Manikyadhara

About Manikyadhara

Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta. Location: It is located approximately 40 km from the chickmagalur town.
Manikyadhara Falls is located near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district on the Baba Budan Giri Hills and is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri.
The fall is about a kilometre away from Baba Budan Giri and is in the midst of the Shola forest and on reaching there, a set of stairs lead down to the bottom of the falls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manikyadhara_Falls

Nearest Visiting places

Chikmagalur is a district in Karnataka where coffee was first cultivated in India. Rivers like Tunga and Bhadra have their sources in the mountains here which are part of the Western Ghats. Chikmagalur district also contains Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. The hill stations, the waterfalls, the historical temples and the wildlife sanctuaries make this region a tourist paradise. It is alternatively spelled Chikkamagaluru, which literally means The town of the younger daughter in the native Kannada language. The town is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna and hence the name. Indeed, there is a town called Hiremagaluru - the town of the elder daughter - about 5 km from Chikmagalur.

The district head quarters of Chikmagalur district is 250 km from the state capital Bangalore, and surrounded by the Baba Budan Giri hills and dense forests. Mullayanagiri, at 1926 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the state of Karnataka.

Chikmagalur is where the Hoysala rulers started their dynasty. Legend has it that the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, killed a legendary tiger, forever immortalized on the Hoysala crest. Coffee was first introduced in India from here, when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills during 1670 AD. Saint Baba Budan on his pilgrimage to Mecca travelled through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen where he discovered coffee. Strapping seven coffee beans around his belly, he returned to India and planted them on the hills of Chikmagalur, now named Baba Budan Hills in his honour.

55 km north of Chikmagalur; height of 1,434 meters; thick forests and a salubrious climate through the year. Ensconced by the Baba Budan Giri range and blessed with mountain streams and lush vegetation. Beautifully laid out ornamental gardens, enchanting mountain views and spectacular sunsets. Great for treks; has peaks to scale and jungle paths to explore.

Kallathigiri Falls: 10 km from Kemmangundi; also known as Kalahasti falls; 122 meters high; close by is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in a gap between rocks.

Hebbe Falls: 10 km from Kemmangundi; 168 meters high; Two-stage cascade forming Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls).

North of Chikmagalur; has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The peak takes its present name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago.

Manikyadhara Falls: Manikyadhara Falls is a waterfall near Datta Peetha.

Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Dargah: On the Baba Budan Giri; Imam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike; laterite cave believed to have been stayed in by Dattatreya Swami and Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander.

Amritapura

Belavadi

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Location info

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• Best time to visit: Between December to January

How to reach Manikyadhara

• Nearest Railway Station:

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Helpline & emergency contacts

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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.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

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 Manikyadhara

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 Manikyadhara

Manikyadhara 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 Manikyadhara

At Manikyadhara, 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 Manikyadhara

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