Jog Falls, Sharavati River
Jog Falls, created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India and the 7th deepest in the world. Located in Shimoga District.
The river originates at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, flows north-west through the Western Ghats forming the Jog Falls before joining the Arabian Sea at Honavar. The falls are in four distinct cascades called as, Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket.
Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall.
Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise.
Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed.
Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.
Places of Interest
Honnemaradu: an island formed with the backwater of Linganmakki Dam, is famous for watersports.
Gokarna: an ancient temple town, where one of the Atmalinga is present.
Banavasi: a temple town, the capital city of Kadamba kingdom.
How to Reach
By Road: You can reach Jog Falls directly by availing of buses to Jog from Bangalore (409 km). Alternatively, from Bangalore you can take a bus to Sagara (30 km from Jog), from where local bus to Jog is available.
By Rail: Nearest Rail head is Shimoga. One can take train to Shimoga from Bangalore and can travel to Jog in buses from Shimoga (104 km).
By Air: Bangalore is the nearest operational airport. Another convenient airport is Mangalore.
Photo Courtesy: Mr. Prasad S Kulkarni, Sangli