5 hidden waterfalls in India that you have to trek to find

Think you’ve seen all of India’s waterfalls? Think again! These hidden gems don’t just show up on your GPS—you’ve got to earn the view with a good old-fashioned trek. And talking about treks, it’s not just about finding new paths and exploring the unexplored; it is also finding resilient you. Also, when that path takes one to a secret waterfall—tumbling down virgin cliffs, resounding in the stillness of the woods—the payoff is sweeter. Such secrets are not mapped, nor are they easily reached by roads; they demand effort, adventure, and a heart that wants to touch nature intimately. Let us explore these hidden waterfalls.

Hebbe Falls is hidden among coffee plantations and jungle hills close to Kemmangundi in Chikmagalur. Trekking or taking a bumpy vehicle through twisty jungle roads are the only means to reach there. The falls flow into a natural pool after bifurcating into two streams, Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. The beauty of nature, the ambiance around, the surrounding jungle, and the cool spray make it all worth it.

Agaya Gangai, a 300-foot plunge that entails a grueling 1,200-step trek, lies hidden away in remote Kolli Hills. The path twists through tropical forest, filled with songbird chirping and hazy views. The booming waterfall at the base is breathtaking to behold and a site of religiosity. The location is mysterious, even sacred-like, as neighboring caves are said to have been occupied by sages.

A scenic and relatively strenuous trek takes one to the 200-foot Bandaje Falls, nestled in the Western Ghats near Charmadi Ghat. The route winds through ancient ruins, meadows, and dense forests. For serious trekkers and nature lovers, it's the perfect off-the-beaten-path excursion because the summit provides a breathtaking panorama of the cascade plummeting down into the valley below.

Marmala Waterfall, found in Kottayam near Erattupetta, is a 2-kilometer trek over rock and rubber plantation landscapes. The 40-meter-high waterfall drops into a spotless, deep pool surrounded by dense greenery. Since it's less known to the general population, it's a good location to visit for a serene, unconventional nature retreat. Even though it's short, the trek increases the anticipation and fascination of discovery.

Thommankuthu is a lesser-visited multi-tiered waterfall in Idukki district that demands a 5-kilometer trek through forests. It is a nature enthusiast's paradise, with seven steps that each provide a different waterfall and a natural pool. The forest walk contributes to the feeling of seclusion, and the area is rich in wildlife and vegetation. It's ideal for relaxed nature discovery, ecotourism, and gentle trekking.