Kunchikal Falls, Location, Formation, Geographical Features

Kunchikal Falls is widely regarded as the highest waterfall in India, with a total cascading height of about 455 metres (1,493 feet). It is formed by the Varahi River in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Unlike plunge waterfalls such as Jog Falls, Kunchikal is a tiered (cascade) waterfall, where water descends over a series of rocky ledges. The waterfall is also associated with the Varahi Hydro-Electric Project, making it an important geographical feature of the Western Ghats.

Kunchikal Falls Location

• Kunchikal Falls is located in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
• It lies in the Western Ghats, near the Shivamogga-Udupi district boundary.
• The waterfall is formed by the Varahi River, a west-flowing river of Peninsular India that drains into the Arabian Sea.
• It is situated downstream of the Mani Dam, and access to the waterfall is restricted because it lies within the Varahi Hydro-Electric Project area.

Kunchikal Falls Formation

Kunchikal Falls was formed due to the combined effects of tectonic uplift and fluvial erosion in the Western Ghats. The uplift of the Western Ghats created a steep western escarpment. As the Varahi River flows westwards towards the Arabian Sea, it encounters this abrupt change in elevation and descends over a series of resistant rocky ledges, forming a tiered (cascade) waterfall. Over geological time, continuous river erosion has deepened the channel and shaped the stepped profile of the waterfall.

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Kunchikal Falls Geographical Features

• The waterfall descends about 455 metres over a series of rocky ledges, making it widely regarded as the highest waterfall in India.
• It is a tiered (cascade) waterfall, where water flows over successive rock steps instead of falling in a single vertical plunge.
• The waterfall flows through steep valleys, rugged rocky terrain and dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
• Its stepped profile reflects the combined action of tectonic uplift and long-term river erosion.
• Water discharge is highly seasonal and reaches its maximum during the southwest monsoon (June-September).