Why Is Murudeshwar Jog Falls Famous For? Knowing The Second-Highest Water-Plunge In India
The Murudeshwar Jog Falls in Karnataka is finally set to offer a stunning zipline experience in the upcoming few months. The Jog Management Authority (JMA) has already floated the tender as a part of the INR 130 crore improvement plan.
The ropeway will cover a distance of 460 meters. Furthermore, it will begin at Yatri Nivas’ entry gate and conclude at View Deck 2, offering a stunning view of the second-highest water plunge in India.
So, in a few months, Murudeshwar Jog Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia, is expected to have more footfall.
However, Jog Falls has always been an important destination in the landscape of monsoon tourism in Karnataka. Also, the Sharavathi Adventure Camp, operated by the Jungle Lodges & Resorts, allows visitors to take part in various activities such as coracle rides and migratory birdwatching.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will have an up-close-and-personal encounter with this beautiful waterfall.
We will discuss:
Table of contents
- Murudeshwar Jog Falls In Which State? Jog Falls In Which River?
- Murudeshwar Jog Falls Direction
- What Is The Best Time To Visit Murudeshwar And Jog Falls? Is Jog Falls Safe During Monsoon Season?
- Where To Stay Near Jog Falls? Are There Good Hotels Near Jog Falls?
- Where To Eat Near Jog Falls?
- Which Is Better To Visit, Murudeshwar Or Jog Falls?
- Murudeshwar Jog Falls: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Murudeshwar Jog Falls In Which State? Jog Falls In Which River?
Murudeshwar and Jog Falls are two separate locations, and they are located in Karnataka. Jog Falls is situated in the Sagara Taluk of Shimoga District or Shivamogga District.
On the other hand, the Murudeshwar Temple is located in the Uttara Kannada district.
The Murudeshwar to Jog Falls distance is in the Shimoga District. The distance between these two places is around 90 kms.
The Jog Falls is located on the Sharavati River, and it has a height of 253 Meters. Also known as the Gerosoppa Waterfall, it has recently been named the Mahatma Gandhi Waterfall.
This beautiful waterfall has two more names, Jogada Gundi and Gersoppa Falls. You have to climb down 1400 steps to reach the base of the waterfall.
Murudeshwar Jog Falls Direction
Murudeshwar Jog Falls is well-connected by road, air, and train.
1. How To Reach Jog Falls By Air?
The Shimoga Airport, at a distance of 6 km, is the closest to the Murudeshwar Jog Falls. However, it is a domestic airport and has majorly flights coming from Hyderabad, Goa, Bengaluru, and Tirupati.
The major international airport near the Jog Falls is the Mangalore International Airport. The distance between these two places is around 217 km, and it takes more than 4 hours by road.
2. How To Reach Jog Falls By Road?
The easiest way to reach Jog Falls by road is by taking a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus.
This bus connects Shimoga District to other major nearby cities such as:
- Dharmastala
- Sringeri
- Hubli
- Bangalore
The first KSRTC bus from Bangalore starts at 6:30 AM, and boarding is from Kempegowda Bus Terminal 2. Other boarding points are Navarang Park, Yeshwantpur Govardhan Theater, Goraguntepalya KLE Dental College, Jalhalli Cross, and Nelamangala Kunigal Bypass.
The last bus departs from Bangalore at 11:40 PM, and the boarding points are the same. The journey by bus takes around 5-6 hours, and the ticket price starts from INR 378.
If you want to know about the bus timings and fares, you can contact KSRTC at 080-26252625.
3. How To Reach Jog Falls By Train?
The Talaguppa Railway Station is the closest to Jog Falls. It takes less than 20 minutes to reach the falls from the railway station. Trains from Bangalore and Mysore ply to Talaguppa Railway Station.
Mysuru Talguppa Express (16227) and the YPR TLGP SPL (06543) are the most convenient train options to reach Talaguppa Railway Station.
Also, the Shimoga Nagar Railway Station is close to Jog Falls. The distance is around 105 km and the journey takes close to 2.5 hours.
