11 Most Popular Waterfalls near Bangalore - Detailed Bike Tour Guide

From work to home and home to work - sitting at a desk from nine to five can certainly take a toll on someone. If you're looking for a thrilling weekend escapade to reset your mind and take a break from your routine then set out on a ride to explore some stunning waterfalls around Bangalore. From a distance of 40 to 375 kilometers, these locations are a must visit for bikers, weekend travelers, and road trippers.

Within 100 km

1) Muthyala Maduvu Falls (Pearl Valley) - 40 km

Image Source - Increadible India

Looking for a scenic spot to spend a picnic? Muthyala Maduva Falls, also known as Pearl Valley is one of the most frequented Picnic locations and falls 40 kilometers from Bangalore city. If you are looking for a short getaway, consider booking a cab, or ride your bike to this calming waterfall. There are also restrooms and eateries available close to the parking area. Nearest Hospital: Hospitech Multispecialty Hospital which is just 6.7kms from fall. Minimum and Maximum Temperature: 36°C to 20°C in summers from March to May and 27°C to 17° in winters from December to February. Best Time to Visit: Falls are best to be visited during the monsoon season which is from August to November.

Biker’s Angle

• Route: Bangalore → Bannerghatta Road → Anekal → Muthyala Maduvu

• Road condition: Smooth, mostly city arterials with a village road section toward the end.

• Fuel/Food: Roadside eateries near Muthyala Maduvu, fuel pumps located around Anekal.

Quick Facts

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Entry/parking: INR 30 for entry, additional 30 for parking

• Best season (visit conditions): August – November

Recommended mode

• Book a motorcycle or scooter for this trip at bike rental bangalore

Map

2) Thottikallu Falls (TK Falls) – ~50 km

Thottikallu Falls (also Swarna Mukhi Falls) is one of the most beautiful waterfalls with an eye-catching view located near Bangalore and is a must-visit. Best of all, the accommodations for an overnight stay are available near the falls.

The Apollo hospital is the nearest hospital located 7.7kms away. Weather and temperature: a max temperature of 35 degrees celsius and a min of 11 degrees. Best months: October to March are the top months to visit.

Biker’s Angle

• Route: Bangalore → Kanakapura Road → Kaggalipura → TK Falls trail

• Road condition: Good tarmac; final approach often a short mud/stone track

• Fuel/Food: Stops at Kaggalipura; tea shops and local cafés along Kanakapura Rd

Quick Facts

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Entry/parking: No formal entry; local entry fee may be charged

• Best season (visit conditions): October – March

Recommended mode

• Motorcycle/scooter recommended — book at www.onnbikes.com

Map

3) Chunchi Falls – 83 km

Source - LBB

Chunchi Falls is well known for its scenic beauty and is famous for its greenery along with the rock structures beside the waterfall. It is located 83kms far from Bangalore city and is often accessed from Sangama and Mekedatu.

Biker’s Angle

• Route: Bangalore → Kanakapura → Chunchi Falls road

• Road condition: Good motorway and the last few kilometers may have patches with potholes.

• Fuel/Food: Dhabas along Kanakapura Rd; Snacks of basic nature near the parking area.

Quick Facts

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Entry/parking: Often free; there could be a nominal fee for parking.

• Best season (visit conditions): September – February.

Recommended mode

• Scooter or motorcycle strongly recommended — make reservations at www.onnbikes.com

Map

4) Mekedatu Falls – 90 km

Source - trekkerpedia

The meaning of Mekedatu is goat’s leap in Kannada. Mekedatu falls is 90kms from Bangalore and 3.5kms from the Sangama where the Kaveri and Arkavathi Rivers meet.

Biker’s Angle

• Route: Bangalore → Kanakapura → Sangama → Mekedatu

• Road condition: Sangama - Smooth; Mekedatu - Mixed/rough

• Fuel/Food: Sangama has basic food stalls, while Kanakapura Road has plenty of options.

Quick Facts

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• River crossing: Boat service mandatory during some conditions; costing roughly ₹40 per person.

• Best season (visit conditions): September – December

Recommended mode

• Motorcycle/scooter: Reserve at www.onnbikes.com

Map

Mid Range Trips (100–200 km)

5) Hogenakkal Falls – 146 km

Source - 30 Stades

Known as the “Niagara Falls of India.”

Biker’s/Driver’s Angle

• Route: Bangalore → Hosur → Dharmapuri → Hogenakkal

• Fuel/Food: Available at highway eateries from Hosur and at Dharmapuri.

• Road condition: The last stretch of the approach roads consists of narrow roads, otherwise, the highway is fully functional.

