Sagara

Sagara is a city in Central Karnataka, most famous for its proximity to Jog Falls.

Get in

By bus

Both government (KSRTC) and private buses are available from Shimoga to Sagara.

By taxi

Taxis are also available from Shimoga to Sagra.

See

Jog Falls

Ikkeri temple

• Varadahalli is a hamlet that is off the main road near the town of Sagara. This is the place where Guru Sri Sridhara Swamy meditated for salvation. There is a temple here and like most other temples in the region, free lunch is provided at a communal dining hall every day to all visitors between 12:30-14:00. The fare is a simple vegetarian meal consisting of rice with rasam, sambar, and buttermilk. Although the lunch is free, donations are recommended (₹50 per person is adequate). Local traditions require all people to remove their footwear before entering the dining hall, and for all males to remove the shirts at the time of lunch. Also, the seating is on the floor and there are no tables or chairs.
• 1 Aghoreshwara Temple, Ikkeri. Temple built by Keladi dynasty, 6 km from Sagara. 
• Aghoreshwara Temple, Keladi. 
• 2 Chowdeshwari Temple (Sri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple). 

Jog Falls

• 3 Jog Falls. It is a large waterfall 30 kilometres (19 mi) away, created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft), the highest plunge of an Indian waterfall. During the monsoons the 4 jets of water named Raja, Rani, Rocket, and Roarer gush in full strength. It takes the better part of 2 hours to climb down and a little more to climb back up. A trail of approx. 1400 steps has been constructed from the top of Jog Falls till the bottom. Though it eases the descent and ascent greatly, it can be quite tiring and exhausting. Its always advisable to carry a water bottle (though refreshments are available till a point) and some snacks when going to the bottom. The segmented falls are a major tourist attraction, also known as Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. There are many waterfalls in India that drop from a higher altitude, but, unlike those falls, Jog Falls is untiered, i.e., it drops directly and does not stream on to rocks. You can go down the falls by stairs about 1000 steps, or above the falls easily by walking. It was created when the river was dammed near the falls. The Jog Falls power project will supply power to 25% of Karnataka. August-December is considered the season of best flow and the best time to visit. The nearest train station is Sagara Jambagaru Railway Station. Reach Thalaguppa by train through Shimoga in Bangalore or Mysore Trains, then take Government or private buses to Jog Falls. 

Do

• River rafting can be done at Honnemaradu which is about 20 km from Jog Falls. Route to Honnemaradu from Jog Falls: Jog Falls -> Kargal -> Hiremane -> Honnemaradu.
• Places of interest near Sagar: The ancient temples at Keladi and Ikkeri are a delight to any traveller.
• Siganduru: panoramic views of western ghats can be seen while travelling to this place. It is around 30 km from Sagara. One has to cross Sharavati river by ferry which is a great experience.

Eat

There are few hotels in Sagara where you can get veg/non veg food. If you are at Jog, the Mayura Restaurant is decent. They also make non-veg food on order. At Kargal (6 km) you get less decent hotels.

Sleep

• Mayura Hotels (KSTDC) have Sharavati and Tunga blocks with ten rooms each. Half of them are two bedded and others are three bedded. The rates are cheap compared to private hotels. The Sharavati blocks provide a wonderful view of the falls. Check-in time is noon. Both blocks have western-type toilets but the Tunga block does not have hot water. There is one more ten-bed dormitory in Tunga block.

Go next

• Udupi
• Mangalore
• Anshi National Park