Kainagiri Waterfalls is one of those places you should visit to witness natural beauty and quiet surroundings amidst beautiful hills. In Karnataka, this enthralling waterfall is near Gokak in the Belagavi district, providing a tranquil location, away from all hustles. With its gushing waters and green surroundings, Kainagiri Waterfalls offers an ideal setting for nature lovers and adventure-loving individuals. Whether you are looking for a serene retreat or an exciting outdoor adventure, Kainagiri Waterfalls is sure to gift you one such experience.
About Kainagiri Waterfalls
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Though lesser-known compared to some of the more prominent waterfalls of Karnataka, Kainagiri Waterfalls has been a favourite haunt for local people for years. Kainagiri has slowly made its way to the many tourist destinations owing to its ethereal natural beauty and the pristine environment which surrounds the falls.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
How To Reach Kainagiri Waterfalls
Photo: Krivec Ales / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport to Kainagiri Waterfalls is the Belagavi Airport, approximately 90 kilometres away. You could hire a taxi from the airport or take public transport to reach the waterfall. The drive typically takes two to three hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
By Train: The nearest main railway station is Belagavi Railway Station, nearly 85 kilometres from this waterfall. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to Kainagiri. It takes about two to three hours to reach the Belgaum Railway Station and go to the waterfall by road.
By Road: Kainagiri Waterfalls has good road connectivity, so one can easily access it from different parts of Karnataka. If you’re coming from Bangalore, take NH 48 and NH 67; it will take around six to seven hours to reach. Local roads and signage will take you to the waterfall from the town of Belagavi.
Things To Do
1. Trekking
Photo: Mitch . / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Kainagiri Waterfalls trek is a short, nonetheless scenic, walk. One could have a view of the surroundings of the hills and beautiful greenery on this walk, thus appealing to nature lovers.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kerala
2. Swimming
Photo: Diego Madrigal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Swimming is possible at the waterfall, but extreme care needs to be taken as the water levels in this pool are constantly changing, and currents may be very strong. Always be safe and follow the locals’ instructions.
Places To Visit Around Kainagiri Waterfalls
1. Godchinmalki Falls
Photo: Shil.4349 / Wikimedia Commons
Markandeya Falls, also known as Godchinamalaki Falls, is in a craggy valley and is accessible from Godchinamalaki Village via a meandering forest path that takes about two kilometres by foot or by car. There are two ways to get to the falls from Godachinamalki: one is via the Malebail Road, which crosses a bridge at Godchinamalaki, and another is via the Gurusiddeshwar Temple (Hatti Siddeshwar). It is also accessible from Nirvaneshwara Matha, which is close to Yogikolla, by foot.
Location: Karnataka 591107
Suggested Read: Theme Parks In Kerala
2. Mahakuta Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahakuta complex of temples is situated in the Indian state of Karnataka’s Mahakuta village, which is in the Bagalkot district. It is home to a well-known Shaiva monastery and is a significant Hindu place of devotion. The early monarchs of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami built the temples, which date to the sixth or seventh century CE. The dates of the temples are derived from two significant inscriptions found in the complex: the Mahakuta Pillar inscription, which dates between 595 and 602 CE and is written in Sanskrit and Kannada script.
Location: Badami-Mahakoota, Badami, Karnataka 587201
3. Badami Caves
Photo: Haneeshkm / Wikimedia Commons
The Badami cave temples are a collection of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples situated in the northern Indian state of Karnataka. The town of Badami is in the Bagalkot district. The caves, the oldest of which originate from the sixth century, are significant representations of Indian rock-cut buildings, particularly Badami Chalukya architecture. Originally called “Vataapi,” Badami is a modern name for the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty, which dominated a large portion of Karnataka from the sixth to the eighth century.
Location: Badami, Karnataka 587201
Suggested Read: Caves In Kerala
Where To Stay
Photo: reisetopia / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are numerous places to stay near or within Belagavi. Gokak is a handy starting point for exploring both Kainagiri and Gokak Falls because it is roughly 25 km from Kainagiri Waterfalls and has hotels and guesthouses. Furthermore, Khanapur, which is 35 kilometres away from Kainagiri, offers resorts and homestays tucked away in the forest, perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway.
Where To Eat
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Very few options for dining out exist near Kainagiri Waterfalls, but Belagavi and Gokak have quite a few eateries. Several restaurants and roadside stalls serve a wide variety of South Indian cuisine, which includes dosas, idlis, and vadas. If you want more variety, then you can always fall back on the towns of Belagavi and Gokak, which have several restaurants and cafes. Many local hotels and resorts have in-house places to eat that cater to tourists.
Suggested Read: Museums In Kerala
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Nandhu Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
October to March is the best time to visit Kainagiri Waterfalls. The weather will be fine, and due to the rains during the monsoon months, the waterfall would be fabulous. The monsoon season usually receives a heavy amount of rainfall from June to September, which makes the area slippery and may turn out to be a bit troublesome to move around in.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: David Travis / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Pack essentials like water, snacks, and even band-aids. There are no facilities near the waterfall, so it’s always better to be on the side of caution.
- The path that leads up to the falls is not even at times and thus could be very muddy. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with a good grip for added security.
- Leave no trace; carry all your trash out with you and reduce your negative impact on the environment.
- If you are not familiar with the region, consider hiring a local guide who will be available for advice about the local flora, fauna, and geographical information.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Kerala
Kainagiri Waterfalls is a beautiful place that puts together nature, adventure, and peace. With its beautiful waterfalls amidst green surroundings and various outdoor activities, it offers a refreshing break from mundane life. Kainagiri is simply an experience hard to find elsewhere. Thus, respecting the environment and being prepared will aid in the full enjoyment of this beauty and sustaining it for generations to come.
Cover Photo: Keng Leong Chooi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only