Magod Falls: One of the most Magnificent Waterfalls of Karnataka

It is a sight to behold in the monsoons with its deafening roar and sheer volumes of water. It starts somewhere deep in the forests of the Western Ghats in the Sahyadris of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. It plunges 200 meters in two steps along with 2 scenic bends that form for a spectacle especially when it is gushing with lots of water. I am talking about the Bedti river and its famous 200 m fall that we know as Magod Falls.

This magnificent waterfall can be viewed from a series of view points, which is more like a hike by a ridge in the middle of dense forest. Set with multiple view points, the visitor can admire the view of this surreal waterfall from different perspectives along the short hike. While one viewpoint treats you to the view of the full Magod bend, the others treat you to sensational views of the waterfall and the entire forest landscape. The heavy gust of wind that blows straight at you through the valley is an added thrill.



Magod Falls is a top monsoon holiday destination and its beauty is unparalleled when the copious flow of water is muddy, the mist moves in and out, the landscape is lush green and the trail that you walk on is teeming with wild activity. It also offers great photographic opportunities right after the rains. If you love waterfall holidays, monsoon holidays or if you are headed towards the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka, you should definitely visit this gorgeous waterfall. I totally recommend it!



How to reach here:

Magod falls is located somewhere between Yellapur and Sirsi deep in the forests.

If traveling from Karwar, Ankola, Gokarna, Kumta or Yellapur, take the SH 6 (Hubli – Karwar road), turn towards Kavadikere (about 3 kms before Yellapur) and head straight to the Magod Falls parking area. The road between Kavadikere and Magod falls is usually in poor condition, so do prepare for a 18 km long bumpy ride.

If traveling from Sirsi, head north on the Sirsi – Yellapur route, take the dirt trail after the Bedti river bridge and Upaleshwara via Gundkall and Kumbri before joining the Yellapur – Magod Falls road. One can either opt for this shorter dirt track or take the highway route to Yellapur and then follow the main road from Yellapur to Magod Falls via Kavadikere.

The nearest airport would be Hubli airport, though the best connections would be available at Bangalore airport (about 460 kms away) or Dabolim airport (106 kms away).

The nearest railway station would either be Kumta or Hubli. While Kumta is well connected with the Konkan corridor, Hubli offers good connections with the central and eastern part of the peninsula.



Best season to visit:

The post monsoon months are best to see this magnificent waterfall in full flow. During the peak rainy season, there is a lot of mist that covers this waterfall and hence you might have to wait a bit for the view to open up. If photography is your thing, I would recommend the season right after the rains when the vegetation is lush and the water levels continue to be fairly high.



Where to stay:
There are many homestays in the Sirsi – Yellapur region that offers a beautiful mix of traditional hospitality with great locations and delicious food. The one where I stayed during my trip was Tavarumane homestay.

If you prefer city hotels, opt for hotels in either Yellapur  (25 kms away) or Sirsi (85 kms away).

For luxurious stay options, look up properties at Yellapur, Dandeli, Ramanguli, Karwar and Gokarna.



Where to eat:
There is a small hotel near the Magod falls parking lot where basic food is available, but one has to order in advance.

For a much wider range of food options and good quality restaurants, head to Yellapur, about 18 kms away. Hotel Shanbag and Hotel Indraprastha are two good options. Locals seem to throng to hotel Shanbag.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Sathodi Falls - Karnataka’s prettiest jungle waterfall

2) Shivapura hanging bridge - A suspension bridge on the river Kali

3) Yana caves – two limestone rocks and caves jutting out in the middle of dense jungle

4) Unchalli falls – one of the tallest waterfalls in Karnataka

5) Arbail ghat – one of the wettest places of Karnataka

6) Vibhuti falls – Karnataka’s jungle waterfall with a swimming pool

7) Beaches of Kumta, Ankola and Gokarna