380 kms and 6 hours from Bangalore, 8 hours from Pune and 11 hours from the city of dreams, Mumbai, ‘Jog Falls’ is an easy drive and one of the most magnificent falls of Karnataka. Located in the district of Shimoga, it is also the highest waterfall (829ft) in Karnataka and the eighth highest waterfall in India. More so, it is the highest plunge waterfall in India and a major tourist attraction.
‘Jog Falls’, of width 472m is formed by the Sharavati river when it splits in to four parts and jumps from the Deccan plateau to the plains. The four parts are called Raja, Rocket, Roarer and Rani. Associated with the falls, is the Lingamakki dam and a hydroelectric power station. During the summers, this waterfall reduces to a small narrow stream while during the monsoons and winters it roars in full fury.
This place experiences a tropical climate throughout the year and the best time to visit ‘Jog Falls’ is between June to December. However, avid photographers and trekkers prefer to visit the place between June to September as good rains during these months add to its thunderous glory. This period is therefore the perfect time to visit as the falls will be at its peak.
September climate is most comfortable and it is one of the best months to visit ‘Jog Falls’. You can visit the waterfall after 12 noon, when those beautiful sun rays hit the falls, creating humungous rainbows for a perfect click.
However, tourists must remember that the area gets very slippery in the rains, so you need to be careful while going near the falls. It is also advisable to avoid going after sunset.
This August three tourists who went to visit the falls, lost their lives. Though, only two bodies were recovered. To avoid such cases in the future, The Jog Development Authority is constructing protective walls around the ‘Jog Falls’ to ensure the safety of tourists.
Since there are only a handful number of hotels and lodges at the falls, it is advisable to book in advance.
Lastly, the best possible way to reach these breathtaking falls is either through the Volvo KSRTC buses that run from Rajahamsa till the waterfall, or to take the direct railway services available from Bangalore.
