The Mighty Hebbe Waterfalls: The Hidden Gem We Came Across During Hyderabad To Chikmagalur Trip
Karnataka is blessed with many waterfalls due to heavy rainfall in the state and the steep cliffs and slopes of the Western Ghat Mountains.
The rocks and ravines in the Deccan Plateau and rivers in Western Ghat valleys also contribute to the formation of numerous waterfalls in the state.
Talking about the waterfalls of Karnataka, the Hebbe Waterfalls are surely one of the crown jewels. Also, it was one of the highlights of my trip from Hyderabad to Chikmagalur.
This two-tiered waterfalls, consisting of Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls) is the center of attraction in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Also. it is the epicenter of a rich ecosystem, consisting of diverse flora and fauna.
Moreover, as we reached the last 500 years of the route to Hebbe Falls, we could smell coffee, and you will find beautiful coffee plantations around. Also, from here only, we heard the water gushing.
Further, as we started getting closer to the waterfalls, the air became heavier with the smells of wild animals. And finally, we met the Hebbe Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful cascades in Karnataka, falling through verdant rocks.
Do you want to know more about our trip to the Hebbe Waterfalls? I have penned all the details in this Dream and Travel Guide.
Where Is Hebbe Waterfalls Located? Hebbe Falls Located In Which District?
Hebbe waterfalls are one of the best places to visit on 2 days trip from Hyderabad. These beautiful waterfalls call the Kemmangundi region of the Chikmagalur district in Karnataka their home.
Further, the serene hill station of Kemmangundi is located just 10 km away from the Hebbe Waterfalls.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Hebbe Falls?
The best time to visit Hebbe Falls is from late August to January. After the heavy monsoon, the waterfalls are in all their glory.
Further, the highest temperature remains within 25 degrees Celsius during these months. So, you can comfortably enjoy activities centred on the waterfalls and explore the nearby attractions during these months.
The table below gives you a better idea of the weather conditions in Chikmagalur in these months.
| Month | Highest Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Lowest Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 22 | 19 | 250 |
| September | 25 | 18 | 160 |
| October | 24 | 17 | 200 |
| November | 24 | 15 | 75 |
| December | 23 | 14 | 19 |
Hebbe waterfalls are also beautiful during the monsoon months of June and July. However, around 260 mm of rainfall in June and 330 mm in July make driving or walking on slippery roads very risky.
Hebbe Waterfalls: Quick Facts You Need To Know
Here are some quick facts you need to know about the beautiful Hebbe Waterfalls.
| What is the Entry fee for Hebbe Falls? | • Kemmagundi Check Post Price • INR 10 per person for pedestrians • For Bikes: INR 35 • For Rickshaw: INR 90 • Cars with 5 Persons: INR 120 • Jeep: 180 After crossing the check post, you will get jeeps from the resort. The jeep charges are INR 590 per person.** |
| Hebbe Falls, Which River? | River Bhadra |
| Hours of Operation | 6 AM to 6 PM |
| Hebbe Falls Height | 168 Meters |
| Time to Spend | There is a one-hour time restriction as the waterfall is located inside a national forest reserve. |
** We parked our car in the resort near the restaurant. Had some refreshments there and waited for the government jeep to pick us up.
Remember that only government vehicles are allowed to the Hebbe Waterfalls. From the Kemmagundi resort, it is a one-hour jeep ride to the starting point of the last 500 meters of the trek.
Further, as we returned to Kemmagundi, we walked for five minutes to reach the Sunset Point. It’s a spectacular view, I must say, and from here you can see the other side of Kemmagundi.
What Are The Cultural And Historical Significance Of Hebbe Waterfalls?
Hebbe Waterfalls are important in the cultural landscape if Chikmagalur and Karnataka. The name Hebbe in Kannada means “medicine.”
People believe that the water that passes through various medicinal herbs in the Western Ghats, and has medicinal properties.
However, many say that the name Hebbe comes from Hebbevu, which means “to sprinkle.”
Moreover, according to local folklore, the water of Hebbe Waterfalls has rejuvenating powers.
How We Reached Hebbe Falls From Chikmagalur?
The distance from Chikmagalur to Hebbe Falls is over 65 km. As I mentioned, we visited the waterfalls during our road trip from Hyderabad to Chikmagalur.
