Jog Falls, one of the highest in India and the 7th deepest waterfall in
Asia is in Shimoga district, Karnataka State in South India. Also known
as 'jogada gundi' in Kannada, this enchanting wonder of nature is located
105 kms from Shimoga and 378 kms from Bangalore city.
Located amidst a picturesque valley, the waterfall is
formed from the river Sharavati, falling from a height of about 293 m,
over a sandstone cliff. The water comes down in four cascades presenting
a view of grandeur. Jog falls is also known as Gerusoppe falls and Gersoppa
Falls.
Nestled in the Western ghats, Jog falls consists of four
falls namely Roarer, Rocket, Raja & Rani in the order of occurrence
from the left when facing the falls. Among the four, the highest is the
Raja, (named after the ruler of the Sode Samsthan who wanted to make a
shrine at the falls) with a fall of 250m. The lines for the foundation
of the shrine is still visible on the stone just above the rock. Next
to Raja is the Roarer, (named because of its loudness) and over a short
distance to the South is the Rocket . In contrast, the Rani (named because
it resembles the movement of a dancing lady) cascades smoothly over the
rocks.
Earlier the best season to visit the falls was during
the summer season (November to January). Now during that period, the falls
are reduced to a trickle because the reservoir formed by the Linganamakki
Dam (1819 ft above sea level) constructed across the Sharavathi river
regulates the flow of the river for power generation.
Though during the monsoon season, there is plenty of
water, the falls are often shrouded in fog and so it is best to visit
these falls just after the monsoon.
There are three points from where tourists can have
a panoramic view of the waterfalls. One is near the Mayura Hotel, the
second point which is more better is from the PWD Inspection Bungalow
on the opposite side of the river. The third view point is from the bottom
of the water fall which presents an amazing sight. One can reach the bottom
of the falls by following the uneven rocky steps which start close to
the bus stand. The walk to the bottom of the falls is highly recommended
only for the fit, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the bottom but
it may take about an hour or more to climb back depending on one's fitness
level. It is better to take some refreshments along. Be cautious during
the rainy season as the way through the lush green vegetation may be slippery
and there are bound to be leeches.
There are may picturesque areas to see around the Jog
falls. A few km from the falls is the beautiful Sharavathi valley, with
amazing views of the river flowing between the hills.
|
Waterfalls 
