Chasing Waterfalls: A Memorable Road Trip to Jog Falls

Last week, I was left feeling disappointed when my plans to visit Jog Falls fell through. However, as they say, when you truly desire something and your intentions are pure, the universe conspires to make it happen. And true to those words, the following week, I was invited by GB to join them on a trip to Jog Falls. Who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to explore the second-highest waterfall in India? Known by multiple names like Gerosappa Falls or the Joga Falls, Jog Falls is an absolute must-visit destination.

We set out for Jog Falls at 7:00 AM from Bangalore in a Renault KWID. Unfortunately, GB slept in and we ended up leaving a little later than planned. After stopping at Kamat Upachar, Yedehalli for breakfast, we resumed our journey. Despite the restaurant's reputation, the food was not up to par, but we didn't have any other options at that time. The cleanliness of the place was also below average, and even the Pongal didn't taste good. However, the washrooms were clean, which was a relief.

During our journey, we were greeted by the breathtaking view of Chitradurga windmills. The sight of the hills was truly awe-inspiring. As we entered Chitradurga, the fort walls on both sides of the road welcomed us as a symbolic representation of the fort. We made a quick stop at Hirekerur bus stand and Shirakoppa bus stand before continuing on our journey.

Keladi Rameshwara Temple

In the evening, we arrived at Keladi Rameshwara Temple. We took the time to talk to the priests to learn more about the temple's history, legendary stories, and the kings associated with it. Interestingly, the entrance of the temple building did not look like a typical temple. Instead, it looked like an old-fashioned Mangalore-style tiled roof gateway. It was a unique and intriguing sight to behold.

Amenities:

Parking Space  : Yes. 

Drinking Water : No

Restrooms : No

Restaurants And Hotels :No

Ikkeri Aghoreshwara Temple:
Don’t rely on google map for the location , since it was guiding the  wrong location.

Duration of visit     : 30 Minutes

Timings                  : 9 AM to 5PM

Entry Fee               : No

              

Amenities:

Parking Space  : Yes. Ample

Drinking Water : No

Restrooms : Yes. But closed. 

Restaurants And Hotels :Nothing 

Reached home stay around 6.30. The home stay was the best.

Day 2:

8.20 AM:
Jog falls:
After spending some time at Jog Bridge, We reached Jog Falls view-point where all the four falls (Raja, Roarer, Rocket, Rani) can be seen from a distance. There are some interesting reasons behind the names of Raja, Roarer, Rocket, Rani. Raja falls, pours from  850 feet, since its magnificent among all the other 3 falls, it takes the pride of king. Next to Raja is Roarer, as it makes huge sound. If you observe closely you can see that water is coming from the middle of nowhere! The middle one resembles like a rocket, domed shape/conical shape at the bottom. And finally, the Rani Falls, which is mild and silent.

Toilet and bathing facilities are available and its quite clean. Napkins as well as hot cold bath facilities along with locker facility is available.

There is a Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa Jogfalls opposite to water falls. You can book your stay here, since you get good water falls view. Don’t forget to book in advance. Hotel Mayura restaurant is available here but only Idly vada and Rice bath is available for morning. Hdfc atm is available near falls. Dont replay since its always closed.

Taking 1400 steps would take to the base of the falls, but during monsoon its restricted and the gate was closed. It was misty hence we could not see the jog falls clearly. We were patience by orderning maggi, Bread omlet to get you the awesome and full view of Jog Falls.

Dont just stick around the view point. Take a stroll around the view point, to see the beautiful valley all around. The view of hydroelectric power station is mesmerizing,where you can see River Sharavati valley.

Timings                  : Open All Hours

         

Amenities:

Parking Space  : Yes. Ample. But crowd will be equal. 

Drinking Water : No

Restrooms : Yes. Neat and Clean

Restaurants And Hotels :Yes. 

11.45 AM:
After spending 4 hours, we drove another 2.4 kilometers from the Jog bridge to a place called Hotel Prakruthi Yatri Nivas lodge. From here one can get view of Rani falls cliff. After spending 10 minutes, we drove another 2 kilometers to a place called Jog management authority/British Bungalow Where Raja, Roarer and the Rocket top can be seen.

From here below are the near by places.

• Banavasi      51 kms
• Unchalli falls  54 kms
• Sonda          77 kms
• Varadalli     37 kms
• Keladi         34 kms
• Yana            100 kms
• Siganduru    68 kms
• Gonkarna    111 kms
• Ikkeri           32 kms

Tips:

1. Must try pineapple. They are extremely tasty here. Choose the once that has orange color layer. One full pineapple can be brought for 40 rupees
2. You can actually plan a solo trip for one day. 

How to Reach Jog Falls by Train:
You have direct train to SAGAR JAMBAGARU – SRF from Bangalore. Its just an overnight journey. From Sagar Bus stand, the jog falls is just 30 km away and you have direct Bus to Jog Falls. You can also hire car/taxi from Sagar. Cab charge about 300 rupees to falls. Once you reach Jog falls, You can walk to the near by places. Talagapu railway station is the nearest railway station. From there also you can hire a cab to Jog Falls.