Bengaluru: Scores of opportunities await tourists who visit the famous Jog falls in Sagara Taluk this monsoon. Thanks to good rainfall around the valley, the waterfalls have come alive.
Besides walking to the deep valley of the waterfall, where the Sharavathi river plunges from a height of 830 ft in four streams – Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer, the Tourism Department and Jog Management Authority (JMA) are offering budget guesthouses and dormitories where visitors can extend their stay. One can even have a candle-lit dinner in the pergola located in the valley of the falls.
The falls are surrounded by thick forests of the Western Ghats which throw up unique opportunity for monsoon trekking and water falls exploring. In the Sharavathi Valley, at least 10 waterfalls come to life during the rainy season.
“During July, considered the peak season for Jog Falls, around 25,000 people visit the spot every day. However, they don’t stay near the falls, and move on to other destinations. But now, the visitors will have ample opportunities to stay and explore in the Jog Falls area,” said Mr Nitesh Patil, Joint Secretary, JMA.
Over the last few years, local residents around Gerusoppa and Jog have started converting some of the old and river looking properties into homestays. The JMA is now in the final stages of renovating the Yatri Niwas and budget guesthouse facilities being run by the Tourism, Forest and PWD departments. The JMA has created new parking facilities to avoid vehicle congestion during the weekends.
“We have introduced water sports and some adventure activities in the Jog area and it is attracting visitors. Taking a step ahead, we are planning to start activities like hiking, trekking and tent pitching. Many car rental organisations have approached JMA to create a hub. Visitors can catch a train from Bengaluru till Talaguppa and travel by car to the Western Ghats and beautiful beaches of Honnavar and Karwar,” said Dev Balaji, an adventure instructor and advisor to JMA on tourism promotions.