We stopped at Kemmagundi and took the government jeep to reach the last motorable point in the forest. From there, we trekked for around 500 meters.
However, there are many other ways to reach the Hebbe Waterfalls. Tarikere junction is the nearest railway station to Hebbe Waterfalls. You can take a private taxi from there to reach the trekking point.
- You can start trekking from Tarikere and walk for an entire day to cover a distance of 35 km and visit the waterfalls.
Professional trekkers love this route because it is filled with a whiff of coffee and rich flora and fauna.
- Further, you can go for a shorter trek from the Karnataka Horticulture Department Guest House and walk for around 10 km to reach the waterfall.
You will find three streams and the Chowdeshwari Mahashakthi Devathe temple on the route. Many adventurous souls often trek through this route during the monsoon season to spot elephants.
What Are The Places To Visit Near Hebbe Waterfalls?
This time, during our Hyderabad to Chikmagalur trip, we did not have enough time to explore the nearby attractions.
On our next visit, we want to visit the following nearby areas.
1. Jhari Waterfalls
Jhari Waterfalls or Buttermilk Falls are located around 35 km away from Hebbe Waterfalls. These waterfalls look amazing amidst coffee plantations.
You can just enjoy the beauty and relax there, or capture some beautiful frames.
2. Kemmangundi Hill:
Krishna Rajendra Hill Station, or Kemmangundi, is in Tarikere. It is around 10 km away from the waterfalls and offers amazing sunset views.
3. Z Point
If you reach Kemmangundi early in the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise views from the Shanthi Falls at Z Point.
After watching the beautiful sunrise, you can trek for 1 hour to reach Z Point.
4. Kallathi Falls/Kallathigiri Falls/Kalahasthi Falls
Kalahasthi Falls are associated with the legends of Maharshi Agastya, who used to live here. The waterfalls cascading from a height of 122 meters look gorgeous.
5. Hanumangundi Falls
With a height of over 100 feet, Hanumangundi Falls are located at a distance of around 50 kilometers from the Hebbe Waterfalls.
6. Kudremukh
Kudremukh, known for its horse-face-shaped peak, is at a distance of around 90 km from the Hebbe Waterfalls.
The peak is located inside the Kudremukh National Park, and the various trails leading to the peak are major attractions for hikers.
7. Annapoorneshwari Temple Horanadu
This popular temple dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari is around 85 kilometres away from Hebbe Falls.
It is a place of great spiritual significance among locals.
8. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The waterfalls are located inside this wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve. It is also gaining tourist attention with jumbo elephants from Hassan being soft-released in the forest.
9. Baba Budan Giri
Baba Budan Giri, with its beautiful trails, is associated with the history of coffee plantations in India. It is a place of reverence for Muslims as it has the shrine of Baba Budan, a Sufi Saint. Hindus call it a sacred place, Dattatreya Peetha.
Moreover, Baba Budan Giri is home to Kurinji Flowers. These flowers bloom once in 12 years and turn the entire area blue.
We Had A Fun Time At Hebbe Waterfalls: Things To Do In Hebbe Waterfalls
With trekking, sightseeing and photography being the main attractions at Hebbe Falls, camping is an outdoor activity that many adventurous souls choose these days.
We enjoyed the last 500 meters of trekking there while cherishing the beauty of the Western Ghats and its rich flora and fauna. Different species of birds, especially, kept us entertained with their songs.
We loved the coffee plantations there, and when we started trekking, we saw coffee beans getting dried or roasted in the Sun.
Furthermore, the diverse landscape, verdant rocks, waterfalls, and unique geological formations give you the opportunity to try your hand at photography.
However, if you want to experience the silence of the forest and the sound of gushing water cutting through it, you can camp at Kemmangundi.
Don’t Forget Your Permit While Visiting The Hebbe Waterfalls: Safety Tips And More
You cannot visit or trek to the Hebbe Waterfalls without a permit from the Forest Department. They are located inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area.
Also, you can get a guide from the Karnataka Forest Department for your trek to Hebbe Falls.
Moreover, avoid swimming in the water as there can be a strong undercurrent, and smoking and drinking are prohibited in this area.
