Jog Falls Karnataka is located in the Shimoga District. This fall holds the pride of being the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Dropping from a height of 253 metres, this magnificent fall is unique in the way that water does not stream down the rocks.
Jog Fall otherwise called Gerusoppa Fall flows with its utmost beauty during monsoon. If you are an adventure seeker, you can bask in the attractiveness of the nearby areas by trekking in the summer. This is a popular spot for picnicking and you can experience a sense of serenity here. The water that flows through the fall originates from the Sharavathi River.
Jog Falls – An Introduction
Jog Falls are among the important tourist places to visit in Karnataka. The fall is popular for its four distinct streams of water. They are named Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. These water streams flow from different heights. So, you can expect a magnificent view of the falls.
As mentioned earlier, the falls look the most attractive during monsoon. During this season, you will experience increased water flow. Most importantly, the misty surroundings will take you to a different world. You might be an adventure seeker. Otherwise, you might be a photographer or nature lover. In all these cases, you will get a chance to experience the power of nature in close up.
How to Reach Jog Falls?
You can choose different modes of transportation to reach Jog Falls. The mode of transportation you choose relies on different factors. For instance, the number of days available to travel, your budget and your location. Read on to learn more about the travel options:
By Car
If you are planning to travel by car, you should first know the distance from your home city to Jog Falls. Only then, you can judge whether you can drive the said distance. For instance, let us consider that you are travelling from Bangalore to reach Jog Falls. In this case, the distance is around 426.8 km. When you take the NH 48 route, you can cover this distance within around 9 hours of driving.
If you are travelling from Mysore, the distance is 349.5 km via the NH 69. Similarly, you can travel by car from any part of India if the drive is possible for you.
By Train
In case you are planning to travel by train, you should book tickets to Talguppa Railway Station. This is the nearest railway station to Jog Falls. From this railway station, the falls are located in around 16 distance. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi. Otherwise, you can walk a little bit from the station to reach the main road. On this road, you will get public buses that can take you to the falls.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Jog Falls is Shivamogga or RQY Airport. This airport is located around 95.5 km away. You can hire a taxi to cover this distance. Otherwise, you can also find KSRTC buses from the airport to take you to the falls.
By Bus
KSRTC buses are operated from different parts of the state to take you to Jog Falls. If you are from another state, you can reach one of the Karnataka cities like Bangalore or Mysore by bus or other modes. From one of these places, you can get direct buses to Jog Falls.
Key Attractions & Things To Do
You are thinking about the key attractions and things to do in Jog Falls. Before knowing about the key attractions, it is better to first know about the things to do in the falls:
Things to Do in Jog Falls
Trekking
Many trekking lovers and nature enthusiasts prefer to trek to see the Jog Falls. Many trekkers have shared that trekking here is a different experience as compared to trekking in other areas. Yes, in other waterfalls, trekkers climb but in Jog Falls, you will have to descend for about 1400 steps to get to the base of the waterfall.
Once you are there, you can enjoy the attractiveness of the flowing water. During the trek, ensure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and quality footwear. Particularly, during monsoon, the steps can be slippery if you do not wear a proper pair of footwear. If you are a trekker, you are sure to get an enthralling experience at Jog Falls.
Water Activities and Camping
If you love camping, Jog Falls is a place you will love to camp. You can spend yourself in a calm environment with the sound of the flowing water alone. Every year, tourists set up a lot of camps near the waterfall. If you have never gone camping so far, this will be a different and new experience for you at Jog Falls.
Adventure Water-Based Activities
Not only trekking, Jog Falls is popular for adrenaline-pumping thrill and excitement. The reason is that you can take part in water activities like kayaking, coracle rides and river rafting. However, remember that river rafting is not for you if you are a faint-hearted person. You can get immense joy if you have a never-ending hunger for thrilling activities.
Birdwatching
Among the many things to do in Jog Falls, birdwatching is an ideal activity for peace and leisure seekers. You can sit back and listen to the sounds of birds chirping. Even, you can get to see colourful birds. The region surrounded by the waterfall is home to many different species of birds. You can see both local and migratory birds here. Do not forget to take your binoculars to watch birds from a distance.
Photography
If you love to capture nature with its fullest glory, photography is one of the best things to do in Jog Falls. Do not forget to take your camera when visiting the falls. You can take some attractive pictures. You can find two viewing decks near the falls to see the waterfall. The waterfall lets you take some stunning pictures from different angles. Indeed, you can post them on your social media pages.
Key Attractions
You know the things to do in Araku Valley now. You will be equally interested in knowing about the key attractions in this place. Here are they:
As mentioned earlier, Jog Falls is a combination of four falls. So, these four are the key attractions:
Raja Falls
This is the largest and most attractive among the four. It is given this name because it falls from the greatest height of the other three. Also, it resembles a king’s crown, thereby getting this name. This section of the Jog fall is the most photographed.
