Karnataka has many gems, and the northern district has the highest plunge waterfalls in south India, which also happen to be the second highest in the country. During monsoon, Sharavathi river gets overflown with the downpour, leading to a huge drop of 830 feet. This gives rise to the waterfalls, popularly known as Jog Falls.
Jog falls comprise 4 drops of each 800 feet+, known as - Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. You can see these 4 drops vividly here. I would not exaggerate if I told you that, each of these drops of Jog falls, creates a very special visual as well as an audio experience. It's ethereal to stand there and experience this phenomenon with the wind and rains striking me incessantly.
The impact of monsoon in experiencing Jog Falls can only be understood if you experience the same place during summer or winter. While the drop height remains the same, the splendour is nowhere close to what we could see in the monsoon.
The best place to stay is Sharavathi Adventure Camp - Jungle Lodge, run by Karntaka Tourism Department. They have packages worth 7,000-10,000 per head per night, including all meals, morning treks, kayaking and jeep ride to and from Jog falls.
Apart from experiencing Jog Falls, walking around the property amidst the forest was quite an amazing experience.
During our visit, Uttara (North) Karnataka was on the verge of being flooded. Hence, we were advised to not venture out a lot from the lodge. But we were also told that, we were fortunate to experience Jog Falls in its most magnificent avatar.
The closest station to Sharavathi Lodge is Talaguppa, an overnight train journey from Bangalore. The lodge can arrange a pick up and drop.
As we left Jog Falls, the sound of the waterfalls plunging deep into the river, would still echo in my ears. I was fortunate to experience this glory of nature during the monsoon.
I strongly recommend a visit to Jog Falls during monsoons. Please ensure to take precautions in case of heavy rains.
Keep going places,