The town of Belgaum is among the most priced tourist gems of the state of Karnataka with a high rich with heritage and history. The peace of and harmony experienced within Belgaum is extremely difficult to find elsewhere in the country. However, the beauty of the region is not limited to Belgaum. With the limited options of naturally formed attractions, if you are in Belgaum and are looking to spend some quality time in the lap of nature, you can visit some of the mesmerizing waterfalls out there in the nearby destinations.
1] Shimbola Waterfalls
Shimbola Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India located at the central part of Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. Shimbola Falls offers a perfect trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts.
- The View: You’ll be greeted with a roaring 50 m plunge into a lush, misty gorge. Dramatic waterfalls, jungle canopy—it’s a photographers’ dream.
- Swim With Care: Some locals do wade into shallower areas, but heed warnings: strong currents/boulders can make it unsafe .
- Wildlife Watch: Sightings include deer and various bird species. The rich forest is alive—enjoy, but stay respectful
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | Free entry; access by road to the village (Maan/ Parwad), then trek. Limited facilities—no proper restrooms or refreshment stalls. |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | Stay Nearby: Limited guesthouses around Chorla/Maan. In Belagavi city (₹2,800/night) . Food & Water: Carry your own; few or no refreshment stalls at the trailhead. Post-Trek: On the way back, you might find a few local eateries in Chorla area recommended for clean restrooms and simple meals . |
| Nearby Attractions: | Vajrapoha, Godchinamalaki & Gokak Falls: Other impressive cascades within 40–70 km . Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Jamboti Hills: Ideal for adding to your nature itinerary . |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Shimbola Falls offers a breathtaking, offbeat adventure—dramatic plunges, remote rainforest ambiance, and a rewarding wilderness trek off the tourist trail. |
2] VajraPoha Waterfall
Vajrapoha Falls is a waterfall in the Belgaum district of Karnataka in India. It is situated in a mountainous forest 8.5 kilometres in south west direction from the village of Jamboti.
- A majestic cascade: ~200 m drop from Mandovi/Mahadayi River into a rocky gorge .
- Views: choose between dramatic vantage points from above or thrilling base views after a steep descent .
- Sensory experience: roaring water, cool mist, tranquil amphitheater setting .
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | Permits/ID: required from Jamboti Forest Dept. No access without official permission . Opening time: 08:00–16:00 hrs; leave before late afternoon . No entry fee reported . Facilities: minimal—no restrooms or eateries at site. Pack water, snacks, first‑aid, insect/leeches repellent . |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | No lodging at fall site. Options: Homestays or forest guesthouse in Jamboti—must arrange in advance . Hotels in Belagavi (e.g., Regenta, Fairfield, The Fern) ~30–40 km away . Pack a picnic for mid-trek meals. |
| Nearby Attractions: | Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (diverse wildlife) Gokak Falls, Hidkal Dam, Saundatti Yellamma Temple are ~35–45 km away Other nearby cascades: Sundi, Tilari, Chikhale, Godachinamalaki. |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Raw, offbeat wilderness: few visitors, untamed Ghats, peaceful solitude. Spectacular scale: one of Karnataka’s tallest cascades with a 200 m drop . Adventure-packed trek: vehicle ride + hike + cliff descent offers real thrill. Photogenic & sensory overload: misty amphitheater, roaring rapids, dense greenery. |
3] Tilari Waterfalls
Tillari waterfalls is a naturesque waterfalls located in Karnataka Maharashtra border at around 65 km from Belgaum. The closest waterfalls to the city of Belgaum, the Tilari Falls are a true gift of nature.
- A main waterfall (~40 ft) cascading into a green pool under a dense canopy .
- Several additional falls visible from Swapnavel Point—3 side-by-side cascades (100 ft) creating a mesmerizing misty scene .
- Backwater canal of Tilari Dam is popular for playing in currents .
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | Entry fee: ₹250–303 per person; includes a mandatory forest guard escort . Park near forest checkpost; no eateries, petrol pumps, or restrooms along route . Roads on ghat are narrow and winding |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | Bring your own water and snacks; minimal village stalls may offer tea (only near Tilari Nagar). Lodging options: Eco-lodges or homestays near Tilari or Dodamarg . Hotels in Belagavi for a comfortable stay after your trek. |
| Nearby Attractions: | Tilari Dam & reservoir: for boating, sunrise/sunset photography . Swapnavel Point: panoramic viewpoint over multiple cascades . Tilari Ghat: scenic mountain drive, photographic vistas . Combine with Sundi Falls, Vajrapoha, Gokak, or Godachinamalaki Falls in your itinerary . |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Secluded natural beauty—few tourists, serene atmosphere. Diverse waterfall experiences—main falls, canal, Swapnavel viewpoint. Photogenic scenery: lush forest, fog, emerald pools. Eco-friendly and immersive destination with local engagement. |
4] Chikhale Falls
Chikhale waterfalls are one of the less known inclines located near Chikale village which is about 40 kms from Belgaum in Karnataka.
