Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls of South India You Must Visit Once In Your Lifetime
Mother Nature is teeming with wonders, and waterfalls are one of the most jaw-dropping and grandest spectacles of them all! Running wild and free, it’s amazing how they can be both roaring and powerful while still being so graceful and serene. And no matter how big or tiny they are, waterfalls never cease to inspire a sense of awe, wonder, and delight.
A land full of natural beauty, South India is blessed with an array of beautiful waterfalls that win your heart and soul and bring you closer to nature. Ranging from popular tourist hotspots to hidden gems accessible only by arduous treks, waterfalls in South India are a real treat for all waterfall chasers.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls of South India That You Must Visit Once In Your Lifetime.
Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
No list of the most beautiful waterfalls in South India is complete without Kerala’s Athirappilly Falls. A true marvel of nature, Athirappilly Waterfalls leaves people at a loss for words with its magical beauty and grandeur.
Boasting a height of 80 feet, it makes her the largest waterfall in Kerala. Owing to its incredible height, breathtaking magnificence, and the mighty form that it takes during the monsoons, Athirappilly Waterfalls is often hailed as the “Niagara of India“.
Location: Athirappilly, Thrissur district of Kerala.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June to September)
Jog Falls, Karnataka
The Jog Falls in Karnataka are a remarkable natural attraction to be visited at least once in a lifetime. Drops directly down from a tremendous height of 253 meters without streaming on the rocks, it is the tallest un-tiered waterfall in India and stands second on the list of highest plunge waterfalls in the country.
The beautiful waterfall flows down in four different cascades, Raja, Rani, Rocket, and Roarer, making a marvellous sight to behold and leaving the spectators speechless. You can either trek up to the Watkins viewpoint or descend 1,400 steps to the platform at the base to see Jog Falls in all its splendour.
Location: Shimoga district, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June to September)
Ethipothala Waterfalls, Andhra Pradesh
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh, Ethipothala Waterfalls is worth visiting for its untouched beauty and captivating surroundings. The merging of three gorgeous streams, namely Nakka Vagu, Chandravanka Vagu, and Tummala Vagu, gives birth to Ethipothala Waterfalls, which fall from a height of approximately 70 feet into a lagoon, offering splendid sights.
The lovely waterfall gives visitors the chance to soak in the pristine beauty of nature, along with mild trekking and camping. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in Andhra Pradesh, Ethipothala Waterfalls is the best choice.
Location: Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Tamil Nadu
A one-of-a-kind cascade of sheer beauty and splendour, Hogenakkal Waterfalls in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South India that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The mystifying magnificence of nature and the unbeatable charm of the roaring Hogenakkal Falls will leave you awestruck for sure. The frothy waters descending the lofty landscape form a grand spectacle that the eyes have ever beheld, and it has miraculous medicinal properties, too. Not to miss here is the thrilling coracle ride.
Location: Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Hebbe Falls, Karnataka
The enchanting Hebbe Falls in the South Indian state of Karnataka is nothing less than a captivating feast for the eyes and soul. It cascades down from a height of 168 m in two stages – Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls) and Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls), amidst verdant coffee plantations and lush forests, offering a delightful sight.
What’s interesting is that the Hebbe Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka form a natural Jacuzzi filled with medicinal herbs that offer healing properties, and a dip in its waters is so refreshing and believed to cure many diseases. Hebbe Falls not only attracts picnickers but biologists and scientists as well.
Location: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: October to January
Courtallam (Kutralam)Falls, Tamil Nadu
An ideal summer retreat in Tamil Nadu, Courtallam Falls in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu is an enchanting natural spectacle. It’s a combination of nine beautiful waterfalls that vary in size, height, volume of water, and water current.
This lovely and bewitching waterfall makes its way through rocky terrains dotted with a rustic tinge of green. As it flows through forests of herbs, Courtallam Falls is considered to be a natural spa that is believed to have medicinal qualities that help to get rid of nerve and skin diseases.
Location: Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Talakona Waterfalls, Andhra Pradesh
Talakona Waterfalls is another beautiful waterfall that you must visit in South India. Originating from the Seshachalam Hills, which are situated in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, it cascades down from a height of 270 feet into a deep valley comprising an area full of eye-catching greenery, becoming the highest waterfall in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The water of Talakona Waterfalls is said to have therapeutic qualities to cure many diseases as it flows through a variety of medicinal plants and herbs. The waterfall is truly hypnotising with alluring nature, serene ambience, and lush greenery all around, attracting swarms of nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers.
Location: Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: September to January
Jhari Waterfalls, Karnataka
Jhari Waterfalls is an exceptionally beautiful waterfall situated in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Nicknamed Buttermilk Falls, Jhari Waterfall is a delight for those who wish to unwind amid nature.
The mesmerising Jhari Falls is formed naturally by springs originating in the mountains, which flow over steep rocks, surrounded by verdant forest and sprawling coffee plantations. The pool formed at the base of Jhari Falls is perfect for a cool dip or short swim.
Location: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: August to January
Soochippara Waterfalls, Kerala
Set amidst captivating greenery, Soochippara Waterfalls, also called Sentinel Rock Waterfalls in Wayanad, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South India that you must visit. This spectacular three-tiered Waterfall, cascading down from a height of 200 m, is counted as one of the biggest falls in Kerala.
The trek to Soochippara Falls is mesmerisingly scenic and extremely fascinating, offering mind-blowing views of rolling tea plantations, lush green forest covers, and huge rocky edges. If you are lucky enough, you can spot wildlife animals like tigers and deer during the trek to Soochippara Waterfalls.
Location: Wayanad district, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Silver Cascade Falls, Tamil Nadu
The scenic Silver Cascade Waterfalls are the ultimate showstopper while en route to Kodaikanal from Vathalagundu in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Thrashing down from 180 feet through piles of rocks amid lush greenery, this natural wonder boasts stupendous beauty that no words can define.
The water of Silver Cascade Falls is supposed to have medicinal value, so taking a cool dip in this amazing waterfall will be worthwhile for sure. It is an ideal place to take a break from travel and let your eyes feast on the marvellous spectacle of nature. The stunning Silver Cascade Falls is a real treat for those looking for photogenic and Instagrammable pictures.
Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Witness nature’s finest spectacle in the form of beautiful waterfalls in South India. Listen to their relaxing music, feel their refreshing energy, and spend countless hours relaxing in nature’s lap.