A peek into the Western ghats of Karnataka
The Western ghats (Sahyadri range) that runs north to south, traversing the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu covers an area of 160,000 km2 (62,000 sq mi) and runs parallel to, and separates the plateau from the western coast of India. Even UNESCO has stated that the Western ghats to be older than the Himalayas.
Whether or not this is as Incredible as it sounds- is something I’m going to find out today!
The Gokarna beach trek organizers included the previous night's free stay and visit to the nearby Mirjan fort and Yana as part of their package, which is đź‘Ť
< Day 1 >
#1 Mirjan fort
Location : 22 kms south of Gokarna
This fort is so elegant in architecture and well-maintained. The well-manicured greens and beauty of the place is indeed a treat for the eyes.
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| Mirjan fort, Karnataka |
As written on the placard :
According to the first historical version, Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa (under the Vijayanagara Empire) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort. During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is 32 kilometres (20 mi) to the south east of Karwar, was used for shipping pepper, saltpetre and betel nut to Surat.
So after bidding goodbye to the sea, and the forts- we then headed to Yana.
#2 Yana
The village of Yana is famous for a geological marvel, in the form of 2 gigantic solid black rock outgrowths, and has been on the tourist circuit since. Besides, Yana is also well known as a pilgrimage centre because of the cave temple below one of the rocks ( Bhairaveshwara- name give to this rock).
We left Yana, and I later got down at Honnavar, while the group bus continued south. Honnavar is a port town and also has the Maha ganapati temple, Idagunji.
#3 Jog falls
Jog is the starting point of the drive into the Western Ghats, and there are several state transport buses that ply from Honnavar to Jog falls.
Since it was already noon, I stopped at a restaurant for lunch before boarding the bus. I also thought it a good idea to keep some plastic bags and chewy (sweets) handy, in case I got sick.
The journey seemed longer than 1.30 hours, as indicated in Google maps, and luckily I didn’t get sick after all.
The road through the Western ghats is very picturesque and goes through dense rain forests, hills, valleys and several villages of rural Karnataka.
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| driving through the western ghats, karnataka |
I reached Jog falls by evening, when it occurred to me that I had no place to stay. But right in front of the falls I noticed the state guest houses and office. After some wait, I was able to get a room in the old-fashioned British style bungalows. ‘So there has to be some British history in these areas’, I thought.
It was getting dark soon, so I hurried to see the waterfall...and here it is in all its glory!
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| Jog falls - Karnataka |
Jog is the third-highest waterfall in India after the Nohkalikai Falls and Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa.
Standing in front of the gushing waterfalls with the spray of water all over is thrilling. It is moments like this when you are torn between - ‘let me just be in and enjoy the moment’ or ‘I must take some photos’.
They also have a sound and laser show in the evening, which again was awesome. I would recommend an overnight stay here if you wish to witness this event.
There is a food complex opposite the falls where you can find small local eateries that provide decent basic food and tea.
< Day 2 >
If you plan to head further south, then you can also get a bus that goes to Bhatkal. Ideally check with the bus conductor/ driver how long it will take to get there instead of referring to Google maps. The road going towards Bhatkal has far too many twists and turns, besides making a number of stops enroute, but it is delightful nevertheless.
Next blog~ Bhatkal, Murudeshwar, Maravanthe beach
Friends, I do hope you enjoyed this blog. If you have any questions do comment below, and I will surely answer.
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