Mallalli Falls: One of India’s Most Scenic Waterfalls

Tucked away in the northern reaches of Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, where the Western Ghats sweep into mist-capped peaks and shadow-dappled valleys, lies Mallalli Falls (also spelled Malalli). Formed by the pristine waters of the Kumaradhara River, this multi-tiered cascade descends over 200 feet down massive granite cliffs, creating one of South India's most dramatic natural spectacles.

While popular destinations like Abbey Falls attract steady tourist traffic, Mallalli remains relatively raw and unspoiled. Situated at the base of the Pushpagiri mountain range, it offers an immersive escape into pristine ecosystems, ancient trails, and rich biodiversity.

The Geography & Geomorphology of the Cascade



The story of Mallalli Falls begins high in the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage site and global biodiversity hotspot. The Kumaradhara River, originating in the Pushpagiri wilderness, carves its way through dense evergreen forest before arriving at a sheer structural drop in the terrain.

The waterfall falls in two distinct, powerful tiers:

The Upper Drop: The river funnels through a narrow rocky gorge before taking its first dramatic plunge over black granite rock faces.



The Lower Tier & Basin: The torrential waters crash into a intermediate ledge, breaking into massive spray plumes before cascading into a deep pool below.

During the peak monsoon, the river expands exponentially. The roar of the water carries for over a kilometre through the forest canopy, creating a persistent micro-climate of mist that nourishes lush mosses, ferns, and orchids along the canyon walls.

Ecological Significance & Rich Biodiversity



The ecosystem surrounding Mallalli Falls is part of the broader Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary landscape. This tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest habitat shelters remarkable floral and faunal diversity.

1) Flora: The surrounding hills feature wet evergreen rainforests mixed with high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems. Giant trees such as Dipterocarpus, ironwood, and wild nutmeg form a canopy overhead, while the canyon walls around the waterfall host endemic mosses, insectivorous plants, and rare epiphytic orchids that thrive in the continuous mist spray.

2) Fauna & Avifauna: The dense forest corridor is a critical habitat for several endangered and endemic species:



a) Mammals: Asian elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, lion-tailed macaques, and sambar deer frequent the forested slopes.

b) Birdlife: A haven for birdwatchers, the region is home to the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar whistling thrush, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and scarlet minivet.

c) Amphibians & Reptiles: The damp micro-climate supports rare amphibians, including the Malabar gliding frog and the purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), alongside endemic pit vipers and caecilians.

The Trekking Experience: Descending into the Gorge



Reaching the base of Mallalli Falls requires descending a purpose-built staircase cut directly into the hillside.

a) The Trail: The route comprises roughly 600 to 700 steps winding through lush hillside vegetation, wild shrubbery, and rocky outcrops.

b) Difficulty: Moderate. The descent is easy, but the climb back up offers a solid cardio workout. During the wet season, the steps can become slick with moss, requiring sturdy hiking shoes.

c) The Atmosphere: As you descend, the ambient temperature drops significantly, replaced by a cool mist and the increasing surge of roaring water.

Along the trail, clearings offer panoramic viewpoints looking out across the deep valley, showing the full scale of the Pushpagiri mountain range framing the waterfall.

Essential Visitor Information



Location: Somwarpet Taluk, Kodagu (Coorg) District, Karnataka

Nearest Towns: Somwarpet (25 km), Madikeri (55 km), Kushalnagar (42 km)

Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – approx. 150 km

Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction (130 km) or Subrahmanya Road (55 km)

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Entry Fee: Free (Parking charges may apply locally)

Seasonal Guide: When to Visit



Monsoon (July to September): Peak water volume. The Mallalli waterfall is at its most powerful and dramatic, surrounded by deep green foliage. Mist clouds fill the valley. Note: Trail steps become slippery, and leeches are common along the forest floor.

Post-Monsoon / Autumn (October to December): The ideal window for most travellers. The water flow remains strong and impressive, but skies clear up, trails dry out, and trekking conditions are optimal for photography.

Winter & Spring (January to March): Clear, cool weather with moderate water flow. Excellent for serene landscape views and birdwatching.

Summer (April to June): Water levels drop significantly, reducing the waterfall to small streams. Not recommended for those seeking a dramatic visual experience.

Responsible Travel & Safety Tips



Exercise Water Caution: The pool at the base of Mallalli Falls has strong undercurrents, submerged rocks, and sudden depth changes. Swimming directly beneath the main fall drop is dangerous and strictly discouraged during high flow.

