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Waterfalls

Kudumari Waterfalls

Byndoor Taluk · Udupi District

Kudumari Falls (Locally Known as Chaktikal Falls / Belligundi)
Deep within the untamed jungle canopy near Chaktikal village—roughly 17 kilometers from Shiroor through the undulating terrain close to Byndoor—Kudumari Falls (locally called Chaktikal Falls or Belligundi) is a dramatic single-drop spectacle. Plunging vertically from a sheer cliff face of approximately 300 feet, the waterfall descends like a massive sheet of liquid silver framed by dense, virgin Western Ghats foliage. Because it breaks away from standard tourist tracks, reaching it requires an intense, unfiltered roughly 3-kilometer jungle trek from the base village, navigating hidden forest paths and boulder-strewn stream beds. On clear days, the upper vantage points even offer a breathtaking distant glimpse of the Arabian Sea coastline.

Kudumari Waterfalls, Byndoor

Kudumari Waterfalls, also known as Bellingundi Falls or Chaktikal Falls, is one of the more remote waterfalls in the Byndoor region. It lies deep within the Western Ghats, near Chaktikal village, where the coastal landscape gradually gives way to dense forest and steep hill terrain.
Unlike a waterfall that can be reached directly by road, Kudumari is a trekking destination. The final approach takes you through forest paths, rocky ground and small streams before reaching the waterfall.

The waterfall

Kudumari drops from a height of roughly 300 feet, forming a dramatic single cascade against the forested hillside. During the rainy season and the months that follow, the flow becomes much stronger and the surrounding forest turns a deep green.
From the forest, the white stream of water stands out sharply against the darker rocks and vegetation. The secluded setting is a major part of the attraction.
This waterfalls ranked 12th highest waterfalls of Karnataka in terms of height.

The trek through the forest

The approach from the Chaktikal side near Byndoor involves a forest trek of roughly 3–4 km, depending on the route and starting point. The trail is not a conventional developed tourist path. It passes through uneven ground, rocks, slopes and streams.
The route can be particularly slippery during and immediately after the monsoon. Because the waterfall lies in a forested area, visitors should not attempt the trek alone. A knowledgeable local guide and proper information about current forest access are important.

A remote Western Ghats experience

Kudumari feels very different from the beaches and viewpoints along the Byndoor coast. Once the trek begins, roads, houses and other signs of the town gradually disappear, leaving mostly forest, streams, rocks and the sound of flowing water.
The surrounding forest is part of the Western Ghats landscape and is home to a variety of wildlife. This is one reason the area should be treated as a natural forest environment rather than an ordinary picnic location.

Kudumari and Bellingundi

Visitors may come across several names for the same waterfall. Kudumari Falls, Bellingundi Falls and Chaktikal Falls are commonly used names for this destination. The name can vary depending on the village, route or local reference.
The waterfall is also sometimes described as being in the wider Sharavathi Valley landscape, close to the boundary between the Udupi and Shivamogga regions.

Best time to experience the waterfall

The waterfall is most impressive when there is sufficient water in the stream. The post-monsoon period, particularly around November to January, can offer a good balance between water flow and more manageable trekking conditions.
During the peak monsoon, the waterfall may be at its most powerful, but forest trails, rocks and stream crossings can become dangerous. Visitors should check current access conditions before starting the trek.

Access and safety

Kudumari is not an easy roadside attraction. Access to the forest area can be restricted, and permission may be required from the Forest Department depending on current regulations and conditions. Current visitor reports indicate that access has been restricted at times, so visitors should confirm permission and the permitted route before travelling.

The forest should be treated with respect. Slippery rocks, changing water levels, difficult trails and the possibility of encountering wildlife make it important to follow local instructions and avoid entering restricted areas.

A destination for adventure lovers

Kudumari is best suited to people who enjoy forest trekking, waterfalls and less-developed natural destinations. The attraction is not only the waterfall at the end of the trail but the entire journey through the Western Ghats.
For someone exploring the lesser-known side of Byndoor, Kudumari offers a completely different experience from Maravanthe, Ottinene or Someshwara. Here, the coast is replaced by dense forest, mountain streams and a secluded waterfall hidden deep in the hills.

Why Kudumari Waterfalls is special

Kudumari stands out because of its combination of height, remoteness and forest setting. The roughly 300-foot cascade, difficult approach and surrounding Western Ghats landscape give it a genuine wilderness character.
It is one of those places where reaching the destination is part of the experience — the forest trek, the sound of water getting louder as you approach, and finally the sight of Bellingundi Falls emerging from the green hillside.

At a glance

Timings
8am-4pm
Distance from Byndoor
15km
Get directions See it in the guide

How to reach

🚗 By road: From Shiroor market take Toodhalli road and reach Toodhalli village then Goliberu and Chaktikal village.

🚆 By train: Nearest Railway Station Byndoor Mookambika Road Railway Station about 15km.

✈️ By air: Mangalore International airport about 140km

The trek

Distance
4km one way
Duration
3 hours round trip
Difficulty
Difficult
Terrain
Forest path, rocky path, hilly, streams
🟠 Leeches Leeches are common here through the monsoon. Wear closed shoes and long socks, carry salt or tobacco, and check your ankles at each stop. They are harmless — just persistent.

Best time to visit

October – January (post-monsoon): Best time to visit good water flow

June – September (monsoon): Not recommended

February – May (summer): Dry

In short: Visit between October to January

Visitor information

GuidesAvailable at Chaktikal village
Mobile networkLow or Not available
Nearest ATMShiroor
RestroomsNot available

Location

Yadthare forest region

Places usually visited on the same trip.

Koosalli Waterfalls waterfalls Onakodlu Mahalingeshwara Temple temples
Timings, fees and availability change. Please confirm locally before travelling. Carry your litter back with you — Byndoor has few bins outside town.