Nisargadhama Falls

About Nisargadhama Falls

Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka is about 25km on the way to Madikeri from Bangalore. 2 kilometers from Kushalnagar, Nisargadhama is a beautiful island carved by the Cauvery. Karnataka’s geographical topography is dominated by the Western Ghats that is the source of many rivers flowing though out the land. Nisargadhama is an island in Cauvery and to reach this island you have to cross a hanging bridge.
Nisargadhama streams with profuse growth of foliage, teak and rosewood plantation. The island is shaded with thick bamboo groves. It is an enchanting island with tree houses and a mini zoo too. The sprawling land has deer park, orchids blooming and elephants. Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka offers ideal sandy beds for picnics and boat rides too. There is a small restaurant too.
Close to Nisargadhama Falls Karnataka are the Tibetan settlements Kushalnagar and Bylakuppe. The monastery with well developed lawns and small ponds is beautiful. Periodic chants and sound of bells add to the serenity of the place.
For a trip to Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka book a tour with indianholiday. Log on to indianholiday.com to know more about Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka.

Cauvery Nisarga Dhama is a popular picnic spot in Kodagu District and is around 35 km from Madikeri.
This man-made island was built in 1988 and is spread over a sprawling 35-acre land. There is a hanging bridge at the entry. Machans (tree top shelters) and pargola (wall less shelters), pedal boating, elephant riding and a deer park are the major interests here.

It is located about 2 km from Kushalnagar on the Mysore-Madikeri Road.

Nisargadhama is a series of small and large islands on the Cauvery river near to Kushalnagar town in Coorg district of Karnataka. There are many shallow portions of the river through which one can just walk through. Other activities here include elephant rides and boating. Its an excellant place to spend an evening.

Location info

• Address:

• District: Kodagu

• Nearest City: Kodagu

• Best time to visit: Post monsoon season is the best time to visit. September to February is the apt time.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

At kushalnagar we can easily get accommodation and food of your choice. You can also arrange for your stay at the cottages run by Forest Department at Nisargadhama. You need to call Madikeri Forest conservator (ph:08272-25708) for booking it early.

Nearest visiting places

• Cauvery Nisargadama

This place is located in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka very close to Kushal Nagar. Nisargadhama is around 120 kms from Mysore and around 260 kms from Bangalore. Located 4 kms before Kushal Nagar (when driving from Mysore), it is a small and circular island formed by the branching of river Cauvery

• Kabini WildLIfe Sanctuary

Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80 km away from Mysore and 205 km from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarole National Park

• Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kodagu District covers an area of about 181 sq km. It is surrounded by evergreen and semi-green forests as well as shola grasslands

• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries of India’s Karnataka state. This sanctuary is located near Mandalpatty in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district and has some attractive scenery. Spread over 102 sq km, the sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats and has thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

• Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Southern Karnataka state of South India. It is located in Kodagu district and is spread over 105 km2 and lies in the Western Ghats. This sanctuary is named after Talakaveri, the origin of the Cauvery River which lies on the eastern edge of the sanctuary

• Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Park,’ is located 94 km from Mysore in Karnataka in Southern India. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two

• Abbey Waterfall

Karnataka boasts of some scenic and exotic hill stations that are frequented by those seeking the green and serene. Among them one such location would be the Abbey falls. This waterfalls also known as the Abbi falls

• Irpu / Iruppu Waterfall

Irpu falls (or Iruppu falls) is situated at outskirts of Brahmagiri mountain range of Kodagu district. The falls is formed by Lakshmana theertha river when it jumps down in two tiers from a height of 52 mtrs (approximately 170 ft). The Irpu Falls, also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls

• Mallalli Waterfall

Mallalli falls is situated in the foots of pushpagiri hills. It in about 18 kms from somwarpet, the falls is 2 kms inside the main road. Mallalli Falls is situated in Coorg and is around 25 kms from Somwarpet and 260 kms from Bangalore

• Lakshmana Tirtha River

The Lakshmana Tirtha is a river of India that has its origin in Kodagu district and flows eastward. It joins the Kaveri River in the Krishna Raja Sagara lake. Kodagu is a district of Karnataka State in Southern India. It is also known by its anglicised name of Coorg. It occupies about 4,100 square kilometers (1,580 mi2) of land in the Western Ghats of Southwestern Karnataka

• Kaveri River

• Harangi Dam

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

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 Nisargadhama Falls

July to October (monsoon and post-monsoon) is the best time when waterfalls are at their fullest. November to February offers pleasant weather with moderate water flow. March-May has reduced water flow but easier access.

Timings & opening hours

Best viewed during daylight hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visit during or just after monsoon (July-October) for the fullest flow. Some waterfalls may be restricted during heavy rains for safety.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee of INR 10-50 per person for most waterfalls. Parking charges: INR 20-50 for vehicles. Some waterfalls maintained by Karnataka Forest Department have additional permit fees.

Duration needed

1-2 hours including the trek to the waterfall and time spent enjoying the scenery. Half a day if combining with nearby attractions or a longer trek.

Safety tips

Slippery rocks near waterfalls are extremely dangerous — stay behind railings and marked viewing areas. Do not swim in plunge pools — hidden currents and submerged rocks are hazardous. Avoid visiting during heavy rain when water levels rise suddenly. Do not climb on wet rocks.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Wear non-slip footwear for walking on wet surfaces. Bring a raincoat/poncho during monsoon. Waterproof bag for phone and camera.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station is typically on the Konkan Railway or Bangalore-Mangalore line. Nearest airport: Mangalore International or Hubli Airport. KSRTC buses connect to nearby towns.

History of Nisargadhama Falls

Nisargadhama Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls of Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots. The waterfall is fed by rivers originating in the ghats, which receive some of the highest rainfall in India during the southwest monsoon.

Things to do at Nisargadhama Falls

Photography, nature watching, trekking to the waterfall, picnicking at designated areas, birdwatching in the surrounding forest, and enjoying the mist and spray of the falls.

Things to visit & highlights

The main waterfall, upstream river sections, viewpoints offering panoramic valley views, nearby forests and streams, and surrounding coffee/tea plantations.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is swimming safe at Nisargadhama Falls? A: Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and submerged rocks. Enjoy the view from a safe distance. Q: What is the best season? A: Monsoon (July-September) for maximum water flow. Q: Is there a trek involved? A: Most waterfalls require a short trek (0.5-2 km) through forest trails. Wear sturdy shoes.

Quick facts

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

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Nisargadhama Falls

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