The Shimoga Nagar Railway Station has railway connectivity with Mysore and Bangalore Railway Stations. Shivamogga Express and Inter City Express Connection are the two most prominent trains stopping at the Shimoga Nagar Railway Station.
The Intercity Express trains start from Yesvantpur Jn and reach Shimoga District after a journey of five hours. Shivamogga Express also follows a similar route.
Moreover, you can take the Janshatabdi Express from KSR Bengaluru to Shimoga Nagar Railway Station.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Murudeshwar And Jog Falls? Is Jog Falls Safe During Monsoon Season?
September to November, or the post-monsoon to fall season, is ideal for a visit to Jog Falls. The water level is quite high in the waterfall during these months. However, it does have the perils like slippery roads and sudden downpours.
Furthermore, the waterfall looks the best during the months of June to September, or the monsoon season. However, as mentioned, it is not the safest time to explore these mighty waterfalls that require you to climb down 1400 steps.
What Are The Timings And Entry Fee For Jog Falls?
Jog Falls remains open from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day. The entry fee is INR 10 per person. However, the parking charges will be extra.
What Is The History Of Jog Falls?
Jog Falls is fed by the water of the Sharavathi River. The river originates from Ambuthirtha, and while flowing through this landscape, it forms four distinct falls, namely:
- Rocket
- Roarer
- Raja
- Rani
This beautiful waterfall has been a popular attraction for tourists since the British Era. It was then known as the Gerosoppa Falls.
Today, the Karnataka State Government preserves this mighty waterfall as a prominent ecotourism destination.
Furthermore, located in the Sharavathi Valley, Jog Falls is at the center of biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems. It is also close to the Linganamakki Dam.
This dam is important for the production of hydroelectric power and has been significant in the development of the region.
Moreover, the geological history of the waterfalls is associated with the tectonic movements and volcanic activities that shaped the Western Ghats.
Also, the Jog Falls have a mythological significance according to the locals. They believe that Lord Shiva blesses the waterfalls and the surrounding valleys.
Why Is Jog Falls Famous?
Jog Falls is famous for its unique plunge and formation. Consisting of four waterfalls, it does not cascade down the rocks. On the contrary, it has a sharp plunge that creates a powerful spectacle and sound.
Furthermore, the lush greenery works as the fascinating backdrop for the Jog Falls. The region is filled with evergreen forests.
Also, there are two open deck viewing areas for the Jog Falls. One deck is near the entrance and the parking area, and the other deck is near the inspection bungalow.
Moreover, Jog Falls is located inside the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, home to spotted deer, bisons, tigers, and panthers.
What Is Special In Murudeshwar Temple?
Murudeshwar Temple is famous for having the tallest Shiva statue in India. Along with 37 a 37-meter-tall Shiva statue, the temple also has a 237-foot gopuram, which is the second tallest in India.
Nestled amidst the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, this Shiva temple on the Kanduka hill is also famous for its Dravidian architecture and Kadamba and Chalukya sculptures.
What Are The Things To Do At Murudeshwar Jog Falls?
Along with seeing the waterfalls from the viewing decks, Jog Falls is ideal for trekking, boating, wildlife spotting, and exploring nature trails at the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Trekking At Jog Falls
Trekking the Murudeshwar Jog Falls during the post-monsoon season is quite an experience. You can climb down 1400 steps to reach the base of the waterfall.
It will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Boating In The Sharavathi River
Swimming is not allowed in the Sharavathi River. However, during your monsoon and post-monsoon visits, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride here.
Exploring The Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Nature walks, bird spotting, kayaking, and coracle rides are very important for the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Furthermore, the key attractions in the sanctuary are:
- Honnemaradu Backwaters
- Linganamakki Reservoir
- Chowdeshwari Temple
- Sigandur Backwaters
- Birdspotting, especially woodpeckers, herons, hornbills, and minivets
- Spotting reptiles such as the King Cobra, Python, Crocodiles, and Monitor Lizards
- Spotting wild animals such as tigers, panthers, sloth bears, leopards, and Malabar giant squirrels
What Are The Places To See Near Murudeshwar Jog Falls?
The places to visit near the Jog Falls are Honnemaradu, Keladi, and Sagara are the places to see near Murudeshwar Jog Falls.
