Arbi Falls: Trek To This Waterfalls In Manipal For The Perfect Monsoon Getaway

Rains in the Western Ghats are a sight to behold. During the monsoon season here, the jungles, forests, and waterfalls come alive, making it the perfect escape you are looking for during the weekend. Arbi Falls is one such waterfall that comes alive during the monsoon. 

Located in the Charmadi section of the Western Ghats near Manipal, getting to the picturesque waterfall is nothing short of an adventure. The hilly terrain and the jungle trail make it the perfect spot for a morning trek. And since it's a medium to hard trekking trail, you'll find that only the most avid and fit trekkers go this trail, meaning, in most seasons, you won't have a lot of crowd.  Arbi Falls, which is also known as Bandaaje Arbi Falls, flows downhill near a Durga Temple, and when it plunges from a height of 200 feet, it's truly majestic. At the bottom of the falls, there's a shallow pool that you can dip your toes in. Oh, and the water? Crystal clear and clean to drink. 

Since the waterfall is in the middle of a jungle, you can easily get lost finding your way — so we recommend getting a guide. Several trekking groups from Bangalore conduct regular treks to Arbi Falls. Most trekking groups pair Arbi Falls with the Ballalarayana Durga Fort trail. 

How To Reach Arbi Falls: It's located 422 kilometres from Bangalore and takes approximately 8.5 hours to reach by car. Alternatively, you can also take the KSRTC or IRCTC from Bangalore. Some regular buses and trains ply to Manipal and Udupi from the Kempegowda Bus Station and the KSR Bangalore Railway Station

Best Time To Visit: June to October