Hanuman Gundi waterfalls is one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Mangalore. These falls are surrounded by Kudremukh National Park which possesses a rich flora and fauna. One can have an energetic and rejuvenating bath here and also enjoy the beauty of these waterfalls. Water splashing down the rocks from about 100 feet creates a scenic surrounding around it. It is a place where people can enjoy the beauty of peace and silence in natural surroundings. 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. The sound of this fall blends with nature so one can enjoy the bliss. It is a soothing experience for tourists, especially for those who come from the cities. The mist and roaring sound gives the waterfall a unique beauty.

Location

Also known as Suthanabbi Falls, Hanuman Gundi Falls is one of the main attractions for tourists in Chikmagalur district near Kudremukh.  It is located between Lakya and Karkala dam and surrounded by Kudremukh National Park. Water falling from a height of over 100 feet creates a scenic beauty here.

Flora & Fauna

Flora

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 forests because it has reasonable protection from wind and monsoon with deep soil. The place gets a rich appeal with growth of orchids and mosses. The various narrow strips of this forest offers tourist a wonderful view. The habitat has the elevation of 1400 metres above sea level. This region is full of lush green forest which includes rivers, orchids, caves, ruins and grass slopes.

Fauna

The Kudremukh National Park here lies at an altitude of 1894 metres 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 an assemblage of endangered mammals and one can find large predator species such as wild dogs, tigers and leopards. Gaur, sambhar, muntjac chevrotin, bonnet macaque, wild pig, lion tails macaque and common langur are the tiger prey base found in the park.

Best Time to Visit

One can visit Hanuman Gundi waterfalls between October to May and enjoy scenic beauty.

Accommodation

Cottages and tents are provided here by the government. It is advisable to do the booking in advance before visiting. People have even opened home stay in some places between Kudremukh and Hanuman Gundi falls. At the same time, various hotels and lodging and boarding are also made available.

Visitor Information

• There is an entry fee of Rs 15 for adults and Rs 10 for children at an outpost near Hanuman Gundi falls for those who want to visit.
• At Mala check post tourist should return the receipt and entry receipt while returning from waterfall, according to officials of forest department.
• Tourists need to climb around 320 steps to reach the waterfall from its forest outpost.
• Tourists are not allowed to carry food with them.
• Changing rooms are available for them.

How to Reach

Air

Mangalore Airport is the closest from Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls at a distance of 47.8 km.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Bantawala, which is 44.2 km away.

Road

By road Mangalore to Udupi is 62 km and from Udupi to Hanuman Gundi falls it is 69 km.