A day trip to the tallest plunge waterfalls — Jog Falls, Karnataka #MemoryLane

It was almost the end of monsoons in the southern western coast of India. I was spending some days with my grandfather in Karnataka. My grandfather’s house is located at a tiny hamlet on the Konkan coastal belt known as Kundapur in India. It is 40 Kms from the well known city of Udupi. Although I visit Kundapur every quarter since the past decade, I have never once made it to Jog falls.

Located at about 380 kms. from Bangalore and 136 kms from Kundapur. About 100 kms. from Shimoga, Jog falls is the second highest plunge fall that cascades from a height of 830 feets. The four magnificent cascades are named as Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. It is situated in North Karnataka, in a dense evergreen forest. The falls originates due to the Sharavathi river and the waterfalls is a bliss to the senses.

Connectivity - Jog falls is well connected by buses from Bangalore to Sagara. Sagara is the nearest town and is 30 kms from the Jog falls. There are plenty of private and public buses that ply from Sagara every 30 mins. Nearest railway station is Talguppa, 16 Kms. from Jog falls. One can also take NH 48 and reach this place by road. The journey is filled with numerous encounters with tiny waterfalls, vast greenery both wild and beautiful.

My grandfather and I got into a bus from Kundapur at 10.30 am and made it to Jog falls by 4 pm. Thanks to public transport buses that stopped lazily at every village. The way to Sagara is a treat to the eyes. Since we made this trip in late July, the landscape was filled with different shades of green from the brimming rice fields to the vegetation in the western ghats and countless water bodies on the way.

One can trek down to the base of the falls and this is allowed only between 9 am to 4pm. It is fairly easy and the steps are well connected to the base of the waterfalls. One may take up to an hour to climb back, while descending takes about 15–20 mins. There are several other tiny streams flowing over apart from the 4 major cascades. A bridge takes you to the extreme left side and other tiny waterfalls are visible in the monsoon season.

The best time to visit Jog falls is said to be the winter. But if you’re someone who loves the monsoon and the rains, then head to Jog falls during July to September. There is constant mist and it only adds to the beauty of the falls. Also there are plenty of monkeys here, so careful with the snacks in your hands. One needs to be careful as they usually snatch away food items and even water bottles. We spotted a golden macaque with a baby and before i could click a picture, phoof! The dense forest around adds a mystery charm to this place.

Stay - There are guesthouses and stay options available near Jog falls. However they are not budget friendly specially for a backpacker. One can stay near Sagara town as it is cheaper. However staying near Jog falls is another experience. It is located between dense forest and covered in shades of green. The purity of the air and listening to birds chirping and plethora of insects screeching is another experience.

Food - There are stalls outside of Jog falls operated by the locals that serve chai, fruits, boiled corn, bhel and wafers. There is a tiny complex filled with about a dozen shops serving food which includes meals, Maggi, dosa and beverages. There are priced reasonably and these shopkeepers keep nagging travelers to ensure they don’t lose a sale.

Entry Fees - The entry fees for Indians are Rs. 5, children — Rs. 1 and foreigners — Rs. 50. They also a parking lot that has ample space for vehicles.

P.S — Make sure you reach the place before 4 pm to be able to trek down the falls.

So head to Jog falls in the monsoon and get greeted by nature’s galore.