What better time than the Season of Showers to witness the beauty of waterfalls rushing down in all its glory? India’s second-highest plunge waterfall, Jog Falls, too looks ravishing in the monsoon season, thus attracting tourists in large numbers. Surrounded by the lush green forests of the Western Ghats, Jog falls that drop from a height of 850 feet is a sight to behold! Moreover, mist adds a magical touch to these falls.
About Jog Falls, India:
Situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Jog Falls is locally known as Gersoppa Falls, Gersuppo Falls, and Jogada Gundi. The falls formed by the Sharavathi River drop down in four cascades, namely Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. Raja is an unbroken stream and is joined by another stream, Roarer, halfway down. While Rocket shoots down in jets, the foamy Rani quietly falls down the mountainside.
Jog Falls is special in that the water plunges down in a single drop instead of flowing over the rocks, thus making it the tallest un-tiered waterfall in India. There are more than two viewing decks from where tourists can savor the beauty of the falls. One can also hike down to the base of waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing dip in the cool waters of Jog Falls, India.
How to reach Jog Falls:
If you are traveling by air, Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the closest international airport to Jog Falls. You’ll get the best deals on flight tickets at Indian Eagle, go grab them now! From Mangalore, you can either take state-run buses or hire a taxi or car to the falls. A good network of highways connects the nearby cities to this popular tourist attraction in Karnataka. For those traveling by train, Talaguppa is the nearest railway station.
Must-see tourist attractions near Jog Falls, India:
The beauty of Jog Falls is such that you can spend hours just gazing at it with wide eyes from different viewpoints. However, there are many tourist attractions near Jog Falls that you should not miss when visiting the falls. Some of them are:
Linganamakki Dam:
Located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Jog Falls, this is a 2.4-km-long dam built at a height of 1819 feet on the Sharavati River to provide irrigation facilities in the area. With forested hills in the backdrop, the dam and the surroundings are quite scenic and peaceful to look at. As it is a restricted area, tourists need a special permit to visit the dam. Boating on the reservoir is the best thing to do here.
Dabbe Falls:
A visit to Dabbe Falls located in Sagara taluk near Hosagadde is most recommended for waterfall lovers like you. This gorgeous waterfall enveloped in lush greenery is an unexplored gem, and its unspoiled ambiance is what captivates you. Falling into a narrow gorge from 360 feet, Dabbe Falls embodies the pristine beauty of nature. This hidden place is truly a paradise for nature lovers.
Honnemaradu:
One of the must-visit tourist attractions near Jog Falls, Honnemaradu is a little island along the backwaters of the Sharavati River. This quaint village is your escape into nature, where you could immerse yourself in fulfilling activities like nature walks, birdwatching, sunset/ sunrise watching, camping, trekking, etc. Honnemaradu is also a haven for water sports such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, etc.
Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary:
Spread across 395 sq km, Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary is another popular tourist place near Jog Falls, India. A large population of wild animals, reptiles, and avifauna belonging to different species take shelter in the tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife that can be seen here include lions, tigers, panthers, spotted deer, bonnet macaques, bison, elephants, langurs, mongooses, king cobras, and pythons. The sanctuary is also home to other famous attractions like Tunga Anicut Dam and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.
Thyvarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve:
Wildlife enthusiasts must also visit Lion Tiger Reserve; a popular picnic spot situated 10 km from Shimoga. You can enjoy a wildlife safari through the forests and spot a variety of animals and rare species of birds, including migratory ones. There is also a small zoo and a children’s park within the premises. Moreover, the forest department organizes regular recreation and sightseeing outings for tourists, so you are bound to have a great time here.
