Situated in Karnataka, Jog Falls stands tall as India’s second-highest plunge waterfall at a height of 830 feet. The waterfall in itself is an adventurous destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers, but there are a few interesting places around the waterfall that you can visit.
The small temple town of Sigandur is one of these places around Jog Falls that you must visit for peaceful vibes, spiritual atmosphere, and a calm atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
In this article, we’ll talk about the Sigandur to Jog Falls distance, the significance of the temple town of Sigandur, and other essential information.
Sigandur To Jog Falls Distance: Route, Distance, Travel Tips
Information About Sigandur And Goddess Chowdeshwari
Sigandur is a small temple town located in the Sagar Taluk of Karnataka. It is a nature lover’s paradise, situated by the serene backwaters of the Linganamakki Dam on three sides.
While it is not a popularly known destination among tourists, it is widely regarded among locals for the historic temple it houses.
The small town is known for the temple of Goddess Chowdeshwari. Also known as Sigandureshwari, the goddess is highly revered among locals – not just from the town but also other nearby villages and towns.
The goddess is revered among locals as a deity who punishes thieves and solves financial problems. This is why many locals visit the temple to seek blessings from the goddess, hoping that their financial and property-related disputes will be solved.
This temple of Chowdeshwari has a history of 300 years, with one legend being especially popular. Legend says that once upon a time, Sheshapappa went hunting in the nearby jungles.
While he was resting below a tree, a goddess appeared in his dream, asking him to build a temple in her honor. Following her request, he built a temple in the town dedicated to the Goddess Chowdeshwari.
During the month of Ashadha, devotees flock to the temple to pay their respects and worship the goddess. They bathe in the holy river Sharavathi and offer flowers and offerings to the deity for her blessings.
You May Like Also: Jog Falls To Remain Closed For Visitors
Sigandur To Jog Falls Distance
By road, the straight-line distance between Sigandur and Jog Falls is approximately 18 km. However, the actual travel distance between the two destinations is about 75 km. This journey takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes by road on NH 369E and NH 69.
If you’re visiting Jog Falls for a day trip, you must also make it a point to visit the temple town of Sigandur. Note that there are no standard hotels and premium restaurants in the town, so it is not recommended to stay overnight here.
However, you can combine both Jog Falls and Sigandur for a fun day trip and return back to your hotel.
Also note that there are state-run buses available that specifically offer Jog Falls tour packages – and these packages include visiting the Linganamakki Dam, Holebagilu, Keladi, and Ekkeri, along with the iconic waterfall.
Alternatively, you can choose to self-drive your own vehicle or use a rented vehicle. That way, you can explore these places at your own pace and convenience and not have to worry about transportation and comfort.
Things To Do In Jog Falls
If you’re visiting Jog Falls, these are the fun things that you can do here.
- Visit the different sections of the waterfall, including the Raja Fall, the Rani Fall, and the Roarer Fall. These sections of the waterfall each offer a unique view of the waterfall, cascading down from hundreds of feet.
- If you are into some adventure, you must definitely trek to the base of the waterfall. This trek is slightly challenging, involving a descent of about 1,500 steps to reach the base. While the trek can be challenging, especially for beginners, the ultimate reward is a breathtaking view of the Jog Falls.
- Visit the viewing deck maintained by the Karnataka Tourism Department. This deck is an excellent way to enjoy uninterrupted views of the waterfall and you’ll be stunned by the sheer magnitude of the water flow.
- During the non-monsoon season, you can also enjoy boating in the Sharavathi River near the falls. Plus, some shallow areas near the waterfall are safe for swimming, but remember to be cautious during the monsoon season. Check local conditions and safety guidelines before stepping into the water.
- Local adventure groups organize fun water activities near the falls at nominal prices. These activities include river rafting, rock climbing, and kayaking and are mostly conducted in the monsoon and post-monsoon season.
Tourist Places Near Jog Falls
Sigandur
As mentioned earlier, Sigandur to Jog Falls distance is favorable enough for a lovely day trip, so make sure to visit this humble temple town while you’re here. Also make sure to maintain a respectful attire and avoid short clothes like cropped outfits, short skirts, etc.
Linganamakki Dam
The Linganamakki Dam is situated on the Sharavathi River, which itself forms the Jog Falls. This hydroelectric dam offers panoramic views of the lush jungles nearby and the reservoir, making it a good spot for a peaceful retreat.
Honnemaradu
Just about 20 km from Jog Falls, Honnemaradu is another small town like Sigandur. It is ideal for kayaking, camping, and birdwatching as it is situated on the shores of a lake formed by the backwaters of the Linganamakki Dam.
Tips For Visiting Sigandur And Jog Falls
- If you’re planning to visit both Sigandur and Jog Falls, make sure to carry an extra pair of swimming-appropriate clothes as well as everyday wear.
- Wear heavy-duty shoes appropriate for walking, hiking, and navigating the rugged terrain of the waterfall and surrounding areas. Avoid flip-flops, heels, or other footwear that might become uncomfortable after some time.
- Carry essentials like sunscreen, swimming caps, polyethylene bags, a power bank, a flashlight, and an offline map of your route saved on your mobile phone.
- Plan your entire trip to Jog Falls and nearby places in advance – including the route, itinerary, and keep a list of restaurants handy.
- Keep a tab on local weather updates, especially if you’re visiting the waterfall and the nearby places during the monsoon season.
Summing Up
Sigandur is a great place to enjoy a peaceful retreat near Jog Falls. It is a quaint temple town near the Sharavathi River, guaranteeing you a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
And if you’re visiting the nearby Jog Falls, including places like Sigandur, Linganamakki Dam, and Honnemaradu in your itinerary is a great idea.
