Jog Falls Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Jog Falls is a spectacle of supernatural grandeur, produced as a result of the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 830 feet. The Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India and is located near Sagara, Shimoga District of Karnataka state. The waterfall is known by many other names such as Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi. Jog Falls is a massive exuberant force of nature. If you want to see nature's power in all its glory, then this is it.

Journey to Jog Falls The drive from Shimoga to Jog Falls is through the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a journey that is definitely worth it. The sight of the waterfall crashing down the rocky slope amidst dense greenery is unforgettable. This site often witnesses dazzling rainbows, making the monsoon season an extremely attractive time to visit.

Nearby Attractions When visitors have had their fill of Jog Falls, which is almost close to impossible, there are other great attractions in the area:

• Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
• Temples in Sigandur, Keladi, and Ikkeri
• Linganmakki Dam, one of the highest hydroelectricity generating stations in India.
• Sigandur, a small but beautiful town known for its Chowdheshwari Temple, Kanoor Fort, and Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger Reserve.

Other destinations that can become part of your holiday itinerary are Murudeshwar, Udupi, Mangalore, Gokarna, and of course Goa.

Exploring Gokarna Gokarna, a 3-hour drive from Jog Falls, offers a serene escape with its beautiful beaches such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. These beaches provide the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Gokarna is often compared to a mini Goa but without the crowds, making it a must-visit destination.

Adventure Awaits For the adventure enthusiasts, there is also the famous Sharavathi trek in this region, a two-day trek through the forest that adds an extra layer of excitement to your journey.

Combining the majestic Jog Falls with the serene beaches of Gokarna creates a travel experience that caters to both nature lovers and those seeking peace and relaxation.

The monsoon has a deep camaraderie with the fogs. The waterfall is anyway foggy at the beginning and end of the day but the monsoons love the fog so much that it simply doesn’t leave but the good news is this that nothing defeats wanderlust from reaching its destination. All you need to do is go up to the British Bunglow and view the falls from there. The misty Jog Falls is in a class of its own. Just stand in front of it and close your eyes. Let your senses take you over and feel the magic. This waterfall creates music.

 ‘Raja', 'Roarer', 'Rocket' and 'Rani' are the different parts of the segmented Jog falls. The Tourism department of India has created steps to reach the bottom of the falls and also steps to access a view point, which is just opposite to the falls. One most definitely gets to see the all the 4 waterfalls that join one after the other to create the Jog falls after a good rainfall. Hence, if you have completely made up your mind to say hi to Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani, make sure you visit after a heavy rainfall. Let nobody tell you otherwise. Do not forget to pay a visit to the bottom of the gorge when Linganmakki’s sluice gates are closed. River rafters need not feel left out because you are most welcome to try your sport out at Honnemardu located at a paltry distance of 20 Kms from Jog Falls.

Visitors can often enjoy picnics from safe viewing spots near the falls. Adventure seekers could enjoy water sports like kayaking and river rafting. Tourists can also opt for boating, to view a few segments of the Jog Falls more closely.

When visitors have had their fill of Jog Falls, which is almost close to impossible, there are other great attractions in the area like the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and the temples in Sigandur, Keladi, and Ikkeri. People can take bath in the falls downstream the river. When water levels are very low it is possible go near the base of falls.

Adventure seekers can climb down the valley and can reach the base of the Jog falls. There are some 1500 steps to overcome to reach the base but the climb downstairs is one you will not be able to forget. It’s like you are entering deeper and deeper into the womb of Mother Nature. It’s ancient, it’s imposing and it’s gorgeous. You really don’t want to imagine the spot from what you’re reading here. You want to go. You really really do!

Jog Falls is situated 30 Kms away from Sagara, 100 Kms from Shimoga, and 380 Kms away from Bangalore. Jog Falls can be reached by bus and train via Sagar. Nearest airports are Mangalore and Hubli.

If you're planning a trip from Bengaluru, here's a step-by-step guide to make your journey smooth and enjoyable:

From Bengaluru to Shimoga

• Distance: Approximately 300 km
• Travel Options:
  • Train: Direct trains from Bengaluru to Shimoga take about 6 hours.
  • Bus: Several bus services are available, also taking roughly 6 hours.

