Belligundi Falls

Overview

Belligundi Falls, also known as Kudumari Falls or Karani Falls, is one of Karnataka's most breathtaking hidden waterfalls, located deep within the Sharavathi River Valley of the Western Ghats. Cascading from an impressive height of approximately 300 metres (800 feet) in a single uninterrupted drop, the waterfall appears like a shimmering silver ribbon cutting through the lush green valley—earning it the name "Belligundi," meaning "Silver Waterfalls."

Situated inside a protected reserve forest, Belligundi Falls is a destination for experienced trekkers seeking adventure amidst pristine wilderness. Visitors must obtain prior permission from the Forest Department, and trekking without an experienced local guide is strongly discouraged due to challenging terrain and the presence of wildlife.

Quick Details 📍 Location: Sharavathi River Valley, near Byndoor, Karnataka 💧 Waterfall Height: Approximately 300 metres (800 feet) 🥾 Trek Distance: 4–5 km (Athyadi Route) or 8–9 km (Karani Route) ⛰️ Trek Difficulty: Difficult to Very Difficult 🌿 Forest Type: Protected Western Ghats Reserve Forest 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to January/February Trekking Routes 🥾 Via Byndoor – Shiroor – Athyadi (Recommended) Trek Distance: 4–5 km Difficulty: Difficult Suitable for experienced trekkers. The final 2 km involve steep rock climbing over large boulders, slippery surfaces, and narrow forest trails. 🌳 Via Hosanagara – Kattinakaru – Karani Trek Distance: 8–9 km Difficulty: Very Difficult A long, deep-forest trek through remote wilderness, recommended only for highly experienced trekkers with a local guide. Travel Essentials 📅 Best Season: October to January/February. ⚠️ Avoid Monsoon: Heavy rainfall makes the trails extremely slippery, increases water levels, and creates hazardous trekking conditions. 🥾 Wear: High-grip trekking shoes, full-length clothing, and leech-protection gear. 🎒 Carry: Sufficient drinking water, food, a first-aid kit, and other essentials, as there are no shops or facilities inside the forest. 🧭 Guide Required: Trekking with an experienced local guide is strongly recommended due to challenging terrain and wildlife. How to Reach 🚗 By Road

Travel to Byndoor, then proceed towards Shiroor and Athyadi, which serves as the most commonly used base point for the trek.

🚆 By Rail

The nearest railway station is Byndoor (Mookambika Road) Railway Station, located approximately 15 km from the trekking base.

✈️ By Air

The nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport, approximately 140 km away.

Important: Belligundi Falls lies within a protected forest area. Visitors should verify the latest Forest Department regulations and obtain any required permissions before planning the trek. Trekking with a knowledgeable local guide is highly recommended for safety.