Quick Facts

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30PM

• Best season (visit conditions): July – October

• Entry/activities: free entry, however coracle rides are charged.

Recommended mode

For the coracle ride, it is better to go in cars or jeeps. Although, traveling on bikes is possible, it is a long and hot trek.

Map

6) Shivanasamudra Falls – 150 km

Source – Tripadvisor

Falls are divided into Gaganchukki and Bharachukki.

Driver’s Angle:

• Route: Bangalore → Kanakapura → Malavalli → Shivanasamudra

• Road: Smooth highways

• Stops: Maddur Tiffany’s

Quick Facts:

• Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

• Entry: ₹20

• Best Season: September – January

Recommended Mode: Car/jeep preferred

Map:

7) Balmuri & Edmuri Falls – 175 km

Source - LBB

Close to Mysore, these are manmade falls.

Driver’s Angle:

• Route: Bangalore → Mysore → KRS → Balmuri

• Road: Excellent

• Stops: Kamat Lokaruchi, Maddur Tiffany’s

Quick Facts:

• Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM

• Entry: ₹10–20

• Best Season: June – February

Recommended Mode: Car/jeep preferred

Map:

8) Chunchanakatte Falls – 190 km

Source – Tripadvisor

Located near Mysore, these falls are formed by the Cauvery River.

Driver’s Angle:

• Route: Bangalore → Mysore → KR Nagar → Chunchanakatte

• Road: Good highway, rural last stretch

• Stops: Eateries in Mysore

Quick facts:

• Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

• Fees: No charge

• Ideal: October to March

Recommended Mode: Prefer car or jeep

Map:

Long Distance Trips (Over 200 km)

9) Iruppu Falls – 247km from Bangalore

Source - Coorg Tourism

It is believed that this sacred Coorg waterfall can wash away one's sins.

Biker's Angle:

• Route: Bangalore → Mysore → Gonikoppa → Iruppu

• Road: Highways and scenic forest routes

• Stops: Gonikoppa, Maddur

Quick facts:

• Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

• Fees: ₹50

• Ideal: August to January

Recommended Mode: Motorcycle or scooter, booked through OnnBikes

Map:

10) Abbey Falls – 270km

Source - Travel India

Situated in Coorg, Madikeri.

Biker’s Angle:

• Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Madikeri – Abbey

• Road: Excellent, winding ghat roads

• Stops: Cafés in Madiker

Quick Facts:

• Entry: ₹15

• Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

• Best Season: July – October

Recommended Mode: Book motorcycle/scooter at OnnBikes

Map:

11) Jog Falls – 375 km

Source - Tripadvisor

India's second-highest plunge waterfall, located Sharavathi River.

Driver's Angle:

• Route: Bangalore – Tumkur – Shivamogga – Jog Falls

• Road: Mix of highways and ghat roads

• Stops: Tumkur, Shivamogga

Quick Facts:

• Entry: ₹20

• Best Season: Aug – Jan

Recommended: Car or Jeep. Possible to ride by bike overnight.

Map:

Waterfalls close to Bangalore

For a big city, Bangalore has the luxury of being close to a number of beautiful waterfalls. Over the weekend, or just for a casual Sunday morning drive, take time to explore and relax at some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka. Each waterfall has its own special beauty and uniqueness.

Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley) is one of the closest options for a short drive at just under 39 km. It is a serene place in the Anekal area and is best for a relaxing half-day trip. Around 37 km away, Manchanabele Falls is another good option, and the falls can be combined with a visit to the nearby reservoir. Thottikallu Falls (TK Falls) is a really popular place to visit and is about 32 to 35 km away. Be sure to check the area and its local access conditions, as the site is sometimes closed for safety concerns.

Chunchi Falls looks especially nice in photographs with rocky landscapes and dense forests in the background and is about 83 kms from Bangalore. It is about 83 km from Bangalore and has strong currents, so swimming should be avoided. Out of the four listed, Chunchi Falls has the lowest distance from Bangalore. Moving out of the bounds of Chunchi Falls, about 90 to 95 km is the Mekedatu and Sangama. The journey here is visually pleasing and an exciting drive as the Cauvery River is in motion and the gorges are narrow and fast-flowing.

Further around 110 to 130 kms is the location of our final two waterfalls- the Shivansamudra Falls, divided into two more portions, Gaganchukki and Bharachukki , making it the most visited from Bangalore the best time to go is after the rainy season, as the water is flowing at the greatest volumes. The Kaigal Falls is over 120 kms from Bangalore and is also hidden in dense forests and is a nice change of pace from the others as it is a nice and quiet location for walking on trails.

