Mighty Jog Falls near Shimoga, Karnataka
Almost every tourist who has traveled up to Honavar or Shimoga has recommended that one must visit Jog Falls and giving it a miss would be foolishness. I agree to that, but would like to add that you must time your visit too! This is the most attractive water fall in Karnataka.
Karnataka Jog Falls Origin in Shimoga
Shimoga Jog Falls, the most popular waterfalls of Karnataka, is formed by the Sharavathi River of Western Ghats. The exact location of origin of Jog Falls is at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk of Shimoga District.
Height of Jog Water falls is 829 feet in 4 cascades. A guide should be able to help you identify them. The four cascades of Jog Falls are named:
- Raja – named so for its ‘dignified’ and ‘serene’ look.
- Rani – This stream has a winding, twisting path, similar to movements of a graceful dancer.
- Roarer – the most noisy one among the four
- Rocket – named for the high speed with which it juts out of a small opening.
Jog Falls is also known by the name Gersoppa Falls, Joga Falls and Jogada Gundi. Another fact related to Jog falls is that it is highest untiered waterfalls in India as it drops directly and does not stream on to the rocks. It is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India only behind the Nohkalikai waterfall of Meghalaya. Jog Waterfall is ranked 13th in the world by waterfall database for its average water flow rate of 5387 cubic ft/s.
The Hirebhaskar Dam built on the River Sharavati stores water for power generation purposes just before it takes the shape of Jog falls. During monsoons the water is let to flow out to form the waterfalls. Other times of the year, the falls are seen as narrow stream of water.
Other waterfalls of India I have seen are:
Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad in Kerala
Bhagsunag Watefalls in Dharamsala Himachal Pradesh
Phoolpad Waterfalls in Dantewada Chhattisgarh
Courtallam Waterfalls Tenkasi Tamil Nadu.
Jog Falls as viewed from Hotel
Best Time to visit Gerusoppaa Falls
The ideal season to visit Jog Falls in India would be during the monsoons. Those are the months of June, July and August. The beauty of Jog Falls is at its supreme then, almost like a peacock with its full display of feathers!
I visited during winters, when my kids had winter vacations. All we got to see were few streams of water rumbling down that huge height. See the first pic of my blogpost and when you scroll down till the end you will understand what I have missed!
Activities around Jog Falls
Adventurous among you can walk down the steps that are cut into rocks. It leads you to the depths of the fall. By the end of the walk you would be drenched by the shower of vaporous spray that bounces off these rocks. Note the timings when the sluice gates of the Linganamakki Dam are closed before you venture out for this activity in Jog Falls.
Other places you can head to view the Jog Falls are Valley Viewpoint, Musical Fountain, Laser Show and Children’s Park.
Different cascades of Jog Falls.
Major activity here is photography of course!
I expected the Jog falls to be dry in December, but not to this extent. I was terribly disappointed. Nevertheless the photography mania in me did not let go the situation. Water or no water, I zoomed in to get some decent captures. Sharing with you some of the Jog Falls images I captured in the evenings and mornings during my visit.
Yet another factor to be kept in mind is – afternoons are the best part of the day to photograph the mighty Jog Falls. The falls face west and the setting sun casts some awesome light on the falls.
The next morning I again took some captures and realized how the low light didn’t help much. It was a soothing atmosphere with the gurgling sound of the falls, and slightly cool breeze that we enjoyed the most then.
Jog Falls in the morning
This is how the Mighty Jog Waterfalls looks when it is filled to its brim.
Mighty Jog Falls when filled to its brim.
Location of Jog Falls in Shimoga
Jog Falls is located 16 km from Talguppa, the nearest railway station, Shimoga district, Karnataka. I did a road trip all the way from Bangalore to Shimoga via NH206, a distance of 393 km.
Nearest Airport from Jog Falls is Mangalore International Airport, distance is 214 km.
Distance from Goa to Jog Falls by road is 235 km in 5 hr 47 min.
Distance from Shimoga is 101 km, that takes 2 hours. But we took halt at Madhukeshwara Temple in Banavasi.
