Jog Falls in Karnataka

Located in Shimoga District in the South Indian state of Karnataka, Jog Falls is the highest untiered waterfall in India. Unlike other waterfalls, the Jog Falls directly plunges and does not stream onto rocks. The waterfall finds its origin in the Sharavathi River and falls from a height of 253 metres. The falls is also known as Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

The Jog Falls is one of the most well-known tourist sites in the state of Karnataka. The segmented waterfall comprises of four distinct falls named Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket, each merging together to form the huge waterfalls and presenting a picture of grandeur. The uniqueness of Jog Falls lies in the fact that the water does not flow down in a tiered fashion.

The Raja Falls peacefully streams down; the Rani Falls follows a winding path, the Rover Falls bursts out of a rocky stretch, while the Rocket Falls gushes out in high speed remaining true to its name. The natural beauty and the forestry around add to the beauty of the falls and create a picture of natural abundance.

Visitors can hike down to the base of the falls and take a plunge in the water. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the base of the fall and an hour to climb up. The best view of the falls is apparently had by lying down and looking over the rock outcrop near Bombay Bungalow. Watkin’s Platform is another popular viewpoint. The surrounding area around the falls is also quite beautiful, be it the Swarna Nadi riverbank, the Sharavathi valley with its views, or the lush forest area around the waterfalls.

The best time to visit Jog Falls is during or just after the monsoon. Although the weather is hot for travelling during this time, it is the perfect time to see the waterfalls as it is fed by the monsoon rains and is at its full force. Such is the force of the water that it creates a cloud of vapour over the falls. There are a few resorts and bungalows nearby which provide accommodation. The falls with its natural beauty is also a popular site among film makers and is the location for many film shootings.

Being a popular tourist site, the Jog Falls is very well connected, both by rail as well as road. It is located at a distance of over 400 km (7-8 hours’ drive) from Bangalore, the state capital. If driving down, the falls can be reached by NH- 206.

Buses are available from Bangalore and other parts of the state to Shimoga from where further bus services are available to the Jog Falls. The nearest railway station is at Shimoga at a distance of around 100 km. The Shimoga Railway Station is well connected to other destinations including Mysore and Bangalore.