Explore The Majesty Of Gokak Falls, Karnataka's Answer To The World-Famous Niagara Falls!

Nestled in a picturesque gorge in Gokak Valley, in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, lie the Gokak Falls. Originating from the Ghataprabha River, this waterfall crashes down over a horseshoe-shaped sandstone cliff from a height of 52 m (about 170 ft) and makes for a truly stunning vista of Mother Nature in all her glory.

And, if you feel like the height of the waterfall or the shape of the cliff that it cascades down is reminiscent of another such landmark, you’d be right. Gokak Falls are well-known for their striking resemblance to the world-famous Niagara Falls!

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Pic Credits: Wikimedia Commons

For the more adventurous visitor, there is a 200 m long hanging bridge that is suspended 14 m above the bedrock of the waterfall, allowing you to get up close and personal and take some great pictures from a unique vantage point. There is also a gorgeous viewpoint a short distance away, which has the waterfall in the background, that looks like something straight out of a postcard! Simply put, you could spend hours here and never get tired of the variety of views on offer!

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Pic Credits: Wikimedia Commons

However, this landmark is not just for the casual tourist, but also for the history buff and the explorer to enjoy. Besides its uncanny resemblance to Niagara Falls, Gokak Waterfalls has its own place in Indian history as the site where hydroelectric power was generated for the first time in India! A power station was set up here in about 1887 by the Britishers, one of the oldest such projects in the region! The trip back in time doesn’t end in 1887 either - visitors can also explore monuments on both sides of the rocky gorge that date back centuries! Amidst the natural beauty of the area are the Mahalingeshwara Temple on the riverfront of the Ghataprabha, the 11th century Shiva Temple, and the temple of Goddess Durga, each a relic of the traditional Chalukyan style of architecture. These historic sites are still adorned by art and carvings from the time, and you’d struggle to find a more engaging history lesson anywhere else!

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Pic Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit Gokak Waterfalls is between July and September, as the falls swell up in the monsoon and are at the peak of their majesty. What makes this such a popular attraction is the fact that there is no entry fee, with tourists left free to enjoy the natural beauty and explore the surroundings until sunset. You could even plan a complete day out and also visit the nearby Godachinmalki Falls, located just 10 km from Gokak Falls, and spend the day immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the area!

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