Benne Hole Falls

About Benne Hole Falls

This marvelous place is one among the numerous waterfalls (somebody said 18) in North Kanara. A tributary of the river “Aghanashini” by name ‘beNNe hoLe’(hoLe is big stream in Kannada) flowing through the dense forests of the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats falling from a height of about 200feet forms a spectacular visual treat(of course mental too).

On the way to Kumta from Sirsi after 21kms you get a small places called “Kasage”. From here the waterfall is around 6kms away. Take the path which goes towards “Hosur” and up to Hosur it is a jeep track till the last house in Hosur. From here it is 2kms walk to the waterfall.

Benne Hole falls is among one of the beautiful falls in Karnataka. In Kannada, ‘benne’ means butter and ‘hole’ means big stream. The name of the falls indicates lot about its beauty. It is a big stream which flows with all force and looks as white as butter.
A tributary of the river “Aghanashini” by name ‘beNNe hoLe’ flowing through the dense forests of the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats falling from a height of about 200 feet forms a spectacular visual treat.

Location info

Best time to visit: November-February.

Best Time Early Winter (we went in rainy times, it is different ’cos nobody was around, hellua rain, full of leeches and everything is green as usual. The feeling is different entirely).

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Nearest Hotel Ragi Hosalli(tea shop, snacks) and Sirsi.

Nearest visiting places

• Basavaraja Durga Island

The Island of Basavaraja Durga is about a km from main land off Honnavar. You can reach the island through boats and small coasters. The landing place is at the south end where there is a ruined fort with eight mounted guns

• Darya Bahadurgadh Island

Darya Bahadurgadh Island : Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory

• Devbagh Island

Karnataka’s undiscovered gem, Devbagh is a destination with a difference. Pristine beaches, casuarina plantations and an eco- friendly environment beckon the adventurous tourist. SUSHEELA NAIR writes about this romantic getaway which offers complete privacy and solitude

• Karwar Island

Karwar is a port town situated 100 Km from Goa and 260 Km north of Mangalore. Tucked between the sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, Karwar is an unexplored destination

• Kurumgad Island

Kurumgad Island is a remote haven, located 4 km into the Arabian Sea from Karwar. This tortoise-shaped island, 6 km from Baithakola in Karwar harbor, offers a beautiful view of the sea. Tourists can enjoy exotic beach walks, nature walks, swimming, fishing, bonfires and barbecues, dolphin spotting, boat rides and snorkeling

• Sadashivgad Island

Sadashivgad is a small village across the Kali river from the town of Karwar in Uttara Kannada. There is an abandoned fort built circa 17th century, and a temple to goddess Durga. The hill on the island offers spectacular views of the Kali river and Arabian sea

• Sanyasi Island

Sanyasi Island:Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name

• Gokarna Temples

Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar)

• Honnavar Temple

Honavar or Honnavar is a port Town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The town is the headquarters of Honnavar taluk.History: The first ever historical reference about the Honavar town appears in the works of the Greek author Periplus (AD 247) and it was called Naour.[citation needed] It was mentioned as the first port of Limurike in Tamil country

• Banavasi Historical

Located on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, the ancient temple town of Banavasi has been a great religious hub for ages. The fact that it is regarded the most ancient city of India after Varanasi, speaks volumes about rich heritage of Banavasi

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of River Kali, amidst thick forests and hills of Uttara Kannada District. The sanctuary is at a distance of 125 kms from Goa, 117 kms from Karwar, 95 kms from Belgaum and at 400 kms from Banglore.Dandeli offers you much more than the sundry outings and picnics

• Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is Karnataka In the district of Uttar Kannada Anshi National Park is located. The scenic beauty of this park is non-parallel. An animal lover will definitely fall in love with Anshi National Park. The flora of this place has been blessed with plants like eucalyptus, bamboo, teak, xylia xylocarpa, silver oak, bauhinia and others

• Bhatkal Archeology

The west coast style of south India starts from here. The roofs of the buildings are steep since it rains heavily in the western Ghats. They are mostly wooden constructions as in Kerala. In Karnataka , stone structures are prominent

• Burude Falls or Dodmane Falls

This wonderful waterfall is around 20+kms from Siddapur and 55+kms from Sirsi, on Siddapur-Kumta road. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer. And which will be full in rainy and winter seasons which makes the entry to the waterfall and the valley impossible

• Lalguli Falls

On your trip to Karnataka you can choose to visit its cascading waterfalls. The Western Ghats rising to an average of 900m converges into the Nilgiri Hills and offers to Karnataka a plethora of thundering waterfalls plummeting down from great heights

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:Nearest Medical Help Ragi Hosalli 9+kms

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Benne Hole Falls

Post-monsoon season (October to February) is the best time to visit when the waterfall is at its full flow. The monsoon months (June to September) see the heaviest water flow but accessibility may be limited due to slippery paths. Summer (March to May) has reduced water flow.

Timings & opening hours

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Best viewed during daylight hours. Avoid visiting after dark as the terrain can be slippery.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹20 per person for Indian nationals, ₹50-₹100 for foreign nationals. Parking fee: ₹20-₹50 for vehicles. Camera fee: ₹25-₹50 for still cameras.

Duration needed

1-2 hours is sufficient to visit the waterfall, enjoy the views, and take photographs. If the area has trekking trails, plan for 3-4 hours.

Safety tips

Do not venture beyond designated viewing areas or barriers. Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slippery. Do not swim in waterfall pools — submerged rocks and strong currents pose serious risks. Rainfall can cause sudden increases in water flow. Wear non-slip footwear. Supervise children at all times.

Things to carry

Carry water bottles, snacks, raincoat/umbrella (especially post-monsoon), camera for photographs, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a change of clothes if planning to get wet.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station: Shimoga Town (SMET) or the closest district railway station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE) depending on location. Local buses and taxis are available from both.

History of Benne Hole Falls

Benne Hole Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls in Karnataka, formed by a river cascading down the Western Ghats. The area around the waterfall is part of the rich biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall has been a popular tourist destination for decades, known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings.

Things to do at Benne Hole Falls

At Benne Hole Falls, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the cascading water, take photographs, have a picnic in designated areas, and explore the surrounding forest trails. During the post-monsoon season, the mist and spray from the waterfall create a refreshing atmosphere. Bird watching and nature photography are popular activities in the surrounding area.

Things to visit & highlights

The main attraction is the waterfall itself — watch the water cascade down the rocky cliff face. The viewpoint near the base offers the best perspective. During monsoon, multiple smaller streams join the main fall creating a dramatic spectacle. The surrounding forest has walking trails and viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming safe at the waterfall? No, swimming at the base of waterfalls is not recommended due to submerged rocks and unpredictable currents. It is safest to enjoy the view from designated areas.

What is the best time to visit? The post-monsoon season (October to February) when the waterfall is at its fullest flow is ideal.

Are there trekking trails nearby? Many waterfalls in Karnataka are surrounded by forest trails and viewpoints that offer short nature walks of 1-3 km.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Waterfalls

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Benne Hole Falls

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Benne Hole Falls on popular travel photography sites and social media.