Kudumari Waterfalls Murudeshwara

Kudumari Waterfall also known as Chaktikal Falls and Belligundi Falls is one of the most attractive destinations in Karnataka.

The waterfall is located in a deep forest near a village called Chaktikal under Kundapura taluk of Udupi district in Karnataka. It lies at a distance of about 93 km from the town of Udupi and about 43 km from Murudeshwar. The waterfall has a height of about 300 feet.

It is a popular destination for adventure seekers. For trekkers, Kudumari Falls is a dream destination. It involves a trek of about 4 km through the scenic forests of Western Ghats. The trek also involves jumping over rocks of various sizes while proceeding towards the waterfall.

The waterfall can be accessed by an alternate way too. The bottom of the waterfall can be reached by trekking along the stream from the coastal side. However, this trekking route is an option only during the post monsoon months. This is because the water level recedes during those months and it becomes possible for people to trek through that area. But the trek route through the forest is the preferred route by most trekkers.

It is surrounded by the magnificent view of mountain ranges offering an opportunity to explore the adventurous beauty of nature.  It offers adventurous sports and even backwater activities making this place an ultimate adventure seeker abode.   

The location of Kudumari Waterfalls is 43 kilometers from Murudeshwar and 17 kilometers from Udupi. The dense forest area near the Chaktikal village is the exact location of Kudumari Waterfalls.

This stunning waterfall flows down at a height of 300 feet while creating a luxurious view through a sole step.  It takes around 3 kms from Chaktikal to reach the waterfall from the dense forest area. The trekking route is from a rocky trail which is dangerous to explore, especially in the monsoon season.

 The best time to explore this place is around November to December to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

Kudumari Waterfalls among the dense forest and mountain ranges create an avenue for the adventurous sport where trekking, mountain climbing, walking through the forest is regular. The backwaters of the Kundapur are amazing to explore the water activity.

 

Description Of Kudumari / Chaktikal Waterfalls

As the waterfall is situated deep inside the forest, one needs to take a walk into the forest to witness the beauty. The spellbound beauty of the dense forest can be perceived as one moves along the path through the luscious greenery. The thick forests are an easy way to the waterfall.

The waterfall can also be reached on an alternate route. The base of the waterfall is accessible by trekking along the stream. The route is approachable from the coastline. The route is safe during the post monsoon season. During monsoon season, the water level is quite high and hence the route is less traversed.

The trekking through the dense forest is truly enthralling. The walk around 4km distance through the dense forests of western Ghats keeps you enticed all along. The trekking covers all kinds of rocky terrain. It would be an adventurous and thrilling experience for any avid trekker. The walk through the rocks and boulders towards the cascading waterfall is quite dangerous, yet magnificent. The waterfall looks like strips of silver amidst the bright green envelope of luscious green trees.

 

Nearby places to visit

• Koosalli falls: It is located in a village named Koosalli near Byndoor of Kundapur taluk. This waterfall can also be reached from Udupi as it falls from a distance of 80 km from here. Abbigudde falls, Boorlangundi and Gudanagundi. It is a unique waterfall with a series of 6 waterfalls which form a miniature of different falls. The green surrounding and lush atmosphere of this waterfall makes it a frequent place of visit. While most of the waterfalls go dry during summer, Koosalli falls is a waterfall which dries up. This waterfall also serves agricultural purposes by providing water to thousands of acres of land. The waterfall has magnetic beauty to attract tourists and recognizing this, the Forest department has made a fine track in the forest to welcome adventure lovers. The trekking path measures 6 km in length.
• Kundapur: It is a very famous pilgrim town which is located at the centre belt of Karnataka. Kundapura has its beaches which offer a feast to the eyes of nature lovers.  The very name of the town is derived from the Kundeshwara Temple which was built near River Panchaganagvalli by Kundavarma. Kundapur is also described as ‘town of sun’ in ancient texts. The town has a bunch of temples namely Sri Vinayaka Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Mekekattu Nadhikeshwara Temple, Hattiangadi Temple, Koteshwara Temple and Kirimanjeshwara Temple.
• Trasi: It is a very popular 1 km beach which has got its own beach resort and a turtle bay. It is located at a distance of 12 km from north of Kundapur. The beach attracts tourists because of its clean shore and water.
• Shankaranarayana: It is a village which is located at Kundapur which was initially called as Krodha Kshetra. Shankaranarayana is a place which is considered one of the seven important regions of pilgrimage, which is famous for the temple of Shankaranarayana. The main idol of this temple is in the form of Udbhava Lingam, which is believed to be naturally formed lingam of Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana.
• Padukone:  It is a village which is situated at a distance of 17 km from north of Kundapur. Padukone is a village which is surrounded by coconut trees and kudru. This village is famous for the Souparnika River. 

How to reach Kudumari / Chaktikal Waterfalls

By Air: Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 173 km. Tourists can reach Kudumari waterfalls by hiring a taxi or even take up buses that ply to Udupi.

By Train: Kundapura is the nearest railway station to reach Kudumari waterfalls. From Kundapura tourists can hire a taxi, or a bus to reach Chaktikal village.

By Road: Udupi is quite accessible by road from major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore etc.  From Udupi to Chaktikal village one can take up any means like a bus or rent a taxi which is just 93 km. Chaktikal to Kudumari waterfall is a two-hour long trek.