If you're willing to do a bit more driving, Hogenakkal Falls is approximately 180 km from Bangalore and is also known as the Niagara Falls of India. Hogenakkal is on the Kaveri River. To fully experience it, try the coracle ride. If not, try the more secluded-like Chunchanakatte Falls, which is 190 km away and located closer to KR Nagar. Abbey Falls is located in Coorg and is more than 270 km away, as well as Habbbe Falls near Kemmangundi. Both have breathtaking views of water falls in the midst of both coffee planatations and hill-side forests. If looking for a more scenic fall, try Jog Falls which is approximately 370 km away and is one of India's highest. The ideal time to go is during the peak India monsoons.

The monsoon season (July to Feburary) are the most ideal to visit all the fall sites since the water levels are highest. The post-monsoon has a safer, clearer experience. Be mindful of the rain as it may lead to alter your plans and access to certain falls may be restricted.

To see most of these waterfalls, getting to see them on two wheels is the easiest option. The routes that go out of Bangalore to Kanakapura, Mysore Road, and Bannerghatta are great for biking. Having a personal vehicle gives you the advantage for stops and resets whenever you want. A great option for these trips is getting a bike from ONN Bikes because you avoid the costs of fuel and tolls that come with driving a car. They have multiple pickup locations across South and Central Bangalore, which makes getting to the right routes really easy.

Tip: While the monsoon season offers breathtaking views, and they can be most dangerous with unpredictable weather and road conditions. Dry roads and still flowing waterfalls make October to January the "safer" option with still beautiful scenery.

Places to Visit Near Bannerghatta National Park

More than a wildlife sanctuary, Bannerghatta National Park has some of the best clusters of natural, spiritual, recreational attractions found in all of Bangalore. There are activities in the vicinity of the park that cater to full day visits or shorter fragmented trips.

Nature and Wildlife

The Butterfly Park is one of the most popular attractions in the south of Bangalore, and is located within the Park’s grounds. Beyond the park’s entrance is a dome housing thousands of butterflies butterflies of 48 different species. There’s also an interactive museum. Light trekking and scenic waterfalls are found in the Gulakamale area TK Falls, or Thottikallu Falls. A combination of a beautiful waterfall and a perfect picnic spot can be found at a nearby cascading Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley). Bird watchers can find a variety of species, including peacocks and quails, at Mariapura Lake. For a quieter nature spot, head to Hullahalli Lake or Mantapa Lake. If you want to find a serene place to escape the city noise, grab your walking shoes for a nature trail at Turahalli Forest.

Without going too far, you can add Big Banyan Tree and Lalbagh Botanical Garden to your Bannerghatta day trip.

Fusion of Spirituality and Culture

Art of Living International Centre is located on the outskirts of the city and is one of the most popular spiritual sites in Bangalore. The center provides a variety of services including a meditation centre and wellness programs, and the gardens are pleasantly landscaped. A large pyramid meditation centre located in Pyramid Valley International is a place of stillness and reflection, and attracts the same devotees. Within driving distance is the Bull Temple in Basavanagudi and the ancient Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple, the latter featuring a giant monolithic Ganesha idol. The history lovers may also like the Begur Fort and the nearby Nageshvara Temple, which are lesser-known sites, but of great historical importance. Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace located little distance from each other are also of great cultural significance and round out the cultural circuit.

Fusion of Adventure and Recreation

Families with small children will enjoy The Big Barn Farm. Kids can not only learn about organic farming, but also interact with animals and walk on rope bridges. The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, within the park, is also a must-visit for animal lovers. The park rehabilitates (most of the time in a sanctuary) sloth bears. Another stop on the itinerary is Prani – The Pet Sanctuary, which is also interactive and focuses on animal welfare and education. If you love long drives with beautiful views, Rock City and Jigani Lake offer oddly photogenic and scenic stops.

If you're taking a trip with inquisitive children, the Indian Music Experience museum, which is a short drive from the park, will be a great choice. The museum is dedicated to the history and diversity of Indian music, and is an engaging place to visit.

Navigating between these locations is most convenient with a bike. Most locations of interest in and around Bannerghatta are along the quieter roads of South Bangalore. The most convenient way to get around is to rent a bike or scooter from ONN. You can travel at your own pace and making stops along the way. You won't have to waste time waiting for an auto or traveling along predetermined routes.

Here is a tip: For a great day in nature, try to do the national park in the morning and combine it with an afternoon visit to Thottikallu Falls or Turahalli Forest. Most of these locations are much quieter during the week.