Karnataka > Shimoga > Jog Falls
Hidden in a remote, thickly forested corner of the Western Ghats, Jog Falls, 240km northeast of Mangalore, are the highest waterfalls in India. These days, they are rarely as spectacular as they were before the construction of a large dam upriver, which impedes the flow of the River Sharavati over the sheer red-brown sandstone cliffs. However, the surrounding scenery is spec¬tacular at any time, with dense scrub and jungle carpeting sparsely populated, mountainous terrain. The views of the falls from the scruffy collection of chai stalls on the opposite side of the gorge is also impressive, unless, that is, you come here during the monsoons, when mist and rain clouds envelop the cas-cades. Another reason not to come here during the wet season is that the extra water and abundance of leeches at this time make the excellent hike to the valley floor dangerous. So if you can, head up here between November and January, and bring stout footwear. The trail starts just below the bus park and winds steeply down to the water. Confident hikers also venture further down-river, clambering over boulders to other pools and hidden viewpoints, but you should keep a close eye on the water level and take along a local guide to point out the safest path. Jog Falls, created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India. Karnataka is blessed with many waterfalls and the tallest water fall in India is at Jog (Shimoga District) where the river Sharavati jumps from a height of 293 mts. into four cascades of everlasting beauty. Presently the falls will be active with full zoom only during one month following the rainy season (July-October). How to reach Jog Falls - Bus Stations : Jog, Sagara. Alternative way is to take direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 102 kilometres (63 mi) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara. Also 60 km (approx.) east of Honnavar, NH206 - bus can be taken from Karwar, Honnavar or Shivamogga
- Train Station : Shivamogga. One can take the train to Shivamogga from Bangalore and then can catch a bus to Jog.
- Airport : Hubli, Mangalore and Belgaum airports are the nearest operational airports. Another convenient airport is Bangalore.
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