Abbey Falls is a waterfall in Kodagu district, Karnataka, near Madikeri. You reach it through private coffee plantations, then view the falling water from a hanging bridge; fuller flow is typical from July to December.
- Location: Kodagu district, near Madikeri.
- Approach: A walk through coffee plantations leads to an elevated view from a hanging bridge.
- Typical visiting hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, according to Karnataka Tourism.
- Seasonal flow: Karnataka Tourism recommends July to December for fuller water flow, especially after the monsoon.
Where Abbey Falls is
Abbey Falls, also called Abbi Falls, lies in Kodagu district, near Madikeri. Karnataka Tourism places it 6 km from Madikeri town, while the Kodagu District Government gives the distance as about 9 km. The differing figures give you a useful sense of the journey without suggesting a precise route distance.
The falls were formerly known as Jessy Falls, named after an English chaplain’s daughter, according to the Kodagu District Government. For a town-focused outing, you can pair a visit with a Madikeri route taking in the fort, Raja’s Seat and Omkareshwara Temple.
The approach and viewing area
Reaching Abbey Falls involves walking through private coffee plantations. Karnataka Tourism’s Coorg brochure describes a route past coffee bushes and trees through coffee and spice estates, so the approach is part of the visit rather than just a drive to a roadside viewpoint.
A hanging bridge provides an elevated view of the waterfall. Karnataka Tourism describes the River Kaveri as dropping about 70 ft over wide rocks here. The viewing area lets you look toward the falls from above; bathing and swimming are not allowed.
When to plan a visit
July to December is the period Karnataka Tourism recommends for fuller flow at Abbey Falls, especially after the monsoon. The surrounding coffee and spice estates are part of the approach, described in the Coorg brochure as a walk among coffee bushes and trees.
If you are weighing a wider trip around Coorg’s changing conditions, the guide to Coorg seasons and festivals can help you place the waterfall in a broader itinerary.
Access and safety checks
Karnataka Tourism gives visiting hours as 9 AM to 5 PM and says parking is limited. Bathing and swimming are prohibited. Because hours and access conditions can change, check the official site before you go.
Allow for the plantation walk when planning your arrival, and keep to the permitted viewing area. If you are travelling by car, limited parking makes it sensible to plan your transport before setting out.
FAQs
How high does the River Kaveri fall at Abbey Falls?
Karnataka Tourism describes the River Kaveri as dropping about 70 ft over wide rocks at the waterfall.
Can you swim at Abbey Falls?
No. Bathing and swimming are not allowed at Abbey Falls.
What is Abbey Falls also called?
It is also called Abbi Falls. The waterfall was formerly named Jessy Falls, after an English chaplain’s daughter.