Soormane Falls is a waterfall about 40 feet high. It is also called Abbugudige Falls. It is about 5 km from Kalasa town in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. The falls are inside a private estate. The ticket is ₹50 per person. The usual timing is 8 AM to 5 PM. From the parking place, you walk only 5 to 10 minutes. The best time to visit is June to November. The falls are about 90 km from Chikmagalur town.
Hello, I am Ahetesham Sait. In this post, I share my experience at Soormane Falls Kalasa. I also share the useful details you need before your trip. These are the fee, the timing, how to reach Soormane Falls, the jeep option, the problems in the rainy season, and the places to visit nearby. If you have only one day near Kalasa, this is an easy waterfall stop with a natural pool. It goes well with the other places to visit in Kalasa given below.
Soormane Falls Kalasa at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka |
| Other name | Abbugudige Falls |
| Height | About 40 feet |
| Distance from Kalasa | About 5 km |
| Distance from Chikmagalur | About 90 km |
| Distance from Bangalore | About 320 km by road (can change with the route) |
| Distance from Mangalore | About 121 km via Kudremukh and Samse |
| Entry fee | ₹50 per person (can change) |
| Timing | About 8 AM to 5 PM, every day (please check at the place) |
| Jeep fare (rainy season) | ₹650 per jeep, as in my original post |
| Walk from parking | About 5 to 10 minutes |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours at the falls |
| Best time | June to November |
Soormane Falls Kalasa Images
About Soormane Falls
The water falls from about 40 feet into a clear pool. Everything around is green. You can see coffee plantations, thick forest and the hills of the Western Ghats. The falls are inside a private estate, so the place feels calm and not too commercial.
The way to the falls is also fun. You drive a short off-road path, walk a little, and cross a small stream. I think the stream crossing is a nice part of the walk, and you will remember it.
This place is good for nature lovers, photographers and people who like a little adventure. Many people also come here for photoshoots, including pre-wedding shoots. It is also said that some Kannada films were shot here. If you want an easy Kalasa tourist place without a long trek, Soormane Falls Kalasa is a good choice.
Soormane Falls Entry Fee, Timings and Jeep Charges
Short answer: The Soormane Falls entry fee is ₹50 per person. The usual visiting time is 8 AM to 5 PM, every day.
- Entry fee: ₹50 per person at the time of writing. Older websites show a lower fee. So the fee can change.
- Timing: Most websites say 8 AM to 5 PM on all seven days. A few websites say 9 AM or an earlier start. I could not find an official notice. Please check at the forest check post.
- Jeep fare: In the rainy season, the road can get bad because of mud and landslides. You may need a jeep for the 2 to 3 km stretch. You can take the jeep at the forest check post. In my original post, the fare was ₹650 per jeep. Please ask the price again before you go.
The falls are on private land. So rules, fees and entry can change without notice. Keep some cash in small notes for the ticket and the jeep.
also read: Best tourist attractions in Chikmagalur
How to Reach Soormane Falls
Short answer: First reach Kalasa by road. Then drive about 5 km towards the falls. About 3 km from Kalasa, you will see a forest check post. Buy your ticket there or take a jeep. Kalasa does not have its own airport or railway station.
From Bangalore
Drive towards Chikmagalur. Then go to Kalasa via Mudigere and Kottigehara. The drive can take about 6 to 7 hours, based on traffic and stops. The distance is about 320 km. Google Maps may show a little different number, based on your route.
From Chikmagalur
Kalasa is the nearest town to the falls. Soormane Falls is about 90 km from Chikmagalur. Direct buses go to Kalasa from Chikmagalur and Sringeri. For the last 5 km, you need a taxi or your own vehicle.
From Mangalore
Drive towards Kalasa via Kudremukh and Samse. The distance is about 121 km. Mangalore International Airport is the nearest big airport. Karnataka Tourism says the nearest big railway stations are Mangalore and Shivamogga.
The Last Part: Vehicle or Trek
After the check post, you have three choices: your own vehicle, a jeep, or a trek.
- Own vehicle: This is best after the rainy season. It saves time, and the off-road drive is fun. Vehicles cannot go all the way to the falls. You park about 500 metres away. Then you walk the last 500 metres. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You cross a stream and walk through thick forest.
- Jeep: This is safer in the rainy season, when the road is muddy or broken.
- Trek: This takes more time, but it is an adventure. It is a 2 to 3 km walk through coffee estates.
Best Time to Visit Soormane Falls
Short answer: June to November is the best time. Go in the rains to see full water. Go after the rains for an easier trip.
Rainy season (June to September): The falls have full water, and you see rain falling in the forest. But the path is muddy and slippery. There are many leeches. You may also need a jeep.
After the rains (about September to November): The water is less, but still nice. The weather is pleasant and everything is fresh and green. In my view, this is the more comfortable time, especially if you drive your own vehicle or travel with family.
Is It Safe to Swim at Soormane Falls?
Many people take a dip in the pool below the falls. When the water is normal, the pool is usually shallow and calm. But it is not safe all the time. The rocks near the water are slippery. In heavy rain, the water can be fast. Do not swim if the water looks fast. Ask the staff at the check post about the water.
