The Sharavati river in Karnataka plunges down a vertical cliff to form the famous Jog Falls or Gersoppa Falls . A beautiful waterfall specially in the monsoons, this SHOULD be in your bucket list!!
Come on…let me take you there virtually….
The Jog Falls ( just after the monsoons)
Legend of Sharavati
The Sharavati River originates at a place called Ambutheertha in Karnataka. Legend has it that Lord Ram shot at the ground with his arrow (Ambu) to quench his wife Sita’s thirst. Out poured the water (Theertha) from the earth. Since this event marked the beginning of the river , it got it’s name Sharavati where “Shara “means arrow.
The Sharavati River near Honavar where it joins the Arabian Sea
At Jog, the water drops 253 mt ; making it the third highest waterfall in India after the Nonkhalikai (Meghalaya) and Dudhsagar falls.
The fall comes down a deep chasm in four parts called Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket falls. This waterfall changes itself seasonally depending on the rainfall. Its true might is displayed during or just after the monsoons. The presence of the Linganamakki dam also affects the volume of water in the falls.
The falls during the dry season with much reduced waterflow
There is a viewpoint located right across the falls from where we can actually watch the falls and there is a series of steps to go down to the bottom of the falls.
The viewpoint
Enjoy the video of the falls in monsoon
The other interesting activities that can be combined with Jog falls:
Sharavati Wildlife sanctuary ,Dabbe Falls and Linganamakki Dam visits.
Sharavati Wildlife sanctuary
The Sharavati river basin is rich in biodiversity and also has the Sharavati Wildlife sanctuary.
The Sharavati Wildlife sanctuary in the Western ghats is covered with evergreen forests and grassy hilltops. It harbours rich wildlife like bison, deer, boar, jackals,leopards and the malabar giant squirrel. A visit to this wildlife sanctuary can be combined with a Jog falls visit.
Deer at Sharavati Sanctuary
Bison
Dabbe Falls :
It is about 35 kms from Sagara town. Guides are available at Muppane nature camp which is 10 kms away.
Dabbe Falls
Linganamakki Dam:
10kms from Jog falls is the Linganamakki dam. One can view the dam from a distance.
Linganamakki Dam
Travelling to Jog Falls:
The nearest airport is at Mangalore 219 kms away.
The nearest Railway station is Talaguppa 20 kms away.
Driving from Bangalore, it is 411 kms away.
Sagara and Shimoga are the nearest towns with plenty of hotels. But the best places to stay are The Mayura Gersoppa hotel run by Karnataka Tourism (bang opposite the falls with views from the rooms ) and Sharavati Adventure camp run by Jungle Lodges and resorts.
Sharavati Adventure camp
This is by far the best accomodation near Jog falls. As the name suggests, it has various adventure activities like hiking, trekking, bird watching. Besides, the views from here are beautiful with the backwaters of the Talakalale dam .Water sports activities are also available.
The Sharavati Adventure Camp
Well, that brings us to the end of this episode.
Next week, we meet up with some gentle giants; the elephants. Till then, let me say goodbye but not before reminding you to subscribe, comment or give your feedbacks.
Travel-along.in 