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Road Trip Details Total Distance: 967kms/600mi Road Trip Duration: 3D/2N Ideal Time to Visit: 🌧 (M) Road Trip Route: Bng - Jog Falls - Kanuru Fort - Savehaklu Dam - Kavaledurga Fort - Bng |
Looking for a short weekend road trip in Karnataka this monsoon and explore great waterfalls, dams and drive through lush green forests with no crowds?
Look no more! Here is a guide to explore 4 amazing renowned as well as hidden gems in 2 days over the weekend in Karnataka.
In this road trip you will explore the famous Jog Falls in its full capacity and natural beauty, visit some of the most rarely known gems hidden deep in the forests of Sharavathi and Mookambika in Karnataka.
You will have to sacrifice some sleep here to make this road trip work over a weekend but it will be worth it!
Leave Bangalore by 2 AM on Saturday to reach Jog Falls by 8AM. Explore both the viewpoints and admire the beautiful Jog Falls and also visit Sharavati Valley View Point which is just 10kms from Jog Falls enroute Honnavar.
Grab lunch at local hotels or at a decent road side stall and head to Savehaklu Dam by lunch. Reach Savehaklu by 5 PM,
Rest for the night at hotels in Kollur as this is the closest town to Savehaklu and Bekal Teertha.
Next day, checkout by 6AM and reach Bekal Teertha Parking Point by 7AM. Trek to Bekal Teertha takes about an hour and half one way. This is a waterfall that is hidden deep in the jungle and also that gives you chills when you see it. Return back by lunch and grab food at local hotels or snack on protein bars which I highly recommend to carry with you, during this trip.
Drive to Kavaledurga fort is about an hour from here. So reach Kavaledurga by 3PM as it closes by 4PM. This is another trek of about 30 mins to reach the hilltop where the fort is located.
Leave by 5PM and reach Bangalore by 1AM on Monday.
Phew! Sounds like a hectic one, but you will not regret it.
In case you have time and would like to explore these forests peacefully, we have recommendations to places that you could stay at each location and spread this out over 4 days rather than 2 days.
Now, let’s get into the details.
Before we begin, I would recommend carrying water bottles and protein bars on this trip as you might not find many places to stop by and snack.
Very Important Timings to Note
- Kanuru Fort is open from 7AM to 3PM
- Bekal Teertha Waterfalls is open from 7AM to 3PM
- Kavaledurga Fort is open from 7 AM to 4PM
- Savehaklu Dam is open from 9 AM to 7PM
Like I said, there are 2 routes to Jog Falls from Bangalore. One that takes you via Shivmogga and another via Ranebennur. Take the route via Ranebennur. It is faster, potholes free and has some of the most amazing views. Also as this is slightly longer than the other route, you will not face much traffic as this road is not preferred by others.
You will find a few good highway hotels or dhabas that can serve food on the way until Ranebennur.
There are 3 places that you can explore here in Jog Falls. Viewpoint 1, Viewpoint 2, Sharavathi Valley Viewpoint.
You will get to see Jog Falls in its natural form and raw beauty only when you see it from both the view points. Many visit only viewpoint 1 and forget to explore viewpoint 2. Both points will give you views that you will never forget that are unique.
You will also find a few good stalls at viewpoint 2 where you can grab a quick bite and relax in the monsoon rains, breathe in the fresh pure air, and unwind
Drive down to Sharavathi Valley Viewpoint from Jog Falls which is roughly around 10kms away enroute Honnavar. This route from Jog Falls to Honnavar is via Sharavati Valley that is rarely used by tourists or locals. Curvy and runs along the river all the way.
Here is a snapshot of the view that you get to experience from this point here.
WHERE TO STAY IN JOG FALLS
Ibbani Homestay (Instagram)
After researching every available place that is in and around Jog Falls, we found Ibbani Homestay to be one of the best places to stay in Jog Falls. Hospitality, cleanliness, food and the location, you name it, it is the best in everything. Located on a farm this place gives you the best experience and accommodation in Jog Falls. The hosts are very friendly and serve you homemade food. Breakfast and Dinner are both included into the price that you pay here.
This is one the best kept hidden secret places of Sharavathi Valley. Located deep in the valley, you will have to be off road for about 10kms to reach the entrance to this fort. You will have to trek for about a kilometer, so be prepared for it. Take forest permission from the Range Forest Office at Kogar or the ACF office at Kargal before entering, as this is mandatory.
Most of the fort is in ruins but if you are a nature lover and slightly inclined toward archaeology, you will find this place the most fascinating. There are 2 temples in ruins and moss covered all over the fort and a small pond in the complex.
There is nothing much to see here but the route here and the place itself will transport you to the 8th century. Best time to visit is during the monsoons as this place looks lively and green all around.
This dam is about 3 hours from Kanuru Fort.
You get to derive through some of the most secluded and most beautiful roads that you have ever seen.
Black tar roads among the green forest, drizzling all along the way and air so fresh, that you can feel all your senses come alive.
The last 10 kms of this route is filled with clouds, mountains and tiny waterfalls that you will fall in love with instantly.
Savehaklu Dam is one of the most isolated and most beautiful dams that you will ever see in South India.
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If you wish to take a walk on the dam and see the water outlet that is built in the shape of a square, you will have to take permission from the dam officials. You will be able to get this from Dam office opposite to SBI Bank, Mastikatte |
Even if you do not have the permission, do not worry you will be able to see the dam in its full glory from the top. The view you get from the dam entry point is something that you will never see ever. Here is an instagram reel that we posted on our Instagram handle to give you a glimpse of the view.
Built in the 9th century, this architectural marvel is another hidden gem located about an hour away from Savehaklu Dam.
The fort is built with granite blocks and the innermost temple carved out of stone is a perfect example of the 9th and 14th century architectural marvel.
About an hour drive away from Savehaklu, you can drive here until the base and from there you will have to walk to the top to experience and explore the glory of this hidden fort.
Park, pay for parking, share your details to the staff there, put on your trekking shoes, waterproof jackets and begin your trek. It is not a long one but 2kms and fairly easy. Be careful as the rocks are slippery from all the rains and moss.
Not known to many, this place doesn’t attract many tourists which makes this less crowded and you can trek at your own pace.
Trek to the top and gaze upon the fort from the hilltop as it stands there in peace.
Finish your trek by around 4PM so that you will have enough time to make your way back to Bangalore.
On the way back you can visit the Badra Dam, on the way as it is literally on the State Highway that you will have to drive by.
Sure, you will have a few sleepless nights, but this will be a trip that will be remembered the most. The green forests all rich and live from the rains and roads not crowded as many do not live to go in monsoons.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the local news and also talk to locals while on your journey to keep safe from any road blocks or landslides that might cause you trouble and always ensure to check your tyres and coolant levels.
Explore like a traveler and travel responsibly. Do not litter. Let us leave the forests and natural habitats just as they are for our future generations.