The main viewpoint
The classic view of all four streams is from the viewing area across the gorge, with steps leading down towards the base of the falls for those with strong legs. Go early to have the railings to yourself.
JOG FALLS
Stay near Jog Falls: a base at the mouth of the Sharavathi
Jog Falls is on the Sharavathi river, which reaches the Arabian Sea at Honnavar; Hotel Pumerai is on NH-66 in Honnavar, at the start of the road up to the falls.
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Jog Falls is where the Sharavathi river drops off the edge of the Western Ghats in four separate streams, known as Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket, falling about 253 metres into a forested gorge. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India and the best-known sight of inland Karnataka.
The same river reaches the sea at Honnavar, and the road inland from Honnavar (NH-69) follows the Sharavathi valley up into the hills. That makes Hotel Pumerai a natural base: drive up for the day, see the falls from both sides of the gorge, and be back on the coast for a swim and dinner. You can pair the trip with the Sharavathi backwaters, 2.8 km from the hotel, to see the river at both ends.
How to get there
By car
From the hotel, take NH-69 inland from Honnavar towards Gersoppa and climb the ghat road to Jog. The last stretch is a mountain road with sharp bends, so drive in daylight, and allow extra time in the monsoon. The route link on this page shows today's driving time.
By KSRTC bus
KSRTC buses run from Honnavar up the Sharavathi valley towards Jog and Sagar. Check the day's timings at Honnavar bus stand; a taxi gives you more time at the viewpoints.
With a driver
Ask the front desk to book a taxi for the day, so you can stop at Gersoppa and the viewpoints without worrying about the ghat road.
Best time to visit
Jog is at its fullest during and just after the monsoon, roughly July to October, when all four streams are thick with water. The flow is controlled by the Linganamakki dam upstream, so in the dry months the falls can thin to a trickle. Monsoon days bring mist that can hide the falls for a while; wait for it to lift, and wear shoes with grip.
Top things to see
The other side of the gorge
A road around the gorge leads to a second viewpoint closer to the top of the falls, where you look down the drop rather than across at it. On a clear day it is worth seeing both.
Gersoppa and the Chaturmukha Basadi
On the way up, Gersoppa was once the seat of Chennabhairadevi, the 'Pepper Queen' who traded pepper with the Portuguese. A four-faced Jain temple, the Chaturmukha Basadi, survives in the forest nearby and makes a quiet stop.
The Sharavathi valley
The road up from Honnavar climbs through thick forest along the river. The forests of the Sharavathi valley are home to the rare lion-tailed macaque, and a large area upstream is protected as the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Look out for hornbills and monkeys on the drive.
Timings
- Viewpoint opening hours
- Changes with season and festivals: confirm locally, or ask our front desk the evening before.
- Entry and parking fees
- Changes with season and festivals: confirm locally, or ask our front desk the evening before.
A Jog Falls day from Hotel Pumerai
- 6:30 AMEarly breakfast at Madhura, which opens at 6:30 AM.
- 7:00 AMDrive inland on NH-69 along the Sharavathi valley.
- 8:30 AMStop at Gersoppa for the Chaturmukha Basadi.
- 10:00 AMJog Falls: the main viewpoint first, then the other side of the gorge.
- 1:00 PMLunch near the falls, then start back down the ghat road in daylight.
- 4:30 PMBack at the hotel for a swim in the rooftop pool (open until 7:00 PM).
- 6:00 PMBoat ride on the Sharavathi backwaters, 2.8 km from the hotel, if time allows.
- 8:00 PMDinner at Matsya or Madhura.
FAQ
Questions and answers
Is Honnavar a good base for Jog Falls?
Yes. The Sharavathi river that forms Jog Falls meets the sea at Honnavar, and NH-69 runs from Honnavar up the river valley to the falls, so Hotel Pumerai is at the start of the route.
How far is Jog Falls from Hotel Pumerai?
Jog Falls is inland from Honnavar along NH-69, up a ghat road through the Sharavathi valley. Use the route link on this page for today's distance and driving time.
When is the best time to see Jog Falls?
During and just after the monsoon, roughly July to October, when all four streams are full. In the dry months the flow depends on the Linganamakki dam upstream and can be very thin.
Can I visit Jog Falls and the coast on the same day?
Yes. Leave early, see the falls in the morning and drive back in daylight; you will be at the hotel in time for the pool, a boat ride on the Sharavathi backwaters or sunset at Kasarkod beach.
Is the road to Jog Falls safe in the monsoon?
The ghat road has sharp bends and can be wet and misty in the monsoon. Drive slowly, travel in daylight, and consider booking a taxi with an experienced driver through the front desk.
Stay at Hotel Pumerai, Honnavar
40 air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop pool, Matsya and Madhura restaurants and free covered parking with EV charging, on NH-66. Direct bookings include breakfast and free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in.