Here is the route map: Road Trip to Jog Falls
Hotels at the Waterfall Jog Falls
There are 2 hotels, KSTDC Mayura Hotel and PWD Guest House, very close to Jog Falls. You can see the falls from the comfort of your hotel room. I stayed in KSTDC Mayura Hotel. You can read the review here: Hotel Mayura Gerasoppaa.
There is good parking, washroom and restaurant facilities around the place. The staff around is prompt and cheerful.
We didn’t have to worry about parking our vehicle. The parking area is quite large and can accommodate several cars and tourist buses. Parking charges at Jog waterfalls were Rs.30.
Tickets and Timings
Tickets cost 5 Rs per Indian. Jog Falls is open on all days of the week; 6 AM to 8 PM.
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Jog falls has it own beauty, dried up or full of water. But once visit it during monsoon Indrani .
Beautiful!
Remember visiting Jog falls as kids, sadly there was no water even back then.. Nevertheless it was a great experience to visit the place. Nice captures Indrani.:)
Beautiful pictures Indrani 🙂
Beautiful shots Indrani, especially loved the last one 🙂
When I went there, it was the same. Your captures turn the disappointment into hope. lovely snaps.
What difference!!
Go again since you are in the state anyways!
Wonderful pics..!
The last photo is truly amazing.. The Post surely tempts one to visit the place.. Thanks for sharing Indrani!
The depth has been clearly seen through your photos in absent of water… beautiful capture and the last one reminds the Niagara fall! Wish to visit Jog falls at least once 🙂
Beautiful…!!
I could totally understand how disappointed you must have been. But nevertheless the surrounding area is good and its an experience in itself.
I too had a similar experience the first time I visited. My second visit was during the monsoons and it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Beautiful especially the last image. When did you go?
Hi Rachna, I went in last week of December. Not the correct time.
The last picture is mesmerizing. Such a beautiful place 🙂
The last picture is amazing.
Wonderful set of photos!
Amazing.
I know what you mean, I have been to a falls when there has been barely a trickle of water coming over it. Your photos are magnificent. It is certainly breathtaking scenery and that last shot, the roar of water must have been phenomenal. Great photos Indrani 🙂
What a beautiful place. Nice pictures.
Breathtakingly beautiful sight in the fall season! <3
Wow breathtaking views and scenes of Jog Falls ! I can imagine what a spectacular view it will be in the monsoons with the mighty Sharavati river gushing down those heights !!!
It’s very rare one gets to see the falls in full glory, even during the monsoons (as they close the dam gates till the reservoir gets full). And when they do, it’s a mad rush! 🙂 🙂
Fascinating how much the look of the area changes from season to season.
Beautiful site i must say
Those are beautiful pics… I love waterfalls…
Wow! What a total difference in the water during the different seasons. I can see why you were disappointed. But the area is quite lovely nonetheless. It is great that you give tips as to the best time to travel and the best time to shoot photos. Have a great weekend and Happy SWF!
Wow… seeing the waterfalls during the right season must be such a treat! Thanks for sharing this honest post – should help a lot of travellers time their visit to see the falls at their best.
Amazing shots 🙂
I am from Karnataka but I realise there is so much more that I have yet to see and experience. Great pics.
Amazing shots of the waterfall!
Amazing, Awesome pics.
Nice pictures. Especially the last one…
one of nature’s marvels!
The last pic is just awesome!!! Lovely place… 🙂
Its a beautiful sight during the peak season.
Very good lighting, Indrani. You managed to capture the falls beautifully even though they were quite dry. But what falls show in the last photo? I was reminded of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Thanks for sharing. Jo
Oh my stars if that last shot is the falls during the Monsoon, that is amazing and impressive for sure. Still I think the photos you captured of it would still make me want to visit the falls.
Wow…very dramatic and beautiful!
wow, those spills and falls are beautiful! a very good viewing fence, too! 🙂
Glorious and amazing!! Your captures today surely took my breath away, Indrani!!! Thank you for sharing the beauty!! I hope you have a lovely weekend!!
Wow, beautiful images of the waterfalls. It is a gorgeous view, lovely photos. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!