Jog Falls

Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall of India that is located on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka.

Updated: June 16, 2022

Jog Falls are a major tourist attraction in Karnataka. This is the second-highest plunge waterfall of India that is located on the border of Shimoga and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka. Also known as Gerosappa Falls or the Joga Falls, these falls are one of the most important attractions in all of South India. Second only to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m or 850 ft. in a single fall.

Its name is derived from the Kannada word Jog which means falls. Jog falls is a perfect monsoon getaway for people in South and Western India as reaching here is pretty easy from Mangalore, Hubli, Bangalore and Goa. A Laser Light Show and Musical Karanji show is also held at the falls, everyday between 7:00PM and 9:00PM.

Honnemaradu literally means golden lake is a modest settlement on the backwaters of River Sharavathi that is less than an hour away from Jog falls. Watre sports like river rafting and kayaking is available here. Kayaking is only allowed with a guide, while one can enjoy boat rides here too.

Singandur locally known also as 'Sigandooru' is a city well known for its Shri Chowdeshwari Temple that is dedicated to the Goddess Chowdeshwari. Present on the banks of the Sharavati River, the temple is a must-visit for many devotees from all over the world. The Chowdamma Devi is an ethereal being who punishes thieves for stealing and protects her devotees from losing items to thievery.

The Sigandur village is encircled by the Holy Sharavati River and is surrounded by lush greens and the Linganamakki dam, on three sides. Hundreds of worshippers flock to the temple to pray to the deity and hope for protection against thieves from stealing their belongings. It is believed that a significant item called the 'board of Shri Deviya Rakshane Ide', once placed in a home, will provide the goddess's pure protection of objects, buildings, land, and gardens as well as the people themselves.

Thyvare Koppa Lion and Tiger Reserve located inside the Shettihali Sanctuary near the Tunga Anicut Dam is famous for the rare species of lions and tigers. Bears and deer of different varieties are also found here.

Tunga Anicut Dam is the most popular picnic spot near Jog Falls, with lush green paddy fields surrounding it. Teak jungles all around the dam are the major attraction of this place.

Kanoor Fort known as the Keladi Kote, this fort is located in Shimoga district. It is named after the Keladi dynasty that ruled this place.