Unchalli Waterfalls

About Unchalli Waterfalls

The Unchalli Falls are situated in the North Kanara district in North West Karnataka. These water falls are situated in the thick Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats. Here river ‘Aghanashini’ runs through thick woods and makes a spectacular waterfall. The transport plies only to a place called Heggarani. From Heggarani it is a few kilometers walk.

Unchalli Falls which is also called as Lushington Falls is a waterfall created by a 116 meter drop in the Aghanashini river. The falls are named for J. D. Lushington, a District Collector for the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845. Hopetoun Falls near Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation. … Sirsi is a town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Its like a hill station populated with around 65,000 people.

The falls are reached by a five kilometer trek from Heggarne village through thick forest. Here the river makes a cavalcade of water falls and eventually leaps into steep valley to form a spectacular, picturesque waterfall. The falls are sometimes called Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound they make.

This place in thickets of the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats is around 30kms from Sirsi and 35kms from Siddapura. Here river ‘Aghanashini’ running through thick woods makes a spectacular waterfall. The ksrtc buses will go up to a place called Heggarani.

Fact File:
**Total Height:**380 feet
**Watercourse:**Aghanashini River
**Continent:**Asia
**Country:**India
State **/ Province:**Karnataka
**Locality:**Siddapura Talluk, Uttara Kannada
**Specific Location:**Heggarani

Weblinks

http://santy-space.blogspot.com/2007/08/unchalli-falls-aka-lushigton-falls.html
http://aravindgj.blogspot.com/2006/10/unchalli-falls.html

Location info

• Address: Siddapura taluq in North Kanara district in North West Karnataka

• District: North Kanara

• Nearest City: Sirsi

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit these waterfalls is during early winter

History of Unchalli Waterfalls

The falls are named for J. D. Lushington, a District Collector for the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845. Hopetoun Falls near Otway National Park, Victoria, Australia A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation.

How to reach Unchalli Waterfalls

• Nearest Railway Station: Kumta Railway Station

• Nearest Airport: Mangalore/Bangalore

• Road Transport:

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Nearest Medical Help ~10kms Aminalli
Nearest Hotel ~25kms Sirsi, Tea Shops at Aminalli.

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

• Benne Hole Falls

This glorious water falls is formed from the tributary of river “Aghanashini”, which flows in the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats. The height of the falls is about 200ft. Benne Hole means big stream in Kannada. About 21kms from Sirsi to Kumta is place called Kasage, which is 6kms from the waterfalls

• 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

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

• 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 Unchalli Waterfalls

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.

Things to do at Unchalli Waterfalls

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 Unchalli Waterfalls? 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 Unchalli Waterfalls

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