Vorlage:Underconstruction Vorlage:Infobox Waterfall
Jog waterfalls(Kannada-ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತ ) is the highest waterfalls in India and the second highest waterfalls in Asia, located in Shimoga District of Karnataka state in India. Created by Sharavathi River falling from a height of 292 meters(958 feet), Jog falls is one of the major attractions in Karnataka tourism. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.[1]
Description
River Sharavathi splits up into four streams just before the waterfall; the four streams are named in accordance with their perceived trajectories:
- Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall (first from the left in the picture).
- Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer (third from the left in the picture).
- Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise (hence the name) (second from left, starting from middle height).
- Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed (first from the right).
Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across the Sharavathi River, and the hydro-electric power station that it serves. The power station has been operational since 1949, and is, at 1200 MW capacity, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and is a significant source of power for Karnataka. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra Hydro-Electric project, after the King of Mysore at the time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-Electric Project. It was served by the Hirebhaskara dam until the 1960s. At this time, a dam across the Sharavati river was built just before the river jumps into the Jog Falls, and this dam has been used for power generation since then.
The dam has led to a reduction of the amount of water reaching the falls during the summer months. During the rainy season (June-October), the floodgates of the dam need to be opened and the waterfall runs full. This is also the main tourist season at the waterfall.
Just 4Kms from Jog Falls is China Gate. It is worth a visit specially during the rainy season when the Dam gates are opened.
Gallery
-
Jog Falls in early monsoon -
Jog Falls in late monsoon -
Jog Falls from bottom -
Jog Falls from below
How to reach
Jog falls is one of the must see places in Karnataka. Visitors come from different states and countries to see the falls. August-November is the best time to visit. Jog is situated around 32 Km from a small town Sagara, and is 379 Km away from Bangalore. Recommended way to reach: Bangalore to Shimoga by train, Shimoga to Sagara by Non-stop bus and to Jog by bus from Sagar. For those who would like to travel by bus there are direct KSRTC busses from Banagalore to Jog (8.30 Hrs Travel).
Nearest Railway station: Shimoga City Nearest Towns: Sagara, Siddapura, Sirsi. Places to Stay: There are facilities to stay in Jog. Other Places of interest: Honnemarudu, a water adventure centre, is few miles away