Jog Falls

Jog Falls is the second highest plunge waterfall in the country. It's located in the scenic Shimoga and it's an absolutely stunning locale. It's located near Sagara in Karnataka and it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state. Locally, they are also known as Jogada Falls or Gersoppa Falls.

"Joga" is the Kannada word for falls. It's quite popular among Kannada speakers, especially around these Sahayadri mountain ranges to use the word "Joga" in reference to a waterfall. The falls is created by the Sharavathi River and it falls from a height of 253 meters. THat makes it the second highest falling falls in the country- following the Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya. Sharavathi River originates in the Thirthalli Taluk. The Sharavathi flows over a rocky bed and once it gets here, it reaches a large, gaping chasm that is rather deep. As a result of the same, it comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Falls pours down in one unbroken column for 250 meters. Halfway down it's lenght, the Roarer starts precipitating. The Roarer meets Raja at a peculiar, 45 degree angle. The third fall is the ocket and it just shoots down in various jet streams. The fourth falls is the Rani. The Rani moves quitely over the mountain, it's calm and moves like foam.

Tourists do not have access to the foot of the falls- it's quite dangerous to go near the falls, especially because of the force of the water falling from such a height. The Tourism Department has built a viewpoint. It has also built steps leading down from the viewing platform to the bottom of the mountain. From the bottom, you will be able to see the opposite side of the falls. You would have to walk a long distance to get to the bottom, though- there are easily 1400 steps leading down.

There is a Linganmakki Dam across the river Sharavathi, that is linked to this falls. At one point of time, in late 1940s, this falls was considered to be one of the largest hydroelectric stations in the country. The best time for you to visit the Jog Falls will be during the monsoons. Before the monsoon season, there is barely any water, so you won't be able to see the Jog Falls in all it's majesty. Right before the monsoons come, the falls just form a few slow, and thin streams. But once the monsoon hits, the falls becomes increasingly beautiful.

Jog Falls is easily accessible through multiple routes. If you are flying in, you can either come to Bangalore, which is 340 km away, or Goa, which is 246 km away. The Mangalore International Airport and Hubli Airport are the closest airports for those travelling domestic, they are 200 km and 130 km away from Jog Falls, respectively. The nearest bus station is the Sagara station- there are buses leaving on a daily basis from Bangalore. Talaguppa is also a nearby bus stop you could access. There are no train connections, so your only other option would be to hire a cab from any of these major cities. Some of the best places to eat around this area include the Madhura Hotel, Shivani Hotel and the KSTDC run hotels. In the latter, the quality and availability of food will be assured at all times.