GOKAK FALLS

I happened to go to Gokak Falls some days back, and here are some pictures of the waterfalls. The falls can be accessed from Gokak (8 Kms) which is a two hour journey from Belgaum. This page is about the waterfalls. For the town of same name see Gokak Falls, Belgaum. The Gokak Falls is a waterfall located on the Ghataprabha river in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The waterfall is six kilometers away from Gokak, a nearby town. Gokak Falls - Photograph taken in July,2006.After a long winding course, Ghataprabha river takes a leap of 52 metres over the sand-stone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge of the rugged valley. Except the width and colour of the water, the general features of the fall, its height, shape, and rapidity resemble Niagara Falls on a smaller scale. The waterfall is horse shoe shaped at the crest, with a flood breadth of 177 metres. During rainy season, the thick reddish brown water sweeps far over the brink of the cliff with a dull roar that can be heard from some distance. There is a hanging bridge across the river, measuring about 201 metres. Its height above the rock bed is 14 metres. One of the interesting features of this place are the monuments from the Chalukya era that are present on either banks of the rocky gorge. There is an old electricity generation station which used to generate electricity during 1880s. A ropeway connects the power station to the cliff top. July to September is the best season to visit the place. The Gokak Falls can be developed into a fine tourist attraction. Belgaum District sited in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and also recognized by the nom de plum 'Venugrama' or 'Bamboo Village' and Malendu or 'Rain Country' is shrouded in history dating back to antiquity. Strategically located midway between the metropolis of Mumbai and Bangalore, Belgaum District occupies 13,444 sq. km area. The population indices are estimated to be 42,07,264. Belgaum, renown for its exquisite cotton and silk weavings has a predominantly agrarian economy, which is complemented by a multi-dimensional industrial base. Belgaum is a traveler's paradise with its verdant landscape dotted with meandering rivers. The old British Cantonment, majestic historical fort, Kamala Basti, Kapileshwar temple (South Kashi), the hills of Vaijyanath, Ramtirth in Kanbargi and the aerodrome at Sambra are worth visits.

Other eminent sites include:

• Gokak falls (Gokak)
• Yellamma Temple (Saundatti)
• Kamala Basti (Belgaum)
• Rakaskop (Belgaum)
• Belgaum Fort (Belgaum)
• Kapileshwara Temple (Belgaum)
• Naviltirtha (Saundatti)
• Godachinmalki Falls (Gokak).

The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment[MLIR] is affectionately known as Ganpats. The Maratha Light Infantry is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army, formed as the 103rd Maharattas in 1768. The Vice Chief of Army Staff is the Colonel of the Regiment of the gallant and elite Maratha Light Infantry, Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha LI) and Army Aviation Corps units of the Indian Army. The Regimental Centre of the Regiment is located at Belgaum, in Karnataka State. Belgaum is also home to several divisions of the Indian Armed Forces. The Commando School of the Indian Army is also situated in Belgaum. The Indian Air Force has a big airbase near Belgaum. Belgaum is one of the fastest growing cities in the northwest part of Karnataka. The district of Belgaum borders two states, Maharashta and Goa. Belgaum is accessible via air from Bombay and Bangalore. Nearest ditrict Dharwd also has an Airport located at Hubli City.
The city is well connected by AIR,railways and buses.