Pack Rainwear & Protection: During post-monsoon and monsoon visits, carry a light waterproof jacket or poncho, along with salt or anti-leech socks.

Leave No Trace: Mallalli remains pristine because of its relative isolation. Visitors are encouraged to pack out all plastic bottles, wrappers, and trash to preserve the fragile Western Ghats ecosystem.

Other Nearby Tourist Attractions



1) Kaginahare View Point: A green paradise especially during the monsoons

2) Mookanamane Waterfalls: Hidden amidst pristine forests of Malnad, Karnataka

3) Bisle Ghat: The butterfly forest of India

4) Malalli Falls: Coorg’s prettiest waterfall

5) Trek to Yedakumeri Railway Bridge: Lost in a green world



6) Bisle Beauty Spot: A monsoon paradise and a top motorcycling route

7) Kumaraparvatha Trek: One of the most gorgeous monsoon treks in this region

8) Kukke Subramanya Temple: A popular pilgrimage site on the banks of the Kumaradhara river

9) Manjarabad Fort: A star shaped massive fort built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century

10) Attihally to Bisle Ghat: A gorgeous offbeat motorcycling route in Malenadu, Karnataka



11) Pushpagiri Peak Trek: The second-highest peak in Coorg lies adjacent to the falls, offering advanced trekkers a multi-hour trail through pristine forest reserves

12) Honnamana Kere Lake: The largest lake in Kodagu, located near Somwarpet, surrounded by coffee estates and cliffs

13) Shantalli Estate Drives: The roads connecting Somwarpet to Malalli wind through historic cardamom and coffee plantations, offering scenic driving routes

14) Chingara Falls: Private waterfall that is surrounded by forests, coffee, spices and hills

15) Abbey Falls: One of Coorg’s iconic waterfalls



16) Thadiyendamol Peak: Coorg’s highest peak and a top monsoon trekking destination

17) Nalknad Palace: A Kodava palace in the lap of lush nature

18) Nilakandi Falls: A waterfall surrounded by pristine nature and a beautiful monsoon trekking destination

19) Dubare: A top camping destination by the river Cauvery

20) Monsoons in Bhagamandala and Talacauvery: Paradise of greens and floating clouds

21) Bylaguppe: India’s largest Tibetan settlement in interior Karnataka

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Mallalli Falls in the Monsoons: A Drone Video

In these times of virtual travel, I bring to you one of Karnataka’s prettiest waterfalls whose surroundings can supercharge you, especially during the monsoons, which also happens to be my favorite season of the year. Located in the northern part of Coorg (the Scotland of India), the Mallalli waterfall begins its journey in the medicinal forests of the Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary of the Western Ghats as the Kumaradhara river before meandering its way through dense green jungles and then tumbling close to 1000 metres about 20 kilometers from Somwarpet to form a majestic setting, which is a sight to behold in the rains.



This drone video will precisely give you an idea of the beauty of this majestic waterfall and its spectacularly green surroundings. Do remember to watch it in 4K mode and find a way to supercharge yourself during this lockdown. And may be, once we return to a state of normalcy, you can actually travel to Coorg and see this waterfall up and close during the monsoons and let it fill you with positivity and its lush surroundings rejuvenate you.

Video Courtesy: This drone video and photo is courtesy of Pradeep Gowda, a friend, a travel partner, fellow motorcyclist and monsoon lover.

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Monsoons in Bhagamandala and Talacauvery: Paradise of greens and floating clouds

One of the monsoon giants of Karnataka, Talacauvery and Bhagamandala get copious amounts of rains during the monsoon season. These copious rains ensure that this belt of the Western Ghats is a beautiful paradise of greens and floating clouds. So not only do you get to visit a religious and spiritual destination, you also get to make utmost use of its pristine nature and ecosystem.



Talacauvery is the place inside the Greater Talacauvery National Park where the holy Cauvery river originates and Bhagamandala is the place where the three holy rivers – Cauvery, Kanike and mythical Sujyoti meet right in front of the Bhagandeshwara temple. Built in Karavali style with copper roofs, the Bhagamandala temple and Talacauvery are important pilgrimage destinations, especially for those who pray for their ancestors. Pilgrims first take a bath at Triveni Sangam, offer their prayers to the unique West facing Ganapati, Subramanya, Maha Vishnu and Ishwara in the Bhagamandala temple before making their way to the temple at Talacauvery.



