The Mighty Jog Falls, Karnataka: Nature’s Guide to Serenity!

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Jog Falls of Karnataka
Image/Wikimedia

We as humans have evolved from simple organisms to highly developed and advanced beings, but even after going through all these large-scale changes over the centuries, one thing about us remains the same – our relationship with Mother Nature. Humans and Nature have co-existed and maintained peace with each other since the beginning of humanity. Indeed, Mother Nature has bestowed numerous invaluable gifts upon us, whose beauty is a marvel to behold.

Be it the Great mountain ranges of Tibet, the desert state of Rajasthan, or the immense greenery of Kerala, India has always been first and foremost when it comes to natural beauty. It is well-known that tourists from all over the globe come to India to witness its bounty and what better place to witness it all than the Indian state of Karnataka. Blessed with plenty of greenery, Karnataka showcases the royal and pristine form of Mother Nature. In fact, one of the best Waterfalls of Karnataka has to be the mighty Jog Falls.

Sharavati-river-Jog Falls of Karnataka
River Sharavati – VIZPARK/Pikist.com

I can say this without a shred of doubt, that Jog Falls is Nature’s work at its best. Situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Jog Falls has bagged the position of the second-highest waterfall in India. The waterfall is created by the waters of the beautiful River Sharavati, descending from a staggering height of 253 meters! The river emerges at Ambuthirtha, covers the journey from northwest to the western Ghats (forming the waterfall here), and eventually merges with the Arabian Sea. The cascading waters of the waterfall are formed by the amalgamation of 4 other streams namely, Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. While the falls are widely known for their beauty, some special features of Jog Falls include its ability to fall straight down. This means that most waterfalls, when descending tend to fall over or hit the rocks as they drop. However, Jog Falls happens to be extremely unique as it happens to be an ‘untiered’ waterfall with such a colossal height. Furthermore, Jog Falls also makes up for about 30 percent of Karnataka’s power generation. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Jog-Falls-of-Karnataka
Jog Falls in monsoon  – Kiran Sagara/Wikimedia

Jog Falls is also known as ‘Gerusoppe’ or ‘Gerusoppa’ falls among the locals and has been pronounced as one of the top ten ecological spots to visit in the world by UNESCO. Talking more about the physical aspects of the Jog falls, interestingly, the structure of the waterfalls is such that no slope can be found throughout its length. Therefore, the water comes gushing down vertically without any disturbance. The ideal time to visit the falls is usually between August and December every year. It is during this time that the flow of the fall is thunderous, the climate is enjoyable enough (slightly chilly) with some amount of rainfall to make the trip even better; moreover, colorful rainbows can also be seen now and then at the Jog Falls. I mean, who doesn’t like rainbows, right?

Jog-Falls near Shimoga
Greenery around Jog Falls – lensnmatter/Flickr

Gathering so much data about Jog Falls, it is no wonder that the falls also happens to be a splendid trekking destination, highly famous amongst the youth of India. Several small businesses have introduced adventure packages involving various sports and hiking activities. Being a famous tourist destination, the facility of a big parking space is also available and the majesty of the falls is openly visible from the parking space. If you are an avid thrill-seeker and want to experience the falls from up close, then you can do so by taking the stairway constructed to go down to the base, from where the falls are visible on the opposite side. There are more or less 1400 steps and the waterfall looks especially alluring from this viewpoint. It is, indeed, a magical experience for the eyes of all the visitors.

Beauty-of-Jog-Falls
Misty Jog Falls – Jishnu.sen/Wikimedia

Some other famous tourist destinations near the Jog Falls include the Linganmakki Dam. It is located about 9 km from Jog Falls in the Kargal village. This dam has been an operational power station since 1960 (at the initiation of Sir M. Visvesvarayya). Apart from this, tourists also enjoy river rafting and various other water sports available at Honnemaradu. Be sure to visit the numerous temples and subsidiary falls such as the Unchalli Falls and Bennehole Falls located not far from the Jog Falls. Furthermore, the temples found at Keladi and Ikkeri provide a fun-filled and historical visit to all its visitors and attract several pilgrims on their way to the falls. Tourists do not have to worry about the accommodation facilities at Jog Falls because to aid in tourism, a few hotels and restaurants are developed near the Falls which are highly affordable and facilitates accommodation for tourists to have a leisurely time.

Karnataka-Jog-Falls
Did view of Jog Falls – channakeshava and shantanu/Wikimedia

The grandeur of the falls cannot be restricted to the boundaries of this article. However, after reading this article, I am sure that you too want to pay a visit to the magnificent heaven. Thousands of people plan their visit to the falls every year, and why not? The Jog Falls constitutes a perfect getaway for all the city-dwellers, a bonding trip with their family and friends amidst the nestled greenery. The falls, surrounded by soul-soothing and dense evergreen forests, a clear sky, and rich gushing water are sure to cure your monotony and refresh your seven senses!

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