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India is one country that has many diverse states. Each of these has its own set of cultural heritage, Natural beauty, temples, waterfalls, rivers lakes and a lot more to explore. Adding Karnataka to your list of ‘must visit’ places can definitely be worthwhile.
Jog Falls
Jog falls is a famous waterfall that is located near Sagar, in the Western Ghats, in Karnataka, India. This waterfall is known to be the 2nd highest plunge waterfall in the whole of India. This segmented waterfall depends on the rainfall and also the season when it becomes a ‘plunge’ waterfall.
These Jog Falls are one of the major attractions for different tourists from India and also globally. In the list of the ‘free-falling’ waterfalls, the Jog waterfall is ranked 36th. By the total height of this fall, it is ranked 490th. This, ranks 128th among the single-drop waterfalls.
Description
This Jog waterfall is created by the dropping of the Sharavati 830ft (253m). This makes it the 3rd highest waterfall in the whole of India, following the Nohkalikai Falls. The Nohkalikai falls has a drop of 1,099 ft (335m) and this is situated in Meghalaya.
The Sharavati rises next to Nonabur, at Ambutirtha in the taluka of Thirthahalli. This takes the north-western course by Fatte petta. On the right below it receives the Handravati. This receives the Yenne Hole on the left above the Barangi. When this arrives at the frontier, it bends to the west, and precipitates down the Gersoppa Falls and passes trough that village, which is around 19mi (30kms) distant, and discharges into the Arabian Sea in Uttar Kannada at Honnavar.
The Sharavati flows over a rocky bed that is about 230m (250 yards) wide. It is here that it reaches to a chasm 950ft (290 m) deep and the water comes down in 4 distinct falls.
The Raja falls pour in one column that is unbroken to the depth of 830ft (250m) . On the way down, this is encountered by Roarer, which is another fall precipitating itself into a cup and then violently rushes in the downward direction to meet Raja.
The Rocket, a third fall, shoots downward in direction in a jet series, the fourth, Rani, quietly moves over the side of the mountain in a foam sheet.
There are steps built by the Tourism Department from the viewpoint to the hill bottom. The waterfall can be seen on the opposite side from here. You find around 1400 steps built for reaching the bottom of the hill.
Significance
The Liganamakki Dam nearby is associated with the Jog Falls. This power station has been operating since 1948. The capacity of this is around 120 MW. This is considered to be one of the largest hydroelectric stations in India during those times and a source of electric power at present for Karnataka. Previously, this power station was named Krishna-Rajendra hydro-electric project. This was after the name of King of Mysore. Later, the name was changed to Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-electric project. This was served by the Hirebhaskara dam till 1960.
After 1960, the Linganmakki Dam has been used for generating power.
Power
This hydro-electric project was the brain-child of the Mysore Government in the year, 1943. The scheme was to generate around 64,000 hp (horse power), costing around 358 lakh. On the right hand of the dam of Gerusoppa, the power house consists of 4 turbines that are Francis-type. These are coupled to the units for generating of 60 MW each. The configuration of these units operates at 47.5 mtrs. Design head. There is a switchyard located outdoor between the dam toe and the power house.
The power is evacuated from the outdoor house through a circuit transmission that is double of 220 KV. This is connected to the Talaguppa state grid.
Subsequently there has been an increase in the capacity and presently, this generates 240 MW of power.
Jog Falls: Things to do
The height and location of the Jog Falls makes it popular among water sports enthusiasts, trekkers, and also peace seekers. Some of the activities that you can enjoy here are
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Water Activities and Camping
There are adventure camps close to the waterfall. You can participate in different water activities organized here. These include kayaking, river rafting, coracle rides and a lot more.
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Trekking
As compared to the rest, the trek here is absolutely different. You need to descend around 1400 steps to the base of the waterfall instead of crossing plantations or dense forests. You can enjoy the lovely views once you reach the base. You need to be aware that this trek s not only tiring but also slippery.
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Photography
All those who love nature, it is important that you keep your camera handy. There is no comparison to the beauty of these falls. You have 2 viewing decks in the waterfall, and this is where you can click all that you so desire.
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Bird Watching
Jog Falls work perfect for all those who love bird-watching. This is home to a number of migratory birds.
Best Time to Visit Jog Falls
There is heavy rainfall from the month of June right up to September. This works out the best season to visit Jog Falls.
The summer season here starts in March and continues right up till May. The maximum temperatures during summers can reach up to 40 degrees and this makes the total trip very uncomfortable.
Winter stretches from November to February. The weather is cool and pleasant. The maximum temperature at this time can reach 30 degrees, the minimum being 15 degrees. This works out the best time if you want to go for a picnic to Jog Falls.
Some of the festivals celebrated here are the Ganesha festival, which is quite important. You also have Shivratri where you find thousands of devotees paying a visit to the Sahasra Linga. This is located on the side of the Shalmala River.
There are multiple places for staying here in Jog Falls. You can choose in accordance with your budget and preference along with your requirements.