- A scenic drop from a rocky cliff into a deep plunge pool—picturesque and photogenic .
- Not safe for swimming; suitable for viewing, photography, and soaking in the ambience.
- Thundering cascade especially dramatic during/after rain.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | No entry fees—forest department stopped charging ₹295 after 2022 . Open daily; no formal entry restrictions but park early and hike from village . Simple parking near village, no restrooms or shops—pack essentials . |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | Near the falls: snack/dhaba stops at village—Vishnu, Shri Laxmi, Tulsi, Guru Dhaba are popular . Stays: better found in Belagavi city or homestays near Jamboti or Khanapur. |
| Nearby Attractions: | Vajrapoha Falls, Sundi, Gokak Falls, Godachinamalaki and Jalavne are within 40–85 km—great for a waterfall‑hopping trip . Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Yellur Fort, Mahipalgad Fort also nearby. |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Secluded natural splendour—plunge into dense Western Ghats forest with minimal crowds. Easy/moderate trek, ideal for families and small groups. Photogenic viewpoints from valley rim and forest edge, especially amid mist. Free entry, local food, and authentic rural-natural experience. |
5]Sundi Waterfalls
Sundi Waterfalls, located near Belagavi, Karnataka, is a charming destination that has gained popularity for its accessibility and natural beauty.
- A single-step cascade, 50 ft high, creating a small pool ideal for wading or toe dips .
- Overlooks are lush and scenic—perfect for photography and peaceful nature immersion.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | Entry fee: ₹10–20 per person . Open daily during daylight hours; no restrictions. Basic parking available roadside, no formal infrastructure |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | On-site: makeshift tea stalls and local vendors near parking spot. Nearby stays: primarily in Belagavi (city hotels) or homestays around Mahipalgad/ Vaijnath for a rural experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: | Mahipalgad fort and Vaijnath temple en route, good for a combined day trip . Other falls in region: Vajrapoha, Tilari, Gokak, Godachinamalaki, and Chikhale . |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Quick and easy getaway from Belagavi with minimal trekking. Safe plunge pool for family-friendly wading and relaxation . Surrounded by serene farmland and forest—great for photos, outdoor recreation, and quiet time. Affordable access, with local vibe and nature charm. |
6] VajraPoha Waterfall
Vajrapoha Falls (also Vajrapoya waterfalls) is a waterfall in the Belgaum district of Karnataka in India. With its stunning drop of approximately 200 meters (660 feet), this waterfall is a captivating sight that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
- A dramatic ~200 m drop of the Mandovi River in multiple steps, creating frothy cascades and deep plunge pools .
- Offers multiple viewing angles—from the top, side trails, and near base pools .
- A surreal natural amphitheater enveloped by forest, with roaring water and cool mist.
DETAILED INFORMATION:
| Access & Facilities : | Opening hours: 08:00 AM–04:00 PM daily . Must take permission and show ID at the Jamboti Forest Department checkpoint . No entry fee reported; guided treks recommended . Basic trail only—no on‑site amenities |
| Accommodation & Dining Options : | No facilities near the falls itself. Best bet: stay in Belagavi or Jamboti area. Belagavi: options like Regenta Resort, Fairfield by Marriott, The Fern — 20–40 km away . Jamboti homestays/forest lodges: limited but more immersive; book in advance. |
| Nearby Attractions: | Gokak Falls (~40 km): scenic waterfall with hanging bridge . Hidkal Dam (~35 km): reservoir picnic spot . Saundatti Yellamma Temple (~45 km): historical and spiritual draw . Regional forts & temples near Belagavi: Belgaum Fort, Rajhansgad Yellur, Sogal Someshwara . |
| Why It’s Worth It? | Spectacular waterfall tucked deep in dense Western Ghats—a true hidden gem. Immersive trek offering adventure, solitude, and wildlife spotting. Photogenic views from varied perspectives—top cliffs, forest edge, and plunge pools. A piece of refuge for mindful travelers seeking calm away from crowds. |
