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Balmuri and Edmuri Falls near Mysuru
Balmuri and Edmuri are two weirs on the Kaveri near the KRS dam, about 18 km northwest of Mysuru, where the river spills over a long check dam. They are picnic spots rather than wild waterfalls, and they are dangerous: official records cited by the press count around 80 drowning deaths here since 2015, and in April 2026 the Srirangapatna administration banned entry for about two weeks. Water flows reliably from July to December.
Not a wild waterfall but a weir: the Kaveri drops about six feet over a long check dam in a broad curtain of water, with sugarcane and coconut fields on either bank. The name means 'right turn' in Kannada; Edmuri, the 'left turn', is two kilometres on and usually emptier. Families come to picnic and stand in the shallows, and that, not the drama of the fall, is what the place is for. Flow depends on releases from the KRS dam, so July to December is the reliable window. Currents can pick up without warning, so wade with that in mind. Easy to fold into a Brindavan Gardens run.
A wade-in Kaveri weir the city has picnicked at for decades, best after the rains
What Balmuri and Edmuri are
Not a wild waterfall but a weir: the Kaveri drops about six feet over a long check dam in a broad curtain of water, with sugarcane and coconut fields on either bank. Balmuri means right turn in Kannada; Edmuri, the left turn, is two kilometres further on and usually emptier.
People come from Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru to picnic on the bank and cool off in summer. That, rather than the drama of the falls, is what the place is for.
Water safety: read before you go
Balmuri and Edmuri are high-risk spots. According to official records reported in April 2026, around 80 people have died here since 2015, with four drowning cases in the fortnight before the report. The dangers are underwater pits, strong currents and slippery rocks. Flow also depends on releases from the KRS dam, so the current can pick up without warning.
On 16 April 2026 the Srirangapatna Tahsildar banned public entry, and barricades and police enforced the order; about two weeks later the restriction was relaxed with safety measures in place. Police say they are deployed at the spot during holidays and vacations. A ban like this can be reimposed.
- Do not swim and do not go out into the current, whatever others are doing.
- Keep children within arm's reach and out of the flowing water.
- Stay off the rocks at the edge of the weir, especially for photos.
- Obey barricades and the police. If entry is closed, do not look for a way round.
When there is water
The flow depends on releases from the KRS dam upstream, so July to December, after the monsoon has filled the reservoir, is the reliable window. Outside that window the flow is far less certain. Summer is the busiest season, and the April 2026 ban was imposed ahead of the summer holidays because of rising drownings.
How to reach
Balmuri is near Belagola, close to the KRS dam in Srirangapatna taluk (Mandya district), about 18 km northwest of Mysuru. A taxi or your own vehicle is the practical choice. It is easy to fold into a trip to Brindavan Gardens at KRS on the same afternoon. Edmuri is two kilometres further along the river.
❓ FAQ
Why is Balmuri Falls closed?
Because of drownings: in April 2026 the Srirangapatna Tahsildar banned entry from 16 April, and the ban was relaxed about two weeks later with safety measures in place.
Is it the right time to visit Balmuri Falls?
July to December is the reliable window for water. Before going, check local news for closure orders.
How far is Balmuri Falls from Mysore?
About 18 km northwest of Mysuru, near the KRS dam.
Is water available in Balmuri Falls?
It depends on releases from the KRS dam. July to December is the reliable window; outside it the flow is far less certain.
Is it safe to swim at Balmuri?
No. Official records cited by the press count around 80 drowning deaths here since 2015; the risks are underwater pits, strong currents and slippery rocks.