This spiritual temple journey, which connects the 8 kms between Bhagamandala and Talacauvery is full of panoramic vistas, a sea of greenery, mighty mountains of the Western Ghats and consistent mist, petrichor and floating clouds during the monsoon season. When you are near Bhagamadala, you can see the vistas, paddy fields, spice plantations and mountains, but as you climb steadily towards Talacauvery, these views are replaced with that of floating clouds and when you reach Talacauvery, you feel as if you have stepped into a white world, a world where clouds, mist and fog usurp the entire region during the monsoons.



It doesn’t matter whether you are on a religious trip, on a monsoon holiday, on a trekking expedition through the Western Ghats or a simple weekend trip to Coorg, Bhagamandala and Talacauvery are bound to blow you over with their paradise like setting, quaint atmosphere and pristine ecosystem.



I would definitely visit them at least once during the monsoons, though they are beautiful during other seasons too. And if you are planning to offer respects to your ancestors, do visit these places during the upcoming Pitru Paksha month (Sep 15 to Sep 29). Not only would such an auspicious location for apt for remembering the dead, but the monsoon scenes will certainly relax your mind and rejuvenate your body and soul.



How to reach here:

The nearest well connected airport would have to be Bangalore international airport, though Mangalore and Mysore would be the closest airports.

The nearest railway station would either be Mysore (Karnataka) or Kanhagad (Kerala). The remaining distance has to be covered by road.

If you are driving from Bangalore, you can either opt for the Bangalore –> Srirangapatna –> Hunsur –> Kushalnagar –> Madikeri –> Bhagamandala route or Bangalore –> Srirangapatna –> Hunsur –> Gonigoppal –> Virajpet –> Kakkabe –> Bhagamandala route. Both routes should take you about 6 hours.

If you wish to travel by bus, you can either take the KSRTC bus to Madikeri or Virajpet and then take local buses from there to Bhagamandala.

You can auto auto rickshaws to reach Talacauvery temple from Bhagamandala town.



Where to stay:

If you prefer to stay close to the temples, you can stay in and around Bhagamandala town.

If you prefer to stay in coffee estates, homestays and nature retreats, opt for one of the many properties on either the Bhagamandala – Kakkabe – Virajpet road or on the Bhagamandala – Madikeri route.

If you prefer a heavy dose of luxury, opt for properties such as Tamara Coorg, Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa or Evolve Back Resorts.



Nearby tourist attractions:

1) Sri Igguthappa temple, one of the most famous Kodava temples

2) Karike ghat, a beautiful route that runs contiguous with the Greater Talacauvery national park

3) Madikeri and abbey falls

4) Nalknad palace, Chelavara falls and trek to Thadiyendamol peak

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Monsoons in Coorg: A Photo Story

Coorg or Kodagu is more than the ‘Scotland of India’. It is more than just coffee estates and spice plantations. It is a pristine ecosystem of mountains, forests and water bodies that are teeming with life. It is this very ecosystem that gives birth to the holy Cauvery river, the life line of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This bio diverse region is at its very best during the monsoons when dark clouds, multiple shades of green and persistent rains usurp our senses, but at that same time allowing nature to flourish. It is a season of aplenty and is an absolutely magnificent place to rejuvenate oneself. A hot cuppa coffee or herbal teas along with the delicious local cuisine are just added benefits. Monsoons in Coorg in itself is an experience and I hope you can get a flavor of it through the photographs in this article.

About the above photo: The scenes just after a heavy downpour are a treat to the senses. The freshly washed earth and roads, the fresh water droplets on leaves and flowers, the different shades of green that glow when the sun shines briefly after a downpour and the grey dark clouds in the background all make for a heady monsoon concoction.



About the above photo: For a farmer, monsoons mean happiness. Sowing season begins with the onset of the rains. And for a thirsty crop like paddy, good rains are essential. Such paddy sowing scenes are common in the fertile villages of Kodagu.



About the above photo: This is the highway that connects Virajpet to Madikeri. During the monsoons, foliage takes over every nook and cranny except for the black tar road. Just driving on these roads has such a calming influence. People wear big gum boots to protect them from leeches and wear head gear with plastic covers to keep their head dry.



About the above photo: The route to Igguthappa temple, the holy temples for Kodavas, is an absolute joy to ride through during the rains. The recently laid concrete roads, the descending clouds, the umpteen streams and the innumerable view points make for a fantastic experience.



