Known as one of the most exotic places to visit in Chikmagalur, Hebbe Falls offers a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With an enthralling view, Hebbe Falls is believed to have sacred herbs in its waters that can cure diseases. A dip in the waters at Hebbe Falls is always considered the most refreshing activity here. It is surrounded by the beauty of verdant forests and coffee plantations and makes for a serene trip.
Famous for its natural wonders, Chikmagalur District houses the magical Hebbe Falls. Located near the popular hill station of Kemmangundi, iti is among the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka. Hidden inside the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Hebbe Falls is a heavenly delight for nature lovers.
With coffee estates surrounding the Hebbe Falls, the journey to the Falls will leave you in awe. The mild gust of coffee and dense forests around will make you feel like a little butterfly wandering around the beautiful falls.
Nature lovers and wanderers are attracted in large numbers to Hebbe Falls. The famous hill station, Kemmangundi is located at a distance of 10 km. from the falls. In search of a unique waterfall, tourists from Kemmangundi often visit Hebbe Falls via a four-wheeler ride. There are cab services in Kemmangundi that ride through the bumpy roads surrounded by the pukka and dense forests. Some adventure seekers trek to Hebbe Falls to enjoy the realm of natural beauty. The trek passes through some of the magnificent views of the forests and coffee estates.
One can hear the sound of the falls gushing with the ground from a distance. During the rainy season, the trekking path becomes a little uneasy as it becomes slippery and leeches can be found in large numbers almost everywhere. Hebbe Falls is among the most magnificent natural places in Chikmagalur District. It forms a natural jacuzzi which is filled with medicinal substances. These medicinal herbs are considered to offer healing qualities. This special attribute of the falls makes it a place of attraction for curious biologists.
How To Reach
If you want to visit Hebbe Falls by Bus, you can take a Bus from Chikmagalur Bus Stand. The distance between Chikmagalur Town and Hebbe Falls is 70 km. To enjoy the majestic route from Kemmangundi to Hebbe Falls, you can take a two-way jeep from Kemmanagundi.
Though the route is only 13kms it passes through some of the most beautiful scenes. From Kemmanagundi, you can also trek to Hebbe Falls. The nearest railway station is Tarikere Junction. Once you get down at Tarikere Junction, you can hire a local taxi from there to Hebbe Falls.
Best Time To Visit
During the rainy season, the trek path becomes a little risky as the mud starts to become wet and may result in some slippery surface. Also, monsoon is the time when leeches come out in large numbers. It is advisable to not visit Hebbe Falls during monsoon.
To witness the lush green forests, the best time to visit Hebbe Falls would be around the winter season. The winter season in India starts in October and lasts until January. During this time, you can witness the dense forests covered in green leaves. Also around the waterfall, you will find the hills surrounded by fog. If you visit in early October, you can also experience some dew alongside the fog as the rainy season would come to an end.
Other Essential Information
Location of Hebbe Falls: Kesavinamane, Chikmagalur District (10km. from Kemmangundi Hill Station)
Timing: From 6 am to 6 pm (Monday-Sunday)
Price: There is no entry fee to Hebbe Falls. This wonder of nature is for every person who wants to seek the true essence of nature. Although, reaching Hebbe Falls in Jeep can cost Rs. 400 per person & Rs. 3200 for 8 persons.
Places to Visit near Hebbe Falls:
1. Z Point - This trekking spot located 5km. from Kemmanagundi is the hotspot for trekkers. Considered as a great point to witness the sunrise and sunsets, Z Point offers some breathtaking view of the Kemmanagundi hills. The trek for Z Point starts near Kemmanagundi and runs through the thickest forests.
The 3km trail passes through the deep valleys of Shanti hills and later runs into the gorges and steep mountains. One can set up their camp at Z Point and enjoy the night underneath the bed of stars.
2. Kalhatti Falls - Kalhatti Falls is around 10kms away from Kemmanagundi. The water here falls from around 120 meters and gushes into the ground, creating the splashing noise of the water. Offer your prayers to the Veerabhadreshwara Temple near the waterfall. Take a dip into the falls and offer your prayers in the temple.
Kalhatti Falls are surrounded by Chandra Drona hills. This makes the waterfall look more wonderful. Trekkers often visit Kalhatti Falls by climbing up to the highest point of the waterfall. This place is popular among trekking enthusiasts and is often flooded by trekkers.
3. Baba Budangiri - Baba Budangiri is a hill that is named after a Sufi saint, Baba Budin. The hill of Baba Budangiri has a shrine of the saint and is amongst the most widely visited places in Chikmagalur. Baba Budangiri is some 30kms far from Chikmagalur town.
The place is said to be a holy place for Hindu and Muslims. Baba Budangiri is popular for a trek route which is the path for the Mullayanagiri peak.
4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary - Situated amidst the Western Ghats, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses a substantial population of tigers, bison and around 200 bird species. One can always witness the King Vulture and Winged Kite flying above the sanctuary.
Things to Do near Hebbe Falls:
Hebbe Falls offers you some very picturesque locations. From the coffee estates around the jeep journey to the glorious green hills, you will find many spots around Hebbe Falls.
For people who trek to Hebbe Falls, they would witness some superb spots. One can find some rare species of many plants along the path. After arriving at the top of the hills, one can easily spot some elephants, deer and other animals.
The road trip to Hebbe Falls covers a few small ponds on the way. Also, there is a temple of Chowdeshwari Maha Shakthi Devathe where you can spot some locals offering prayers and taking a dip in the nearby pond. Although, during the monsoon, the path of the road trip hides behind the dense fog.
If you want to get the best view of the sunset, you can go to Kemmangundi Hill. The hill is around 8 km away from Hebbe Fall and gives the perfect view of the bright, shiny sun.
Mobile Connectivity:
Since the waterfall is located in the middle of the dense forests, mobile connectivity is weak. In some locations, you may get mobile network but the signal is weak. In case of emergency, you can contact the Forest Department at 088675 50256 or 092432 22660.
Height of Hebbe Falls:
Falling from an astonishing height of 551 ft. (168 meters), Hebbe Falls is the 6th highest waterfall in Karnataka. Hebbe Falls gushes down in two parts at the height of 250 ft. The two parts are named as Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe.
The former meaning Big Falls and the later meaning Small Falls. This distinctive geographical structure makes Hebbe Falls amongst the most supreme waterfalls in India.
Tips for Visiting Hebbe Falls:
1. Make sure you carry a backpack. In the backpack carry
-Water Bottles
-A pair of extra clothing (t-shirt and pants)
-Medicines
2. If you are sick or there is someone with you who is on medication, make sure you carry those. One thing to keep in mind is that you have to wear good trekking shoes.
3. In the hills, you may not find any network coverage. Also if you plan to visit Hebbe Falls during monsoon, make sure you cover body entirely as monsoon becomes the breeding season for leeches and they are found in large numbers.
