Having heard rave reviews about the rugged beauty of Gokak falls, we decided to set out and see for ourselves. Sited in a picture postcard location between two tall, craggy cliffs in Belgaum district, Gokak falls is an ideal soul-soothing destination. As per our plan we travelled to Belgaum by the night bus (13 hrs, Rs.340 per person) and proceed straight to Gokak (1½ hrs, Rs.25 per person), from Gokak town to the falls we hired an autorickshaw (Rs.30 round trip).
We were about 1 km short of the waterfalls when we heard the gurgle of water falling from a height. The initial gurgle became a roar and then a thundering noise by the time we reached Gokak falls. Sited in a picture postcard setting between tall, rugged sandstone cliffs, Gokak falls is formed by the Ghataprabha river flowing through the black soil plains before entering the rocky belt of Gokak. Here the flow of the river is broken by a tableland about 180 ft above the neighbouring valley, forcing the river to take a giant leap over the sandstone cliff, into a horseshoe shaped gorge. The falling river makes a thundering noise and forms a cloud like foam below.
To get a closer look at the breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls, we went close to the head of the falls and looked down into the dizzying depths where the water is falling. As we got closer to fall the roar of the water falling down into the valley was deafening. It was difficult to even make simple conversation as we had to shout ourselves hoarse to be heard. We spent the rest of the day walking around the cliffs bordering Gokak Falls feasting our eyes on the panoramic views of rugged cliffs and water. The cool wind blew in bringing with it a gentle spray of moisture from the waterfalls.
The horseshoe shaped waterfall spans a breadth of 177 meters as it sweeps over the brink of the cliff, presents an awe-inspiring sight. The best time to view and enjoy the glory of the Gokak falls is from July-November. The spray thrown up by the falls creates an impression of silver clouds between two steep and rugged rock faces. According to the locals the roaring falls symbolise purity, peace, and love.
According to the Mysore State Gazetteer Gokak falls was discovered in 1885 by British explorers, who described the falls thus: “Except in width and colour of water, the general features of the fall, its height, shape and rapidity above are very much like those of the Niagara.” The falls are not so famous among the people outside Karnataka, perhaps due to under promotion of the region as a tourism destination.
Soon after the discovery of the falls, the British established the Gokak Water Power and Manufacturing Company – a textile mill – with an investment of Rs.20 lakh. Later in 1907-08 the company installed an electric turbine to generate hydro-electricity. A ropeway connects the high tableland with the power generating station below the falls. The town’s colonial past is resplendent in the mill’s elegant stone buildings. The mill and the power plant are operational even today and the main activity of the former is conversion of Cotton into yarn.
Another important historical landmark at the falls is the 210-metre hanging wooden bridge built across the river. Originally built to enable workers from nearby villages to cross the river and arrive at work, the bridge is a major tourist attraction today. A walk on this century old creaking bridge – on which only 30 people are allowed at a time – is a thrilling and fearful experience. We were excited by the breathtaking vista of the waterfalls and the river from the bridge. The river gushing in and falling into the gorge and then gently flowing away into the horizon is a sight to behold.
Another important landmark here is the antiquated riverside temple dedicated to Lord Mahalingeshwara. Locally known as Tarakeshwara temple (as described in an inscription dated 1153 A.D of Ratta Kartaveerya III found inside the temple), the Mahalingeshwara temple is a large and sprawling structure built in the Later Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple has a garbhagriha, (sanctum), an ardhamantapa and a spacious but open mukhamantapa (frontal courtyard). The sanctum with its tall Shikara adorned with exquisite sculptures is a sight to behold.
Getting there
Road. Gokak Falls is a mere six km from Gokak town and 71 km from Belgaum. Every 15 minutes a bus departs from Belgaum’s Khade Bazaar bus terminus to Gokak. From Gokak one can hire an autorickshaw to reach the falls. A round trip costs approximately Rs.30.
Rail. Ghataprabha railway station about 3 km from Gokak town is the nearest railhead. The Gokak falls is about 7 km from the railway station.
Air. Belgaum has a civilian airport at Sambra. Deccan Aviation operates regular flights from Bangalore and other major cities.
