The short answer
Hanumana Gundi Falls: what visitors should know first
Worth a stop if you are driving in the area and the water is running. It involves a short walk and some wet steps, so go in daylight, check conditions locally, and skip it in heavy rain.
History and context
The story behind Hanumana Gundi Falls
Wikipedia gives the falls a height of about 22 m, though other tourism pages describe a drop of more than 30 m, so treat height figures as approximate. The same article places them between Karkala and Lakya Dam.
Useful facts
Hanumana Gundi Falls facts at a glance
- Location
- Kudremukh National Park hills
- Also called
- Suthanabbe or Soothanabbi Falls
- Height
- About 22 m by one source; figures vary
- Elevation
- About 996 m
- Best season
- After the monsoon
- Access
- Short trek; check conditions locally
Why it matters
Why Hanumana Gundi Falls is worth your time
Waterfalls are what the Western Ghats do best, and Hanumana Gundi shows the range in miniature: fast rainfall on the high ridge, collected in streams and falling in steps through forest. The falls are also called Suthanabbe or Soothanabbi, a reminder that local names often differ from signboards.
It matters here because it is an easier way than the peak trek to see what the hills produce. Seen in monsoon flow, it is dramatic; in dry months it can thin to a trickle, so timing makes the visit. A short, flexible stop works better than a full day built around it.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The tiers
The water drops in stages over rock rather than in one sheet.
- 02
Monsoon flow
Strongest after heavy rain, but access is hardest then.
- 03
Forest setting
The surrounding forest is part of the national park.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Go in the morning, after rain has eased and when the forest office confirms the approach is open. Karnataka Tourism lists the falls among the sights at their best after the monsoon, and Wikipedia describes them as tiered, with an elevation of about 996 m.
Walk down carefully. Steps and rocks are slippery, and the trail can be crowded at weekends. Stay behind barriers and do not swim in strong flow. Wear shoes with grip, and keep your phone and camera in a dry pouch.
Combine the falls with Kadambi Falls or the park's viewpoints rather than trying to do everything in one outing. The ghat roads leading here are winding, so allow extra time and leave before dusk.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go in daylight and check access with the forest office
- Wear shoes with grip
- Stay behind barriers and avoid swimming in strong flow
- Do not litter
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kudremukh National Park hills, between Karkala and Lakya Dam
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours with the approach
- Best time
- After the monsoon, roughly October to December
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Reaching the falls involves a short trek with uneven and wet steps, which many older travellers will find tiring. Viewpoints may be easier. Handrails and seating are limited, so go with someone steady on their feet.
- Tickets and access
- Visits are inside the national park, and forest rules apply. Entry arrangements and access can change with the season, so check at the park or with the forest department. Go in daylight.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Hanumana Gundi Falls
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Reaching the falls involves a short trek with uneven and wet steps, which many older travellers will find tiring. Viewpoints may be easier. Handrails and seating are limited, so go with someone steady on their feet.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When is it best?
After the monsoon, roughly October onwards, when the water is strong but the trail is safer.
Is it a hard walk?
It is a short trek with uneven wet steps, harder for older travellers.
Why two names?
It is also called Suthanabbe or Soothanabbi Falls.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
