Kalhatti / Kalhattagiri / Kalahasthi Falls - History, Timings & Entry Fee
Waterfall
#2 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi
Distance (From Kemmanagundi): 10 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours
Place Location: Kallattipura Village
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: Top of the Kalhatti Falls can be reached by full day / overnight trek from Veerabhadreshwara Temple.
At a distance of 10 km from Kemmanagundi and 82 km from Chikmagalur, Kalhatti Falls is located at Kallattipura in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Also known as Kalhattagiri or Kalahasthi Falls, it is one of the spectacular waterfalls near Bangalore and among the most picturesque places to visit in Kemmanagundi.
The waterfall cascades down from a height of over 400 feet through the Chandra Drona Hills in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, which is the most commonly visited part of the falls. The presiding deity in this cave temple is Lord Shiva. It offers an excellent view of the surrounding valleys. The adjoining mountain is enriched with rare flora and fauna that can be experienced during your Kemmanagundi Tour.
According to legend, sage Agastya had prayed for a long time at this place. The Veerabhadra temple is believed to be built in the Vijayanagara period. The entrance of the temple is adorned with carved elephants. The water cascades over these elephants and devotees believe that these waters have the power of curing diseases. Hence, the area adjacent to this waterfall is also a famous pilgrimage center. The annual festival of Lord Veerabhadra is organized here for three days during March / April, which attracts thousands of devotees.
Kalhatti Falls is also a favorite spot for the trekkers who carry out their trekking exercises on the adjoining hills and mountains. The trek is plain ascent and many routes are there to reach the top of the falls. There is a route adjacent to the fall which is rocky but gets slippery during rains. An alternate route is through the coffee plantations of Blue Mountain Estates which would require the services of a guide. With the base in Tarikere, which is 22 km from Kemmangundi, trekkers climb the hill slopes to enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful valleys below.
Kallathi Falls is a little close to the Kemmangundi - Tarikere road and it can be reached by hired vehicles from Kemmangundi. A little walk is required from the nearest road.
October to March is the best time to visit this place.
Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM
Entry: Free