From Shimoga to Jog Falls

• Distance: 100 km
• Travel Options:
  • Cab: Hiring a cab is a convenient option and takes about 1.5 hours.
  • Bus: Local buses are available but may take longer due to stops.

From Jog Falls to Gokarna

• Distance: 120 km
• Travel Options:
  • Cab: Continue your journey by cab, which takes about 2 hours.
  • Bus: Local buses are an option but can be less frequent.

Suggested Itinerary

• Night Train from Bengaluru: Take a night train to Shimoga to arrive fresh in the morning.
• Hire a Cab: From Shimoga, hire a cab for the day. Visit Jog Falls first, which is about 1.5 hours away.
• Continue to Gokarna: After enjoying Jog Falls, proceed to Gokarna, a 2-hour drive from the falls.

This itinerary ensures you make the most of your time, seeing both Jog Falls and Gokarna in a single trip.

Rating

• Gokarna: An excellent destination for beach lovers and those seeking tranquility.
• Karnataka: Offers diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
• Distance: Easily manageable with proper planning.

Enjoy your journey through the scenic routes of Karnataka!

One could also stop by the Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi, which is one the highest hydro electricity generating stations in India. Explorers could also visit Sigandur a small but beautiful town known for its Chowdheshwari Temple, Kanoor Fort and Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger Reserve. Other destinations that can become part of your holiday itinerary are Murudeshwar, Udupi, Mangalore, Gokarna and of course Goa.

Best Time to Visit Jog Falls and Gokarna

The monsoons are therefore an extremely attractive season to visit. The monsoon has a deep camaraderie with the fogs. The waterfall is anyway foggy at the beginning and end of the day but the monsoons love the fog so much that it simply doesn’t leave but the good news is this that nothing defeats wanderlust from reaching its destination.

Jog Falls

While the monsoons cast a magical spell over Jog Falls, the best time to visit is actually just after the monsoon season. Around October or November is ideal, as the falls are more likely to be brimming with water. Keep in mind, however, that nature can be unpredictable, and there's no absolute guarantee of water flow even during these months.

Gokarna

For those seeking the serene beaches of Gokarna, the optimal visiting period stretches from October to January. This timeframe offers the most pleasant weather conditions. Though visiting during the monsoon season in June can be challenging due to the heat and humidity, the evenings can be quite delightful. The rain adds a unique charm, making the place even more lovable.

By planning your visit around these times, you ensure a more enjoyable and memorable experience, whether you are chasing waterfalls or basking on sun-kissed beaches.

Jog Falls is situated 30 Kms away from Sagara, 100 Kms from Shimoga, and 380 Kms away from Bangalore. Jog Falls can be reached by bus and train via Sagar. The nearest airports are Mangalore and Hubli.

For travelers starting from Bengaluru, Jog Falls is about 450 km away, and Gokarna is roughly 120 km from Jog Falls. There is good connectivity from Bengaluru to Shimoga (100 km from Jog Falls), with direct trains and buses taking approximately 6 hours. From Shimoga, onward travel options include trains, buses, and cabs.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Night Train from Bengaluru:
   • Take a night train from Bengaluru to Shimoga to maximize your travel time.
2. Shimoga to Jog Falls:
   • Hire a cab from Shimoga to Jog Falls, which takes around 1.5 hours.
3. Jog Falls to Gokarna:
   • Continue your journey to Gokarna, which is about a 2-hour drive from Jog Falls.

Other destinations that can become part of your holiday itinerary are Murudeshwar, Udupi, Mangalore, Gokarna, and of course Goa.

Recommended Itinerary for a Weekend Trip to Jog Falls and Gokarna

Planning a weekend getaway to Jog Falls and Gokarna? Here's an ideal itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Journey to Jog Falls

1. Morning:

   • Depart early to head towards Jog Falls.
   • Enjoy the scenic drive and reach by mid-morning.

2. Late Morning to Noon:

   • Spend around 2-3 hours at Jog Falls. Note that going too close to the falls is restricted, but you'll have plenty of time to take in the majestic views and capture some fantastic photos.

3. Afternoon:

   • Have lunch at a local restaurant.
   • Start your drive towards Gokarna, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Day 2: Exploring Gokarna

1. Morning:

   • Begin your day with a visit to Om Beach. Enjoy a morning walk along the shore or take a dip in the ocean.
   • Head to Kudle Beach for a more tranquil experience.