Rani Falls
This fall is located adjacent to the Raja Falls. It is more delicate and softer comparatively. It is given this name due to its graceful flow. The misty and quiet fall of water enhances its beauty. In turn, it improves the overall charm of Jog Falls.
Roarer Falls
As the name implies, this part of the Jog Falls flows with a lot of sound. It creates a thunderous noise as it falls down the rocky cliffs. The force at which the water flows makes the Roarer Fall a thriller compared to the other three falls.
Rocket Falls
This fall is known for its narrow shape and speed. It flows directly into the gorge at a great speed. This stream of the waterfall adds a dynamic element to the landscape of Jog Falls.
In addition to these places, you can visit other places near Jog Falls as well. They are the Raja Stone, Dwimukhi Cahmundeshwar Temple, Dabbe Falls, Linganammaki Dam, Tunga Anicut Dam, Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Bangara Kusuma.
You can also consider visiting the Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger Reserve. This place is just 12 km away from Jog Falls. It is a 250-hectare safari park in Shimoga. You will get a chance to view wild animals in their natural habitat during the safari rides. You can spot, crocodiles, deer, sloth bears, leopards, tigers and lions in their natural habitat here. The safari rides are open on all days except Tuesdays. So, if you have plans to visit the tiger reserve, plan your visit accordingly. Some recommend visiting this tiger reserve between September and January for the best experience.
Best Time & Season To Visit
Jog Falls is seasonal. So, the best time to visit is during monsoon or immediately after monsoon. For instance, you can consider visiting between June and September. During this season, the intensity of all four falls will be at the highest level. It will be a spectacular view.
If you wish to visit during a pleasant climatic condition, you can choose winter. However, do not choose summer to visit this region. The reason is that the summers are extremely hot and humid.
Duration To See
Most people staying in nearby regions choose Jog Falls as a one-day destination for weekend exploration. A 2-3-hour time is sufficient to explore the falls. However, in case, you intend to explore the nearby attractions as well, you can allocate 1-2 days for a trip to these falls.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
As Jog Falls is a tourist attraction, you can find a lot of cafes and restaurants around this attraction. Here are the names of a few of them:
- Hotel Shree Brahmi
- Gamagashree Family Veg Restaurant
- Swaathi Veg Restaurant
- Ganesh Vilas Restaurant
- Hotel Hallimane
- Anmol Family Restaurant
- Hotel Sachin
- Green Chillies
- River Edge Café
- Brahmana Bhojanalaya
- Hotel Vijay
- Sri Shabari Hotel
Where to Stay? Best Resorts Near Jog Falls
Similar to restaurants, you can find a lot of quality well-maintained resorts near Jog Falls. Here are a few resorts with more than 4.5 rating out of 5:
- Sharavathi Adventure Camp
- Amruthavana Nature Resort
- Jog Falls Velankanni Homestay Lodge
- Kodachadri Pathalagere Homestay or Resort
- GundiMane
- Jog Sharadha Homestay
- Hills View Stay
- Honnukar Resort
- Ruby Home Stay
- Saanvi Resort
- Jungle Lodges and Resorts – Sakrebyle Elephant Camp
- AjjaneMane
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
You need not have to pay any entry fee to Jog Falls. However, for some nearby attractions, a meagre entry fee might be applicable. For instance, when you visit Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger Reserve, you will have to bear an entry fee of Rs.100.
FAQ
Should I Follow Any Precautionary Measures When Visiting Jog Falls?
Yes, you need to be cautious particularly when getting near the edges. Make sure you are cautious when you visit during the monsoon or winter season. The reason is that the rocks can be slippery. It is better not to cross beyond the marked viewpoints. Do not venture into restricted areas considering your safety.
Can I Take Children to Jog Falls?
Yes, Jog Falls is a family-friendly attraction. Nevertheless, make sure that kids are under close supervision, particularly near the viewpoints and stairways.
Can I Swim in Jog Falls?
No, swimming is not permitted in Jog Falls. The reason is that it is a rocky terrain with strong currents. Remember to follow safety guidelines and do not go beyond the designated areas.
Are There Shops Near Jog Falls?
Yes, you can find a lot of small shops near the falls. You can buy souvenirs, local spices and handmade crafts. Some sellers even sell wooden and unique bamboo items here.
Conclusion
Jog Falls is an attractive destination. It showcases, the power and attractiveness of nature. It is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. From the nearby wildlife reserves, trekking trails and waterfalls, there are plenty of experiences to get near Jog Falls. It should be stated that a visit to Jog Falls is an experience rather than an exploration. You can take some stunning photographs to gather memories that will last for a lifetime. Whether you are planning for a weekend getaway or a larger Karnataka Exploration, this Jog Falls guide will help you for sure. So, get ready to spend a few hours in the lap of nature.
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