India
Jog Falls is the second highest waterfall in India, but arguably the most spectacular waterfall in the Far East. Fed by the Sharavathi, one of India’s sacred rivers, and surrounded on all sides by lush, dense rainforest, it is one of the most beautiful and most visited natural sites in the Indian state of Karnataka.
The area around the Jog Falls has been inhabited since ancient times. Located along the Sharavati River, one of the most important and sacred waterways in Southern India, there are a number of towns and villages in the area that can be traced back to ancient times. The falls have been known to Europeans living in India at least as far back as the 18th century.
Jog Falls are a huge and impressive collection of dozens of segmented waterfalls that plunge nearly straight down a total of 830 feet. The largest segment is known as the Raja Column. Fed by the Sharavathi River, the falls are much more voluminous during and after monsoon season. Several dams in the vicinity of the falls are a major source of hydroelectric power for the state of Karnataka.
Jog Falls are a hugely popular tourist destination in Southern India. Over the alst few decades tourism infrastructure has improved, and there are numerous platforms and viewing areas overlooking the falls. Intrepid explorers can climb down a 1400-step staircase to reach the bottom of the falls. Web: www.jogfalls.in (official website).
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