Formed where the Aghanashini river drops through a narrow gorge in the Western Ghats, Unchalli Falls was renamed Lushington Falls by the British after an officer who documented it, though the local name remains in common use. A viewing point near the road gives a distant panorama, while a steep trekking trail of roughly two kilometres descends through forest to a pool at the base, best attempted outside the heaviest monsoon months when the path can be treacherous. Unchalli Falls sits at an elevation of 375 m and is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The most favourable months to visit are November, December, January, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Unchalli Falls Rest House & Picnic Area, Lushington Memorial Stone, and Sharavathi River View at the Bridge. Other notable highlights include steep forest trek to the 400-foot cliff viewpoint, lushington Falls named after British officer J.D. Lushington, and aghanashini river plunge into a deep rock pool. It falls within Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district, and Karnataka, India.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Hours
November, December, January, February
Yes, swimming is strictly prohibited near the falls due to strong undercurrents and slippery rocks, and there are no guardrails in many places, so stay behind the marked viewing areas. Also, avoid going during heavy rain as the steps become very slippery, and leeches are common in the surrounding forest—wear closed shoes and long trousers.
The best time is from July to October, right after the monsoon, when the waterfall is at its full, thunderous strength. From November to February, the flow reduces but remains scenic, while in summer (March to May) the falls may dwindle to a thin stream, so it's less impressive.
There are no restaurants or shops at the falls itself, only a small ticket counter and a basic parking area, so carry your own water and snacks. For food and stay, you’ll need to return to Sirsi, which has decent hotels and eateries, or opt for a homestay in the nearby villages like Jog or Yana, about 20-30 km away.
The trek involves descending about 400-500 steep, uneven stone steps carved into the cliffside, which takes roughly 20-30 minutes each way. It is not recommended for those with knee or heart problems, as the return climb is strenuous; however, you can view the falls from a lower platform with less descent if you go with a local guide who knows the easier path.
The falls are about 30 km from Sirsi town, and you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the village of Jog or Unchalli, then walk or take a shared auto to the trek start point. From Hubli (about 90 km away), you can take a bus to Sirsi and then continue as above; there is no direct public transport to the falls, so booking a private cab is easiest for groups.