20 Beautiful Waterfalls in South India

Abbey Falls

Situated just 7-8 km from the Madikeri town, Abbey Falls is one of the famous waterfalls in South India. Appearing suddenly, at the end of a narrow lane that passes in-between the thick bushes of the private coffee plantations and spice estates, Abbey Falls surprises you by the roaring sound that shatters the tranquillity of the environment. As the water flows down at a speed, it creates a layer of misty cloud that always hang over the mountains and provides a bewitching sight to the onlooker. There is a hanging bridge opposite to the falls that provides a better view to the tourists. A Kali Mata temple on the other side of the bridge is also not to be missed.

Photo Courtesy: Abhijitsathe

Athirappilly Waterfalls

The Athirappilly Waterfall originates from the Chalakudy River which has its source in the Western Ghats. This beautiful waterfall in South India, is also called the Niagara Falls of India. The waterfall can be viewed from various places; from the road which wades through the forest you can have a look at the water gushing down into the deep river. You can also view the waterfall from the top, though you will need to buy an entry ticket at the main entrance. For the most beautiful view you can go to the bottom of the falls and look at the falls descending down.

Photo Courtesy: NIHAL JABIN

Barachukki Falls

On the island town of Shivanasamudra, travellers can visit one of the best waterfalls in South India. The Barachukki Falls and Gaganachukki Falls, which are formed when Shivanasamudra Waterfalls divide, plummet from a height of 200 ft. Both the waterfalls lie opposite to each other, Barachukki Falls on the eastern side. The best time to visit these falls is during the monsoon season.

Photo Courtesy: Quantumquark

Bear Shola Falls

The Bear Shola Falls is located in a reserve forest. The place gets its name because in the earlier days this place was frequented by bears who came to drink water here. The area is extremely serene and quiet. It can be reached by climbing a steep footpath. The falls proves to be an ideal hangout for nature lovers. During the monsoons, this place looks marvellous, and it is the ideal time to visit the falls.

Photo Courtesy: Marcus334

St Catherine Waterfalls

St Catherine Falls was named after the wife of M.D.Cockburn, the man responsible for initiating the cultivation of coffee in Kotagiri. It is a double cascaded waterfall that drops from an elevation of 250 ft. To see the waterfall in its entirety, you have to go to the Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint. You can also opt to travel to the top of the waterfall by road. It is also the second highest waterfall in the entire Nilgiris District. The name for St Catherine falls in the native tongue is 'Geddhehaada Halla', which translates to 'Foothills Dale River'.

Photo Courtesy: Sandip Bhattacharya

Cheeyappara

The Cheeyappara Waterfall is a famous waterfall in South India and lies on the Kochi - Madurai Highway . It cascades down in seven steps thus forming a real feast for the eyes. For all adventurers, this is the place to be for trekking. The best time to enjoy the falls is during the monsoons when the water gushes down.

Photo Courtesy: Rojypala

Courtallam Falls

Courtallam is famous for nine waterfalls. The Peraruvi is the main waterfall which falls from a height of 60 mt. The Chitraruvi or the small falls leads to the Shenbagadevi falls and Thenaruvi. Shenbagadevi Falls gets its name as it flows through Shenbaga trees. The Thenaruvi or Honey Fall is 40 mt high, and when it is dry big honeycombs can be seen. The Aintharuvi or five falls separate into five cascades of water. The Pazhathotta Aruvi is also known as the VIP fall. The course of the Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi or Old Courtallam fall had changed but has reopened again now. The Puli Aruvi or Tiger Fall is called so because it is frequented by tigers who come to drink water.

Photo Courtesy: Mdsuhail

Ethipothala Waterfalls

Ethipothala Waterfalls is a famous waterfall in South India and is located very close to the Nagarjunasagar town. The waterfalls has the combined waters of three rivers, Chandravanka Vagu, Tummala Vagu and the Nakkala Vagu. The Falls are a major tourist attraction and are visited by many people throughout the year. The location of the waterfalls is absolutely breathtaking. It is situated amidst a forest, and the cascading waters of the falls provide a picturesque environment. The government of Andhra Pradesh has built a view point on a hillock that lies close to the Falls.

Photo Courtesy: Rajib Ghosh

Hanuman Gundi Falls

Tourists on a trip to Kudremukh should explore Hanuman Gundi Falls, a beautiful waterfall in South India, that plummets from an elevation of more than 100 ft. Hanuman Gundi Falls, otherwise known as Suthannabbe Falls, is located in the hilly areas of Kudremukh National Park. This site is perfect for tourists who want to undertake trekking. It is the ideal spot for people who are looking forward to spend time amidst peaceful environment. The forest department of the area has built safe steps that will allow tourists to get down to Hanuman Gundi Falls.

