Kunchikal Falls is officially recognised as the highest waterfall in India at approximately 455 metres (1,493 ft).
It is a classic tiered / cascading waterfall — water descends over multiple rock shelves rather than a single free-fall plunge.
Formed by the Varahi River in the Agumbe valley of the Western Ghats (Hosanagara taluk, Shivamogga district).
The area receives extremely high rainfall and is often called the “Cherrapunji of South India”.
Flow is heavily regulated by the Varahi Hydroelectric Project and Mani Dam — the waterfall is largely “man-regulated” and shows full majesty mainly during peak monsoon.
Located near the biodiversity-rich Agumbe rainforest, a protected habitat for the King Cobra.
Kunchikal Falls holds the prestigious title of India’s highest waterfall. Standing at approximately 455 metres, it surpasses all other waterfalls in the country in total height. Located in the misty, rain-drenched Agumbe valley of the Western Ghats, it is a spectacular example of a tiered cascade where water tumbles over successive rock ledges, creating a long, multi-stage descent.
Unlike single-plunge waterfalls, Kunchikal’s beauty lies in its extended vertical journey through the dense forest canopy of one of India’s wettest regions.
📌 Exam Pointer
Kunchikal Falls is frequently asked in UPSC, State PSC and SSC Geography papers as India’s highest waterfall, tiered type, Varahi River, and its link with hydroelectric regulation.
Geographical Specifications & Location
Feature
Data / Fact
Status
Highest Waterfall in India
Total Height
455 metres (1,493 feet)
Structural Type
Tiered / Cascading Waterfall
River System
Varahi River
State
Karnataka
District / Taluk
Shivamogga (Hosanagara taluk) – near Udupi border
Region
Agumbe valley, Western Ghats
Key Regulation
Varahi Hydroelectric Project + Mani Dam
The falls are situated in the extremely high-rainfall zone of the Western Ghats. Agumbe receives some of the highest annual rainfall in South India, supporting lush evergreen forests and making the waterfall’s setting particularly dramatic during the monsoon.
Tiered Nature & Comparison with Nohkalikai
Kunchikal is a tiered (cascading) waterfall. The water does not drop in a single free-fall from top to bottom. Instead, it descends in multiple stages over successive rock shelves, creating a long, stepped visual effect.
⚠️ Common Confusion
Students often mix up Kunchikal (highest tiered waterfall) with Nohkalikai (highest plunge / single-drop waterfall in India). Remember: Kunchikal = multiple shelves (tiered), Nohkalikai = one big vertical drop.
Tiered vs Plunge Waterfall – Schematic
Varahi Hydroelectric Project & Mani Dam Regulation
The flow of Kunchikal Falls is significantly controlled by human intervention. A large volume of water from the Varahi River is diverted for power generation at the underground Mani Dam powerhouse as part of the Varahi Hydroelectric Project.
Because of this diversion, the waterfall has become largely seasonal and man-regulated. It displays its full, massive height and volume primarily during the peak Southwest Monsoon (July–September) when heavy rainfall fills the reservoir and dam gates are opened or overflow occurs.
📌 Exam Pointer
Varahi Hydroelectric Project + Mani Dam + regulated flow of India’s highest waterfall = important example of river valley projects and human impact on natural features (frequently asked in Geography & Current Affairs).
💡 Best Time to VisitJuly to September (Peak Monsoon) — when reservoir levels are high and dam gates release maximum water. In other months the flow can be significantly reduced due to diversion for power generation.
Agumbe Rainforest & Ecological Significance
Kunchikal Falls is located in the Agumbe valley, one of the wettest regions in India. Agumbe is popularly known as the “Cherrapunji of South India” because of its extremely high annual rainfall.
The surrounding rainforest is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and is a protected habitat for the King Cobra. The dense evergreen forests support rich flora and fauna, making the area ecologically very significant.
Height Comparison with Major Indian Waterfalls
Waterfall
Height
Type
State
Key Feature
Kunchikal
455 m
Tiered
Karnataka
Highest in India
Barehipani
399 m
Tiered
Odisha
High tiered cascade
Nohkalikai
340 m
Plunge
Meghalaya
Highest single plunge
Dudhsagar
310 m
Four-tiered
Goa–Karnataka
Railway viaduct
Jog (Gersoppa)
253 m
Segmented Plunge
Karnataka
Four cascades (Raja etc.)
Major Indian Waterfalls – Height Comparison (metres)
Exam Quick-Revision One-Liners
→ Kunchikal Falls = Highest waterfall in India (455 m / 1,493 ft)
→ Type: Tiered / Cascading (multiple rock shelves)
→ River: Varahi River | Location: Agumbe valley, Western Ghats, Karnataka
→ Heavily regulated by Varahi Hydroelectric Project + Mani Dam
→ Full flow mainly during peak monsoon (July–Sept) when dam releases water
→ Agumbe = “Cherrapunji of South India” (very high rainfall)
→ Nearby: Agumbe rainforest – famous for King Cobra habitat
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is recognised as the highest waterfall in India at approximately 455 metres (1,493 feet).
What type of waterfall is Kunchikal?
It is a tiered (cascading) waterfall. Water descends in multiple stages over successive rock shelves rather than a single vertical plunge.
Which river forms Kunchikal Falls?
It is formed by the Varahi River in the Agumbe valley of the Western Ghats.
Why is the flow of Kunchikal Falls seasonal?
A large volume of water is diverted for the Varahi Hydroelectric Project at the Mani Dam powerhouse. Full massive flow occurs mainly during peak monsoon when the dam releases or overflows.
What is Agumbe famous for?
Agumbe is known as the “Cherrapunji of South India” for its extremely high rainfall. It is also a biodiversity hotspot and a protected habitat for the King Cobra.
How is Kunchikal different from Nohkalikai?
Kunchikal is the highest tiered waterfall (multiple shelves). Nohkalikai (Meghalaya) is the highest plunge (single vertical drop) waterfall in India.
Practice This Topic
Test your understanding with previous year questions and targeted study material on India’s highest waterfall and river projects.