Tips for Visitors
- There is no shop. Bring your own food, drinking water and snacks.
- Roads can break in heavy rain. Your vehicle may not be allowed. Be ready to take a jeep or trek.
- Leeches in the rainy season. My tip is to put a little Dettol on your feet and shoes. This keeps leeches away. Wear closed shoes with good grip.
- Bring dry clothes if you want to get into the water.
- Do not litter. Nature is our home. Use the dustbin, or carry your waste back with you.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Short and easy walk from parking
- Natural pool to enjoy
- Green and quiet, good for photos
- Less crowded than the famous waterfalls nearby
Cons
- Mud and leeches in the rainy season
- No shops or facilities
- Jeep needed when the road is bad
- Fee and timing are not officially published, and entry can change on private land
Who Should Visit
Soormane Falls is good for families, couples, friends, photographers and nature lovers. It is a short trip near Kalasa. It may not be good for you if you want shops, toilets and railings. It is also not a good idea in very heavy rain with small children or older people.
A Suggested Half-Day Plan
This is only a suggestion for readers. It is not my own trip plan.
- Start early from Kalasa and reach the forest check post.
- Spend 1 to 2 hours at the falls. Walk, enjoy the view, and take a dip if the water is safe.
- On the way back, visit the Kalasa hanging bridge.
- End the day at Kalaseshwara Temple or a viewpoint in town.
Places to Visit in Kalasa and Nearby
After the falls, these are the places to visit in Kalasa and nearby. They go well with a Soormane trip.
Kalasa Hanging Bridge
This bridge is about 6.5 km from Soormane Falls. It is built over the Bhadra River and joins two villages. It is green and pretty. Photographers like it, and people also do pre-wedding shoots here.
Kalaseshwara Temple and Duggappan Katte
Kalasa is known as Dakshina Kashi. Kalaseshwara Temple is the main temple. Duggappan Katte is a viewpoint. From there, you can see the whole town and valley.
Samse Tea Estate
This estate is about 13 km from the falls. You can see hills covered with tea plants. There is also a Ganesh temple. It is a calm place to rest.
Elaneeru Falls
This place is about 15 km from Soormane. It is deep in the forest and has many small and big streams. Not many tourists go there. It is good for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Horanadu
Horanadu is about 11 km from the falls. Add it if you want a longer Kalasa tourist place trip with temples.
My Honest Take
If you want a short waterfall trip with a pool, some off-road fun and few people, Soormane Falls Kalasa is worth a visit. If you want shops and an official ticket system, keep your expectations low. I would visit between the rainy season and after the rains. Carry food and water. Before you pay, check the fee and jeep fare at the check post.
Conclusion
In this blog post, I have tried my best to provide all the necessary information about the Soormane Falls Kalasa. This waterfall in Kalasa will be a must-visit spot for nature lovers, waterfalls chasers, adventure seekers, and travel freaks. Plan your visit between monsoon and post-monsoon for a better experience.
FAQ
What is the Soormane Falls entry fee?
The fee is ₹50 per person. The jeep fare is extra. The price can change, so ask at the forest check post.
What are the Soormane Falls timings?
Most websites say 8 AM to 5 PM every day. A few say 9 AM or earlier. Please check at the place.
How to reach Soormane Falls from Kalasa?
Drive about 5 km from Kalasa. At about 3 km, you will see a forest check post. Buy a ticket or take a jeep there. Then park and walk 5 to 10 minutes.
How far is Soormane Falls from Chikmagalur, Bangalore and Mangalore?
It is about 90 km from Chikmagalur, about 320 km from Bangalore, and about 121 km from Mangalore.
Can we swim at Soormane Falls?
Yes, many people swim in the pool. The water is usually shallow when the flow is normal. Do not swim if the water is fast. Take care on slippery rocks.
What is the best time to visit Soormane Falls?
June to November. The rainy season has full water, but also mud and leeches. After the rains, the trip is easier.
Do I need a jeep?
Not always. After the rains, you can usually go in your own vehicle. In the rainy season, you may need a jeep or a trek. The jeep fare in my original post was ₹650 per jeep.
Is Soormane Falls good for kids and older people?
The walk is short, about 5 to 10 minutes. Many families can do it. Be careful in the rainy season because of the stream, mud and slippery rocks.
How much time do I need?
Keep 1 to 2 hours. Keep more time if you also want to see the hanging bridge or Kalaseshwara Temple.
Is there a shop or food near the falls?
No. Carry your own food, water and snacks.
Are there leeches?
Yes, in the rainy season. Put a little Dettol on your feet and shoes, and wear closed shoes.
Which other places to visit in Kalasa can I add?
Kalasa Hanging Bridge, Kalaseshwara Temple, Duggappan Katte, Samse Tea Estate, Elaneeru Falls and Horanadu.
Which is the nearest airport and railway station?
Mangalore International Airport is the nearest big airport. Mangalore and Shivamogga are the nearest big railway stations, as listed by Karnataka Tourism.
Is Soormane Falls the same as Abbugudige Falls?
Yes, many travel websites use both names for this waterfall.