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We had listed 10 Waterfalls in Karnataka you should not miss in the monsoon in this blog and Jog falls happens to be the big daddy of them all.

What do you do when you hear that incessant rain in Western ghats had filled the dam feeding Jog falls? You pack your bags and go. To see the spectacular sight of Jog Falls in all its glory. It does not happen every year.

We also put out a post – Jog is spectacular, Go now! – as soon as when one of our friends was lucky to be there on the day gates were opened and asked our readers to go and see the glorious sight. But unfortunately we could not go on the day the dam was opened. We went on the next weekend. We were still in for a treat.

Driving in monsoon is always a pleasure. We leave in the morning aiming to reach Jog Falls by afternoon after paying a visit to well known Hanuman temple at Bangaramakki. Drive from Bangalore – Channarayapatna – Ariskere – Shimoga – Jog falls was an awesome. A sumptuous breakfast in Shark Food Court after Nelamangala – softest of Thatte idlis we have ever eaten – kept us in good stead through the journey.

The brown fields we had seen few months back had turned green and the landscape on Channarayapatna – Arsikere was gorgeous. There are some places on this road which looks like a picture postcard with the straight black tarmac dividing the fields. It reminded of the European country side with small little hamlets with red tile roofed houses lending colourful contrast to the green expanse of maize fields. The landscape turned for better when we entered malnad with carpets of green of paddy fields stretching into horizon.

The roads continued to remain good and we cruise our way to the temple of Bangaramakki on Honnavar road. The drive through Sharavathi valley is always charming. Good rains in the previous week meant that we could see many small water falls on the way. The best part of this drive this time was the stunning view of a waterfalls known as “Bangara Kusuma” which gets its glory only in monsoon. Though we could see a trekking trail to the falls, we did not dare to do it.

With blessings of Lord Hanuman, we depart Bangamakki. Our first stop was at Bombay guest house. This is the place where you can get a panoramic view of water cascading down the rocks. It is a fantastic sight when there is lot of water. The water levels had come down and to that extent we were disappointed. But the waterfalls was still wonderful with cascades dropping down the deep gorges making it a spectacular sight. Swelling holiday crowd made us to wait for vantage points to enjoy the sight of the falls.

A short drive from Bombay guest house brought us to the main view point on the opposite side. We were excited as we walked to the view point where we could see streams of water tumbling down the gorges into the huge pit below. Though less water robbed us the glorious sight which was witnessed by some of our friends in the previous week it was still a splendid sight with the four streams coming down the rocks majestically. The plus point of jog falls is the “view point” from where you can see the complete falls. Very rarely one gets a chance to see the complete falls from one point. While we were enjoying the sight of the spectacle, we spotted another water fall when the mist cover over it cleared. This was a beauty and on its own terms passes the muster as one of the beautiful falls. Let us now take you through what we saw. Clear weather helped us to enjoy the spectacle of Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket – the four cascades which forms “Jog Falls”.

After spending an hour, we leave. But not before savouring juicy pineapples which are grown locally! It is around 5 in the evening when we start driving back to our home stay in Tirthahalli. We reach Talaguppa, a small town between Sagar and Jog falls. This place happens to be the last railway station in Malnad and closest to jog falls.

There is a road hugging the back waters of Linganamakki dam. It looked very interesting and obviously would be very scenic. A quick check with a friend who is from Talaguppa confirmed that there indeed was a road and was in good condition. He also confirmed that it was very scenic and advised us to climb small hillocks on the way to get a panoramic view of the backwaters.

We take a deviation at the Talaguppa police station and drive on. First few kilometres does not give any indication of what was in store. We knew that this will be a winding road over small hills. It was to be. It never seem to end. We don’t complain. We are treated to the panoramic views of the backwaters, lush green fields, small little lakes formed by backwaters. The country side rose and fell in majestic undulations as we drive on for 34 KMs.

We were fortunate to have seen the backwaters as dusk set in. The newly laid concrete road with good signages made driving a pleasure. Driving on a winding road through the green fields, forests and water bodies was a exhilarating experience.

Reaching Sagar and driving beyond, we were in time for a lovely soup at Bananki home stay in Tirthahalli, our regular haunt!

Travel Information Getting there

By Road – The road condition from Bangalore is excellent. It is at a distance of 375 KMs from Bangalore. So is the other road from Honnavar.

Stay Options Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation have built hotel in Jog falls. One can do booking by logging into their website.

The well known eco lodge chain of Karnataka Forest department – Jungle Lodges and Resorts – have opened “Sharavathi Adventure Camp” very close to the waterfalls. One can also stay in either Shimoga or Thirthahalli or Sagara and visit Jog falls as a day trip.

Travel Tips

a) The best time to visit the falls are the monsoon months of July – August. The best view of falls is when the dams are opened. But that will be only for day and one has to be lucky. b) Jog falls can be visited while driving to coastal Karnataka from Bangalore. c) Enough parking space has been developed near the view point. d) Do not venture close to the falls or climb the rocky cliffs. Many deaths have occurred due to slip and fall. e) Staying in home stay will also give an opportunity to explore the nearby places like Gerusoppa which has a medieval jain temple, Bangaramakki known fro Hanuman temple, Sigandur known for Chowdeshwari temple which can be reached after a lovely boat ride on backwaters, treks in Sharavathi valley. f) The place has toilet facilities. There is also a restaurant run by KSTDC. g) Jog falls and surrounding area has some of the lovely roads with splendid landscapes for those who love driving around.