2. Afternoon:

   • Savor a beachside lunch at one of the local cafes or eateries.
   • Visit Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach, known for their serene ambiance and picturesque scenery.

3. Evening:

   • Watch the sunset from Gokarna Beach while relaxing and unwinding.
   • Head back to your accommodation for dinner and prepare for a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Relax and Depart

1. Morning:

   • For beach lovers, an extended stay is highly recommended. Spend the morning revisiting your favorite beaches or exploring new ones.

2. Afternoon:

   • Have a leisurely lunch before starting your journey back home. If time allows, you can visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple for a spiritual touch to your trip.

By following this itinerary, you'll be able to enjoy the highlights of both Jog Falls and Gokarna comfortably within a weekend. For a more relaxed experience, consider extending your stay to three days.

FAQs

1) How Many Days Are Recommended for a Trip to Jog Falls and Gokarna?

If you're planning a trip to Jog Falls and Gokarna, here's a breakdown of how to make the most of your stay:

Jog Falls

Given that access to the base of Jog Falls is restricted, 2 to 3 hours are generally enough to appreciate its majestic beauty. You'll have ample time to take in panoramic views, snap some photos, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Time Needed: 2-3 Hours

Gokarna

Gokarna, known for its pristine beaches, offers various experiences depending on how much time you have. A 2-day visit is sufficient to explore the most popular beaches, such as Om Beach and Kudle Beach. However, if you're a beach lover or seeking a more relaxed pace, an extended stay can be highly rewarding.

Time Needed: 2 Days (minimum), More for a relaxed beach vacation

Weekend Itinerary

Combining both destinations in a single weekend is feasible but can feel rushed. For a more relaxed journey and to fully enjoy both spots, consider stretching your trip to 3 days.

• Day 1: Morning at Jog Falls, head to Gokarna by afternoon.
• Day 2: Spend the day exploring Gokarna’s beaches.
• Day 3: Relax or explore more of Gokarna before heading back.

Total Time Recommended: 3 Days for a Comfortable Trip

2) What is the Sharavathi Trek, and How Long Does It Take?

The Sharavathi trek is a renowned hiking experience set amidst the lush forests of the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary. This adventure typically spans two days, offering hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Key Highlights:

• Scenic Beauty: The trek takes you through dense forests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
• Duration: It is a two-day trek, ideal for weekend adventurers.
• Experience Level: Suitable for both beginner and experienced trekkers, thanks to its manageable trails and rewarding views.

Embark on this trek to explore one of nature's hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.

3) Where Can Visitors Stay Near Jog Falls and Gokarna?

Near Jog Falls

While the immediate vicinity of Jog Falls may not offer a plethora of activities, it does provide some cozy lodging options. For a peaceful and eco-friendly retreat, consider staying at nearby eco homestays. These accommodations often require prebooking due to their popularity.

In Gokarna

Gokarna, famous for its serene beaches, offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets:

• Near Om Beach or Kudle Beach:

  • These two popular beaches are surrounded by multiple stay options. You'll find everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

• Off-Season Stays:

  • If you visit during the off-season, it's generally easier to find accommodations without advance booking. A good spot to consider is Patang Beach Resort near Ganga Beach.

Whether you're looking for a simple, serene guesthouse or a more luxurious beachfront resort, both Jog Falls and Gokarna offer suitable and enjoyable options for your stay.

Personal Experience at Jog Falls and Gokarna

Visiting Jog Falls turned out to be underwhelming. The main issue was the lack of water, which diminished the beauty of the falls. Adding to the discomfort, the day was exceptionally hot, making it hard to enjoy the site. Consequently, the stay at Jog Falls was brief, lasting about 20 minutes.

In contrast, Gokarna provided a much better experience. The author stayed at a beach resort conveniently located near Ganga Beach. This proximity made it easy to enjoy the scenic shoreline. The following day saw a trip to Om Beach, where the weather was initially hot but improved significantly due to afternoon rain. This unexpected downpour not only cooled the temperature but also offered a delightful shower in the rain, which the author found particularly memorable.

The highlight of the trip was at Om Beach, where the author enjoyed a fantastic breakfast. Time was a constraint, as it was a weekend trip from Bengaluru, limiting the number of beaches visited. Despite this, the trip was deemed worthwhile, filled with memorable moments and pleasant experiences.