear as the walk includes slippery steps. Slippers are not permitted. Plastic is prohibited in this location, and while there is a small restaurant, it is recommended that you bring food and water with you.

6 Abbey Falls

The Abbey Falls, located in the Coorg district, is one of the most visited waterfalls in Karnataka. Abbey Falls is located in the centre of a private coffee plantation, surrounded by lush green environment. The water here falls from a height of 70 feet to make a magnificent pool and then goes forth to reunite with its parent river, which is located considerably upstream in the Cauvery. The falls can be viewed from a specially constructed hanging bridge. Abbey Falls, a terrific site to unwind, snap some photos for memories, and spend a day with family and friends, should be on your list of tourist attractions within 150 kilometres of Mysore.

Entry Fee:	INR 15 per person
Timings:	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• NOTE: Swimming is not advised here. Stand on the hanging bridge for the best views, then visit the century-old Kali Mata shrine on the other side of the bridge.

7 Chelavara Falls

Chelavara Falls, a natural waterfall generated by a small branch of the Cauvery River, is located near Cheyandane village. These falls are gorgeous (but also a little dangerous, so no swimming! ), voluminous, and excellent for a day’s retreat with friends, family, or that special someone. Take note of the rock over which the waters tumble; it resembles a tortoise, earning the falls the local name Embepare, or tortoise falls. There are various other tourist attractions nearby, such as Chomakund Hill, but we can guarantee that the splendour of this autumn will not let you go lightly!

Entry Fee:	None
Timings:	7:00 am to 6:00 pm

• NOTE: The greatest time to view the falls is during the monsoon season.

8 Mallalli Falls

Karnataka is endowed with several rivers that cut their way across the rugged Deccan Plateau. And the majority of them form one of nature’s most spectacular vignettes: waterfalls. Mallalli Falls, which is formed by the Kumaradhara River, is one such natural wonder that you should see on your next vacation to Mysore. Mallalli Falls, located in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains, is breathtaking, especially during the monsoon season. The journey to the falls is a little difficult since after the asphalt road finishes, you must walk the last mile. But believe us when we say that the first sight of the massive falls makes it all worthwhile. The water rushes at you, as this is simply a stopover for the river, which continues on to join the holy Netravati River in Uppinangadi before pouring into the Arabian Sea. Avoid getting too close to the water, especially during the monsoon season.

Entry Fee:	None
Timings:	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• NOTE: Carry a water bottle and dress comfortably in shoes with good traction.

9 Soochipara Waterfalls

Treetop cabins, a hike through a lush, verdant forest, and the possibility of spotting a deer…All of this before you even get to the breathtaking Soochipara waterfalls! And, once there, there’s a lovely pool of water at the base of the falls just waiting for you to dive into. We’d think that’s reason enough to pack a change of clothes and visit Soochipara Falls. This three-tiered waterfall, which drops from a height of 660 feet, is definitely one of the most beautiful tourist attractions around Mysore. Its local name, Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is derived from two Kannada words: Soochi, which denotes needle, and Para, which means rock. You can see the needle-shaped orifice from which the water is gushing out when you see the rock that forms the backdrop of the falls, thus confirming its name. And that rock is useful for more than just looking cool; you can climb it! Do you think this is something you’d be interested in trying? If not, swimming in the plunge pool is both exciting and relaxing…either way, this one is a steal. Make a note of it!

Entry Fee:	80 per person and extra 50 for camera
Timings:	9:00 am to 4:30 pm

• NOTE: Make sure you don’t have any plastic in your possession because guards at the entry point will check.

10 Catherine Fall

Catherine Falls in the lovely Coorg district is one of the area’s best-kept secrets, surrounded by lush, green tea estates. A thin stream of water descending from roughly 250 feet may not appear to be much, but the fantastic pool it makes at the bottom, as well as the fact that you can approach really near to it, make for a fantastic time here. The falls were named after MD Cockburn’s widow, a Scottish coffee grower who brought coffee to the region. This autumn, spend a day outside, bring a picnic and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun!

Entry Fee:	Free
Timings:	9:00 am to 6:00 pm

• NOTE: Avoid going during the summer because the water evaporates owing to the high temperatures.

THE FINAL POINT

Though these waterfalls in Mysore can be seen all year, the best and most spectacular views are guaranteed during monsoon, when the waterfalls flow down in full force. So pack your bags, hire a car, and drive to these magnificent waterfalls near Mysore for the most refreshing vacation of your life!