Wondering what to explore beyond Bengaluru city? Here's where you should go

Bengaluru is within easy reach of travellers from Kerala. The metropolis, known for party revelries, city sights, and natural landscapes, does not lack scenic wonders either. The suburbs of Bengaluru hold breathtaking locales whose allure for visitors does not fade with any number of trips. These places are now filled with rich greenery and luxuriant foliage after the monsoon. The waterfalls too are grand sights. In the suburbs, there are a number of waterfalls with monsoon-swelled water in them cascading down as if frothing milk is spilling out of a broken pot. Below are some of the waterfalls that should be must-see locations on one’s itinerary when visiting Bengaluru at this time of the year.

Shivanasamudra waterfalls
The Shivanasamudra waterfalls are located on the border between the districts of Mandya and Chamarajanagara. The falls are considered to be sacred water flowing out of the matted hair bun of Lord Shiva. The falls, which are formed by the confluence of the Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls, are the second-largest waterfalls in the country. Gaganachukki can be reached from Bengaluru by travelling 126 km on National Highway No 209 through Kanakapura. The site is 70 km from Mysuru and 205 km from Coimbatore. The rush of visitors increases during the monsoon season and the most suitable time for visiting the site is from July to October.

Hogenakkal waterfalls
The mesmerising sight of 36 waterfalls nestled adjacent to one another in the midst of the Sathyamangalam forest is a sight to behold for visitors to Hogenakkal. The falls, situated in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, are on the Cauvery River. The distance from Bengaluru to Hogenakkal is 170 km. The main attraction at the tourist hotspot is that visitors can approach near the foot of the waterfalls in coracles.

Jog falls
Jog falls that originate from the Sharavathi River are the biggest waterfalls in India. The tourist attraction, which is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, has other names such as Gerusoppa Falls, Gersoppa Falls, Jogada Falls, and Jogada Gundi Falls. The waterfalls that gush down from 829 feet above are a magnificent sight. Here, there are four falls Raja, Rani, Rocket, and Roarer. Of these, Raja is located top-most. There are direct buses from Bengaluru to the destination, the distance being 379 km. The most suitable time for visiting the spot is from August to December.

Chunchi waterfalls
The enchanting Chunchi waterfalls are reached after Kanakapura town. The distance to the waterfalls from Kanakapura is just 30 km through Halahalli in Mandya district. The waterfalls plunging down through the jagged rocks is a gorgeous view. Those who are interested may also go trekking there. The place is 90 km from Bengaluru. 

Iruppu waterfalls 
The Iruppu waterfalls are situated in the Brahmagiri mountain range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka on the border with the Wayanad district of Kerala. More than a tourist spot, the place is a pilgrimage centre. The famous Rameshwara temple dedicated to Shiva is situated on the bank of the Lakshmana Theertha river on the way to the waterfall. Pilgrims throng the place in large numbers during the Shivaratri festival. It is believed that the waterfalls have the power to cleanse people of their sins and make them pure. The distance to the place from Bengaluru is 260 km. The waterfalls can be reached by taking the highway to the Nagarhole National Park from Gonikoppal after Srimangala. 

Abbey waterfalls
The Abbey waterfalls are situated in Kodagu, 268 km from Bengaluru. Opposite the waterfalls on the initial stretch of the Cauvery River in the midst of a private coffee plantation is a hanging bridge. The flow of water is heavy during the rainy season along this length of the river. One has to witness the spectacle for oneself to grasp the grandeur and majesty of the waterfalls that surge down from 70 feet above. The suitable time for visiting the place is from July to October.