Kunchikal Falls – Shivamogga, First Highest Waterfall In India
Kunchikal Waterfalls is located near Hulikal village, Masthikatte, Hosanagara Taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka.
It is the highest waterfall in India (455 meters / 1493 feet) and ranks 116th in the world. The falls are formed by the Varahi River, cascading down rocky boulders in multiple steps, creating a breathtaking view.
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Water Flow & Dam Construction
After the construction of the Mani Dam (Varahi Dam) and the pickup dam, the water flow reduced. However, during the monsoon season (June – September), the falls regain their glory with heavy water flow.
Restricted Entry & Pass Requirement
Kunchikal Falls is in a restricted area managed by KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited).
- A permission pass is required to visit.
- Passes are issued at the KPTCL office in Masthikatte or Hosanagara.
- Alternatively, visitors can get a permission letter from the District Commissioner.
- Entry is free of cost, but the pass is mandatory.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is June to September (monsoon season), when the water flow is at its peak.
How to Reach Kunchikal Falls
By Road
- From Bangalore – 380 km
- From Shivamogga – 98 km
- Regular government and private buses operate on the Kundapura – Shivamogga road.
- Nearest bus stop: Hulikal → From here, hire an auto or private vehicle to reach the falls.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Udupi (75 km away).
- From Udupi, take a bus or private vehicle.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Shivamogga Airport (98 km).
- From the airport, travel via Kundapura – Shivamogga road by bus or private vehicle.
Address & Location
Kunchikal Waterfalls,
Hulikal (PO) – 577448,
Hosanagara Taluk,
Shivamogga District, Karnataka, India
Near by tourist places to visit ( Between 20 km distance )
- Hulikal Ghat Temple
- Mani dam
- Varahi Backwater
- Hosangadi Power house
- Balebare falls
- Nagara Fort
- Chakra dam
- Kaveledurga Fort
- Talasi Abbi falls Yadur
Homestays near Kunchikal Falls :
- The Aamantrana Retreat Homestay
- Kavale Malemane Homestay
- Barekal Farmstay
- Kavale retreat
Q & A Realted Kunchikal Waterfalls
Yes Kunchikal waterfall is the first highest waterfall in India height of 455 meters.
No Jog falls and Kunchikal falls both are different water falls, Jog falls located in Sagara Taluk and the Kunchikal Falls is located in Hosanagara Taluk.
Kunchikal falls is formed from the river Varahi.
Kunchikal falls is also called as Kunchikal abbi or Kunchikal abbe.
Yes you can go but Permission letter or Pass is recquired.
Shivamogga to Kunchikal falls distance 98 km
Kunchikal falls in Karnataka State, Shivamogga district, Hosanagara Taluk, Masthikatte Village.
Udupi railway station is the nearest railway station to Kunchikal waterfalls.
Bangalore to Kunchikal falls distance 380 km
Pass is issued near by KPTCL office Masthikatte or Hosanagara office another option is can get permission letter from district commissioner than you can visit this waterfalls.
Morning 10:00 AM to Evening 6:00 PM, Note entry fees is free but Permission letter is recquired from Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited ( KPTCL )
The best time to visit Kunchikal falls is during rainy season ( June to September ) is the best time to visit Kunchikal waterfalls Masthikatte because the water flow is high in the rainy season
