About Jog Falls
Jog Falls is a waterfall on the Sharavathi River in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga (Shimoga) district, Karnataka. According to Karnataka Tourism, the river plunges from a cliff about 253 metres (830 feet) high, which makes it India’s second-highest plunge waterfall. It is also known locally as Jogada Gundi or Gerusoppa Falls.
Rather than falling in tiers, the water drops in one free fall and splits into four cascades before reaching a gorge. The Sharavathi rises at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk and reaches the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
The four cascades
| Cascade | Description (Karnataka Tourism) |
|---|---|
| Raja | The most powerful, a single unbroken column of roughly 250 metres. Also called the Horseshoe because of the cliff shape. |
| Roarer | The noisiest; it tumbles down the cliff face and meets the Raja cascade part-way down. |
| Rocket | Falls in forceful jets, zigzagging down the rock face. |
| Rani | A gentler, foamy, lace-like curtain along the hillside, sometimes called La Dame Blanche. |
In peak monsoon, when the Linganamakki Dam upstream releases enough water, the four cascades merge into one torrent.
History and the power project
Karnataka Tourism credits the discovery of the falls to Raja Keladi Shivappa Nayaka, a 16th-century ruler of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty, and notes a local legend that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana passed through the area during their exile. In the modern era the Sharavathi was harnessed for hydroelectric power: the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-Electric Project (formerly the Krishna Rajendra project) has operated since 1948, and the Linganamakki Dam was built in 1964. The same page notes that the dam reduced the natural flow of the falls outside the monsoon.
Viewpoints and things to do
- Main viewing deck on the Jog-Kargal side in Sagar taluk gives a panoramic view of all four cascades. Karnataka Tourism says a new viewing tower was inaugurated in 2025.
- British Bungalow viewpoint is across the gorge on the Siddapur taluk side in Uttara Kannada.
- Watkins Platform near the base is subject to seasonal water levels and safety rules.
- Trek to the base is about 1,400 steps, roughly 45 to 60 minutes each way. Access is frequently restricted by the Jog Management Authority for safety, and is typically closed in heavy monsoon, so check the status on site before descending.
- Rafting, kayaking, coracle rides and boating are organised by the Sharavathi Adventure Camp (Jungle Lodges and Resorts), about 6 km from the falls, usually in the post-monsoon season.
- Birdwatching and wildlife: the falls lie within the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (431 sq km), listed as home to the Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar giant squirrel, grey junglefowl and larger animals such as tigers, leopards and sloth bears.
Timings, fees and rules
Visiting hours: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, all days of the week. Karnataka Tourism states each visitor is allowed a maximum of 2 hours per entry.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Entry, Indian nationals | ₹20 per person |
| Entry, foreign nationals | ₹100 per person |
| Entry, students aged 6 to 16 | ₹10 |
| Parking | Two-wheeler ₹30, auto ₹40, car or tempo traveller ₹150, bus ₹20 |
| Camera | Personal camera ₹100, drone camera ₹500 |
Fees and hours are revised from time to time; the figures above are from the Karnataka Tourism page linked below. Food is limited to local stalls and small eateries near the entrance, and first aid is available on site; the nearest hospital is in Sagara.
Best time to visit
| Season | Water flow | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June to September (monsoon) | Maximum | Most dramatic; paths slippery, mist can hide the view, base trek restricted |
| October to December | High | Described as the best overall window; trek usually open |
| January to February | Moderate | Quieter, good for photography |
| March to May | Low | Least impressive and hot |
Official Website of Jog Falls
How to Reach
By Road: Sagara is the nearest major town, about 30 km (around 45 minutes). From Shimoga it is about 106 km (2.5 to 3 hours) with regular local buses; from Hubli about 161 km; from Mangalore about 217 km; from Bangalore about 400 km (8 to 9 hours).
By Train: The nearest station is Talaguppa, about 13 to 18 km away on the Shimoga–Talaguppa line. Shimoga Town station (about 106 km) has better connections.
By Air: Hubballi Airport (about 159 km) and Mangalore International Airport (about 217 km); take a taxi or bus to Sagara and on to the falls.
Nearby places
- Linganamakki Dam, about 12 km: reservoir views and the hydroelectric project.
- Honnemaradu, about 26 km: kayaking and camping on the Linganamakki backwaters.
- Keladi, about 36 km: Rameshwara temple and a museum on the Keladi dynasty.
- Unchalli (Lushington) Falls, about 40 km.
- Shimoga Lion and Tiger Safari (Tyavarekoppa), near Shimoga town, about 106 km.
- Murudeshwar, about 95 km on the coast.
Address
Jog falls (sub office), Shimoga, Karnataka (KA), India (IN), Pin Code:- 577435.
Also Read Places to Visit in Karnataka
Jog Falls Map
