The Kunchikal Waterfall is another famous waterfall in Shimoga. This waterfall is formed by the River Varahi. The height of this waterfall is approximately 455 metres. In terms of height this waterfall ranks 116th in the world. There is a hydroelectric plant that has been set up under this waterfall. This plant generates high power electricity. One finds ample amounts of greenery around this place. The tributaries of the River Varahi create many seasonal waterfalls which are much smaller as compared to the Kunchikal Falls and these small waterfalls surround the Kunchikal Waterfall which makes this sight pretty impressive. The area surrounding this waterfall is quite well kept in order to maintain the call and peaceful atmosphere here.
| Height: | 455 metres |
|---|---|
| World Rank: | 116th |
Transportation & Best time to visit Kunchikal Falls, Shimoga
The Mangalore Airport is located close to this place. From the airport, one can take either a bus or a taxi to reach the waterfall. There are many buses that one can take to reach this waterfall. If not by bus one can also travel by taxi to reach this place. One can also hire private vehicles to reach this waterfall. The Kundapura Railway station is close to this place. From the railway station, one can take either a bus or a taxi to reach the waterfall. The rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit this waterfall.
| Transportation: | |
|---|---|
| Airport: | Mangalore Airport |
| Railway Station: | Kundapura Railway station |
| Best Time to Visit: | |
| Season: | Rainy Season |
Accommodation & Food near Kunchikal Falls, Shimoga
Near this waterfall, there are many places where one can stay. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Advaitha Boarding and Lodging, Antarvanam Homestay and Farm Resorts, Barekal Farmstay, Amruthavana Nature Resort, Abimon Residency International, etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are Hotel Shri Mookambika, Hotel New Laxmi Kappa, Food Court Mobile Canteen, Hotel Shri Sadguru Veg Restaurant, Amar Family Restaurant, etc.
Places to visit near Kunchikal Falls, Shimoga
Kavaledurga Fort:
This fort is located on top of a hill and in the midst of a dense forest. In order to reach the fort, one has to trek to reach the summit. In this fort, one finds several shrines which are dedicated to Virupaksha, Vijaya Mitalla, Veerabhadra, Mallara and Bhuvneshwari. This fort was under the control of the Keladi Nayakas.The fort is mostly in ruins but one still finds an old palace, a bath, guardrooms and storage houses for weapons here. There is also a mosque here which is built by Venkatappa Nayaka. One also finds a freshwater pond on top of this fort. From the fort one also gets to see the amazing view of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Location: | Atop a hill in a forest |
| Access: | Requires trekking to reach the summit |
| Dedicated Shrines: | Virupaksha, Vijaya Mitalla, Veerabhadra, Mallara and Bhuvneshwari |
| Historical Control: | Under the control of the Keladi Nayakas |
| Present Condition: | Mostly in ruins, with an old palace, bath, guardrooms and storage houses for weapons |
| Additional Structures: | A mosque built by Venkatappa Nayaka and a freshwater pond |
| View: | Amazing sunset view into the Arabian Sea |
The Chakra Dam:
It is built across the River Chakra. This dam is located in the small town of Chakra Nagar. The construction of this dam was completed in 1985. Its length is approximately 570 metres. The purpose behind building this dam was so that it could act as a balancing reservoir and also feed water into the Linganamakki Dam. This dam also helps the surrounding areas with regard to irrigation. The dam is actually a project which is managed by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited. If tourists want to visit this place they need to obtain special permission for the same. This place is extremely peaceful and it is also surrounded by scenic beauty on all sides which is pleasant to look at.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Small town of Chakra Nagar, built across River Chakra |
| Completion Year | 1985 |
| Length | Approximately 570 metres |
| Purpose | Acts as a balancing reservoir and feeds water into Linganamakki Dam |
| Irrigation | Helps the surrounding areas with irrigation |
| Management | Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited |
| Special Permission | Required for tourist visits |
| Peaceful Surroundings | Extremely peaceful and scenic beauty all around |
Nagara Fort:
This fort was built by Veerabhadra Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty in 1640. Later after the death of Veerabhadra, Shivappa Nayak succeeded him and then made some changes to this fort in order to improve it. It is believed that Raja Ram who was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took refuge in this fort. This fort later fell into the hands of Haider Ali. The main entrance of the fort and its exterior walls are still in a good condition. Other than that one gets to see the remains of the palace, the guardrooms, wells, a watchtower and canons here. Since this fort was built next to a lake it was self-sufficient with regards to water circulation, especially at the time of war.
| Place | Details |
| Nagara Fort | Built by Veerabhadra Nayaka in 1640 Improved by Shivappa Nayak Raja Ram, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took refuge here Fell into the hands of Haider Ali |
Mangalore Narayani Temple:
This temple is located on the banks of the Varahi River. It was also a hub for trading earlier. This place is a holy one for the Goud Saraswati Brahmin Community. This temple is also regularly visited by sages of Mutts like Kashi Samsthana and Gokarna Partagali Mutt.
| Place | Details |
| Mangalore Narayani Temple | Located on the banks of the Varahi River Hub for trading earlier Holy place for Goud Saraswati Brahmin Community Visited by sages of Mutts like Kashi Samsthana and Gokarna Partagali Mutt |
The Kundeshwara Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near the River Pancha Gangavali. The town here is also named after this temple. This temple was built by Kundavarna. In this temple, one finds a four feet tall Shiva Linga. There is also a garbhagriha idol here which is made of black stones. An interesting thing to note about the Shiva Linga here is that only one-third part of it is visible. In this temple complex one also finds the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvathi.
| Place | Details |
| The Kundeshwara Temple | Dedicated to Lord Shiva Located near the River Pancha Gangavali Built by Kundavarna Four feet tall Shiva Linga with only one-third part visible Garbharghriha idol made of black stones Idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvathi also present |
Mekkattu Nandikeshwara Temple:
This temple was established by Sage Parshuram. In this temple, one finds ten feet tall wooden idols which actually show the warrior uniform which was made in the memory of a war that probably took place around the 1600s-1700s. Close to this temple, one finds the Barkur Chowlikere and Yettinahatti temples which can also be visited.
| Place | Details |
| Mekkattu Nandikeshwara Temple | Established by Sage Parshuram Ten feet tall wooden idols with warrior uniforms Close proximity to Barkur Chowlikere and Yettinahatti temples |
Tannirbhavi Beach:
is another popular tourist attraction. The landscape of this beach is pretty amazing and there are also trees on this beach. One can enjoy a good swim here without any worries as there are lifeguards at this beach. There is also a tree park next to this beach where one finds a huge collection of trees from the Western Ghats, medicinal plants and also special herbs. One also finds many eateries at this beach.
| Place | Details |
|---|---|
| Tannirbhavi Beach | The landscape of this beach is pretty amazing. There are also trees on this beach. One can enjoy a good swim here without any worries as there are lifeguards at this beach. |
