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Abbey Falls, Madikeri

Abbey Falls, also spelt Abbi, is a waterfall about 10 km from Madikeri, the main town of Kodagu (Coorg). Several hill streams join and drop around 70 feet over rocks before flowing on towards the Kaveri. The walk in passes through coffee estates with pepper vines and cardamom, and a hanging bridge opposite the falls gives the best view. It is one of the easiest nature outings from Madikeri.

Abbey falls - Madikeri
Height
About 70 ft
Distance from Madikeri
About 10 km
Best time
July to October
Nearest railway station
Mysuru
Nearest airport
Mangaluru
Ideal time needed
1–2 hours

What to expect

From the entrance, a path of roughly 200 steps leads downhill through the plantations to the viewing area, a gentle walk of about 20 minutes. The spray reaches the bridge when the flow is strong, so be ready to get damp. A small Kali shrine stands near the bridge.

During the colonial era the falls were called Jessie Falls, reportedly after the daughter of Madikeri's first British chaplain. The surrounding land later turned into coffee estates, while the falls themselves stayed largely wild.

Best time to visit

The falls are seasonal, so the monsoon and the weeks after it, roughly July to October, are the time to see them in full force. Paths and steps become slippery then, so wear good footwear.

December to February brings cool, pleasant days of about 10°C to 25°C across Coorg, which is ideal for general sightseeing even if the falls are thinner. March to May is warmer, though mornings and evenings stay comfortable.

Things to do nearby

Combine the falls with a half-day loop around Madikeri.

How to reach

Mangaluru has the nearest major airport, a few hours' drive away. Mysuru is the most practical railhead, followed by a road journey. KSRTC runs deluxe buses to Madikeri from Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru. From town, take a taxi or auto to the falls, as local buses are infrequent. We can plan a Coorg stay that includes Abbey Falls, Kushalnagar's Tibetan monastery and Dubare.

Also nearby

Madikeri FortRaja's SeatOmkareshwara TempleRaja's TombsKushalnagar Golden TempleMadikeri

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