Photo Courtesy: vinay

Hogenakkal Waterfalls

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, a famous waterfall in South India, is on the river Cauvery. It is known for the medicinal properties of the water and the special boat rides. The carbonate rocks found here are supposed to be some of the oldest in South Asia and in the world.3

Photo Courtesy: Mithun Kundu

Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls is located in the Brahmagiri Range. It is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, as the Lakshmana Tirtha river which is a tributary of Kaveri originates from this falls. Like all the streams in Western Ghats, Iruppu Falls also has a considerably heavy flow during the monsoon compared to summer. There is a bridge and stairs to climb up along the falls. Benches along the way are available to allow travellers to relax. The picturesque view of the ferns and other trees along with the gushing sound of the falls makes it a memorable experience.

Photo Courtesy: Ajcfreak

Jog Falls

Jog Falls also called Gerosoppa Falls or Joga Falls is the second highest plunge waterfall in India after the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya. Located in the Shimoga and North Karnataka border this waterfall is certainly a marvellous sight to see. The falls consists of four segments namely - Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The beauty of this view is enhanced by the lush green surroundings. There are several vantage points here from where you can witness the falls.

Photo Courtesy: Jughead i

Mallali Falls

Mallali Falls is one of the beautiful waterfalls in South India. Mallali falls is formed from Kumaradhara River and is at the foot of Pushpapagiri hills. You can approach the falls only by foot as the roads become very narrow and rugged over here. Monsoon is the best time to visit Mallali falls as the river dries up in summer. In monsoon the falls runs in full strength with water gushing down intensely and creating a layer of mist around it, adding to the mystic atmosphere.

Photo Courtesy: Premnath Thirumalaisamy

Meenmutty Falls

The Meenmutty Falls is one of the beautiful waterfalls in South India and the second largest in Kerala. The name of the fall means 'where fish are blocked' in Malayalam, referring to the fact that fishes can't swim further due to some natural reason. This fall is a 300 mt high and cascades in three different tiers that makes Meenmutty falls the most impressive one. On the way to the falls you can see caves which have Neolithic age carvings.

Photo Courtesy: Anantharamvanchiprakash

Palaruvi Waterfalls

Palaruvi Waterfalls is a prime attraction in the hilly region of Thenmala. Literally translated, the word Palaruvi means ‘the stream of milk'. With foaming water-streams, silver cascades and cool ambience, this waterfall delights the eyes of beholders. The surroundings of the waterfalls are filled with evergreen forests that leave a spectator marvelled. With mesmerizing beauty and tranquil surroundings, this spot is proved to be the best getaway for youngsters, couples as well as families.

Photo Courtesy: Satheesan.vn

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall that cascades in Perunthenaruvi. This sparkling waterfall is on the banks of the Pamba River. The view of water gurgling down from a height of 100 ft to a rocky path, and then flowing into a ravine is indeed breathtaking. The beautiful surrounding makes the Perunthenaruvi Waterfall a famous tourist attraction. It is also an ideal place for picnicking and outing. The word 'Perunthenaruvi' means 'the great stream of honey'.

Photo Courtesy: Sujithnairv

Silver Cascade Falls

The Silver Cascade Falls is a beautiful waterfall in South India and is located in the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on Ghat Road this waterfall is a serene place to hang out with your near and dear ones.

Photo Courtesy: Marcus334

Soochippara Waterfalls

Soochippara Waterfalls of Kalpetta is a famous waterfall in South India and is popularly called the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. In Malayalam, ‘soochi' means needle and ‘para' denotes rock; thus the name Soochippara is coined for this waterfall. This fall has three stretches which fall into Meenmutty, Kanthanpara, and Soochippara. Finally, these stretches merge and reach the Chaliyar River. The place where the three stretches combine forms a pool. The pool provides opportunities for water sports like rafting, swimming and bathing. The Sentinal Rock Waterfalls is an ideal place for photography.

Photo Courtesy: yjenith

Sirimane Falls

Tourists on a trip to Sringeri are recommended to explore the Sirimane Falls that is situated at a distance of 20 km from the town. There are a number of waterfalls located at the Western Ghats of Karnataka. However Sirimane Falls is considered as the smallest and yet one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South India. The ideal time to visit this site is after the monsoon period.

Photo Courtesy: Vaikoovery

Thommankuthu Falls

Thommankuthu Falls is located in Idukki district. It is a small, but very captivating waterfall. Many tourists come here to see the waterfall and scenic backdrops. This waterfall is always called the 7-steps waterfall. While the waterfall descends down, it forms seven steps. Each of these steps again form a pool. The beauty of the Thommankuthu Falls lies in these steps. The place offers many heart-pumping activities such as rock climbing, hiking and trekking. If you are not a fan of these activities, you can try boating, fishing and horse riding.

Photo Courtesy: Amjithps