About the above photo: Located in North Coorg and starting in the Pushpagiri mountains of the Western Ghats, the holy Kumaradhara river winds its way through lush forests of the Western Ghats before tumbling down about 25 kms from Somwarpet and this tumbling spectacle is known as Mallalli Falls, the prettiest waterfall in all of Coorg.



About the above photo: Such drama in the skies and surrounding nature is a common occurrence during the monsoons in Coorg. Just watching this drama is a great past time. All you need is a hot drink and a book for company.



About the above photo: Starting in the Thadiyendamol mountain range of Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary, Chingara waterfall plunges in the midst of coffee, spices, flowers and forests. It roars during the monsoons and offers a great offbeat waterfall holiday as it falls in the private premises of Chingara and Honey Valley estate.



About the above photo: My first love in India has to be the Western Ghats. May be, it is because I hail from there or may be because I absolutely adore its bio diversity. Every year during the rains, you can see me trekking, riding, chilling, working, eating and sleeping in the Western Ghats.



About the above photo: This is where 100 acres of coffee estate, fruit orchards and spice plantations meet the forests of Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary. This location is Honey valley, one of the oldest homestays in Karnataka and a pristine location where nature is literally at your doorstep.



About the above photo: Consistently wet environment with floating clouds, mist and intermittent sunlight ensures that moss grows almost everywhere. It could be on estate roads, on trees, in your portico or in this case on the walls of the structure inside Nalknad palace, one of the most scenic palaces of Kodagu.

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Private Chingara Waterfall that is surrounded by forests, coffee, spices and hills

One of Karnataka’s top monsoon holiday destinations, Coorg is certainly on the popular tourist trail, but it is still home to many lesser known gems. This mighty private waterfall is a case in point. Surrounded by forests, coffee estates, spices and hills, this waterfall enjoys pristine environment and a remote location.



Located in the Yevakapadi village of Southern Coorg, it falls under the Chingara and the Honey valley estates belonging to the Chengappa family. It is a perfect place for those who seek solitude and pristine nature. It is that kind of a place where you can walk in the rain, see colorful butterflies prancing around and where you can frolic in the waterfall at leisure. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is private property, which means you will have to either stay at Chingara estate or Honey valley estate if you wish to experience and explore this waterfall and surroundings.



If you ask me, these homestays set amidst coffee estates and spice plantations and with the Brahmagiri mountain range in the background are perfect for nature lovers, trekkers and especially for those seeking for fabulous monsoon holiday destinations. It gives then perfect access to hidden attractions of Coorg out of which Chingara waterfall is one such example.



My favorite way to explore this waterfall is by slowly trekking downhill after a good breakfast while admiring nature’s abundance around and then wash off all the sweat in the waterfall. It gets even better during the rains when both the trail and waterfall seem to get better. Have you been to this waterfall? Do you know other such hidden attractions in Coorg. Do share your thoughts in the comments below.



Best season to visit this waterfall:

Chingara waterfalls has water most of the year, but it looks best during the monsoons when the surroundings are lush and the waterfall carries abundant water and falls with thundering noise. This is the best time for photography and for monsoon walks. If you wish to take a bath under the waterfall, I would recommend that you visit during the post monsoon months from October through February.



How to get access to this waterfall:

As Chingara waterfalls is inside a private property called Chingara estate, the public is not allowed to the waterfall. However, guests staying at Chingara estate and Honey valley estate are free to explore this waterfall. One can either trek to the waterfall from either of these properties or opt for a four wheel drive jeep to take them to the waterfall. The trek is very scenic and much recommended.



How to reach here:

The best way to reach Chingara waterfalls is by road. It is located about 260 kms from Bangalore and the route would be Bangalore –> Srirangapatna –> Hunsur –> Gonigoppal –> Virajpet –> Kabinakad –> Chingara.

Buses ply regularly from Bangalore to Virajpet and from Virajpet, one can take a local bus that connects Madikeri via Napoklu and get down at Kabinnakad bus stop. From this bus stop, it is a few kilometers to the waterfall.

The nearest railway station would be Hunsur, though Mysore and Bangalore railway stations would have better connectivity.

The nearest airport would be Bangalore and it connects with almost all of the country.



Nearby tourist attractions:

1) Trek to Thadiyendamol peak, Coorg’s highest mountain

2) 220 year old Nalknad Palace

3) Honey valley estate for those who like to study amphibians, reptiles and butterflies

4) Chelavara waterfalls

5) Bhagamandala temple

6) Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary

7) Igguthappa temple

8) Trek to Nilakandi waterfalls, a pristine forest waterfall inside Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary

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