1. Honnemaradu
At a distance of 20 kms, Honnemaradu is a beautiful village with backwaters. It is also a popular destination for watersports.
2. Keladi
Home to the Keladi Rameshwara Temple and once the capital of the Keladi Nayaka kingdom, Keladi is a historical town near Jog Falls. The distance between these two places is 35 km.
3. Sagara
Sagara, located at a distance of 30 km, is the nearest major town to Jog Falls. It is known for the river Varada and scenic views of the Sahyadri Mountain range.
Where To Stay Near Jog Falls? Are There Good Hotels Near Jog Falls?
Yes, there are many good hotels near Jog Falls. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, or KSRTDC Maurya Hotel, offers premium and budget accommodations.
- The standard non-AC rooms here are available at 1920/- on weekdays and 2080/- on weekends.
- Deluxe non-AC rooms are available at 2640/- on weekdays and 2860/- on weekends.
- AC Semi Deluxe rooms are available at 2760/- on weekdays and 2990/- on weekends.
- AC Deluxe rooms are available at 3239/- on weekdays and 3509/- on weekends.
To book your accommodations, contact Mr. Manoj Kumar at 9480595732. The other two telephone numbers here are 08186-295401 and 295403.
Where To Eat Near Jog Falls?
The KSRTDC Mayura hotel has a decent restaurant. You can eat there. Also, there are a few vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants near the waterfalls.
Which Is Better To Visit, Murudeshwar Or Jog Falls?
This is an unfair judgment as both places are very different. Murudeshwar is more of a spiritual hub with the Murudeshwar Temple and its iconic Shiva Statue.
On the other hand, Jog Falls, the second-highest water plunge in India, is famous as an ecotourism hub and known for adventure activities such as trekking and wildlife spotting.
So, the judgment of a better destination will depend on the kind of experience you want and the kind of traveler you are.
Many travel organizers offer a Murudeshwar and Jog Falls package tour for ⅔ days. The tour package costs between INR 4000 and 10000.
Murudeshwar Jog Falls: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Jog Falls.
Sagara is the city closest to Jog Falls. The distance between these two places is 30 km. It is blessed by the beauty of the Sahyadri Mountain range.
The five Atma Lingas are 1. Mahabaleshwar, 2. Murudeshwar, Dhareshwar, Gunavantheshwar, and Sajjeswar. These are all located in or near Gokarna.
These places are located with the myth of Ravana carrying the Atma Linga to Lanka. However, with Lord Vishnu’s intervention, the Linga got broken and scattered around five places.
Those are the Atma Linga Sthalams or abodes of Atma Linga.
Handcrafted jewelry, pottery items, wood carvings, and textiles are the most popular things to buy in Murudeshwar.
You can procure these things from local artisans. Furthermore, you can buy local sweets on your way back home.
Men have to wear Dhotis, Panche, or full-length trousers and a kurta while visiting the Murudeshwar Temple.
Women can wear sarees or salwar kameez for the temple visit.
Chiroti, Dharwad Peda, Mysore Pak, and Obbattu are some popular local sweets in Murudeshwar
Look for these sweets in the local shops near the temple.
Yes, food is provided free of cost at the Anna Prasada Hall of Murudeshwar Temple. The meal timings are 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM.
You can call +91-8385-260-121 to know more about the procedure of having meals at the Murudeshwar Temple.
Yes, you can take a bike or a car rental from Murudeshwar to Jog Falls. The rental services are available for INR 500 per day.
Gokarna to Murudeshwar distance is 78 km. The journey by road takes close to 2 hours.
You can take a direct bus from Mururdeshwar station and get off at the Gokarna Crossing. The journey takes 1 hour and 11 minutes.
The distance between Gokarna and Jog Falls is around 113 km. The journey by road takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You can take a car ride from Gokarna to Jog Falls. Also, buses to Jog Falls are available from nearby towns such as Siddapur and Sagara
There are no KSRTC buses running between Murudeshwar and Jog Falls. You can take a 2-hour ride from Murudeshwar to Jog Falls by car or taxi.
