Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls is located in the hilly surroundings of the Kudremukh National Park in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Karnataka. Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls are also called as "Suthanabbe Falls". It is located in the hilly region between Karkala and Lakya dam which is surrounded by Kudremukh National Park. The water falling down from a height of above 22 meters falling on the natural rocks majestically is exciting view. The 100 ft waterfall can be accessed from 400 steps that are climbed down from the main road to reach the site. Hanuman Gundi Falls is managed and maintained by Forest Department of the State Government.
The rocky landform in this region gives the tourist the spirit of trekking. One can trek for some distance to get into the falls and to have body rejuvenating and refreshing bath. The forest department has constructed some nice and safe steps to get down into the falls for nominal cost. A calm and isolated destination, here one can enjoy the beauty of silence and marvel of the waterfalls. The breathtaking vertical fall lies in a steep valley and due to its height and style of cascading, generates a thunderous sound. This gives visitors immense pleasure.
Flora and Fauna of Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls
Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls are surrounded by Kudremukh National Park, which consists of rich flora and fauna. On the western side near the coastal plains, this national park is partly covered with a thick hilly forest. Placed along the Western Ghats, these waterfalls showcase Shola vegetation. The hills here experience heavy monsoon and winds that lead to lush green trees in the region. There are also stretches of grass spread across the landscape. This park has an evergreen and semi evergreen forest because it has reasonable protection from wind and monsoon with deep soil. The place gets a rich appeal with growth of orchids and mosses. This region is full of lush green forest which includes rivers, orchids, caves, ruins and grass slopes.
The Kudremukh National Park here lies at an altitude of 1894 m above sea level. Spread over 600 sq km., it is rich with wildlife and waterfalls. It is one of the 10 places identified by UNESCO as heritage in the Western Ghats of Karnataka state. Also known for its bio diversity, this park has a collection of endangered mammals and one can find large predator species such as wild dogs, tigers and leopards.
Best Time to Visit Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls
Post-monsoon is the best season to visit this falls. This place is relatively less crowded. One can visit Hanuman Gundi waterfalls between October to May and enjoy scenic beauty.
How to Reach Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls
Hanuman Gundi Waterfall is situated at a distance of 26kms from Shringeri and 15kms from Kudremukh. It can also be reached from Kudremukh by trekking through some distance. Mangalore International Airport is the closest from Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls at a distance of 47.8 km. The nearest railway station is at Bantawala, which is 44.2 km away. By road Mangalore to Udupi is 62 km and from Udupi to Hanuman Gundi falls it is 69 km.
