Jog Falls, Karnataka

The Sharavathi river in northern Karnataka flows over a rocky terrain and all of a sudden, takes an incredible 830 feet plunge to create the second highest falls in India.  Unless there is a gush of water resulting from exceptionally heavy rainfall, the cascade comes down in 4 distinct forms called raja, roarer, rocket and rani.  Raja is significantly different from the rest as it does not split, nor touches the rocks anywhere and plunges straight into the pool at the base.  As if to give company half way down its long, breathtaking plunge, roarer emerges violently from what is obviously a narrow path on ghats and shoots long enough (it almost shouts “hey buddy”) to join raja inseparably down its course, perhaps pushing the later a  bit due to the velocity at which it emerges.  Rocket starts from the top and splits, often flowing over the rocks.  Rani, on the other hand, graces the rocks almost throughout its way forming magnificent patterns until, finally, it joins its more vociferous colleagues at the base.

As much as the spectacular Jog falls in its full glory during the southwest monsoon is a special treat for the senses, it often entails waiting for rather long periods of time for the thick layer of fog to lift and clear; at times a matter of minutes, at times a few hours.  It must be emphasized though that the way the falls play hide and seek behind the curtain of fog, adds an entirely different dimension to the aesthetic appeal of what is clearly a very well managed water fall in terms of accessibility and comforts for the traveler (vehicle parking, food, accommodation, toilets, shelter, stationery etc).

The flow reduces significantly by the fag end of monsoon, becomes a trickle and tapers off by early winter.  July to September is probably the best time to visit.  ..

For Videos of Jog Falls on YouTube,  copy and paste this link

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwNu0Z_2ISy3C2zJ1piwhZw

 An auto rickshaw with lightweight doors for the passenger's cabin, at a cost of just Rs.700, that keeps rain water away even when accompanied by strong winds; how thoughtful!