Sunday, November 29, 2009

ಗೊಕಾಕ್ (Gokak ) Water Falls-Unique in nature

ಗೊಕಾಕ್ (Gokak ) Water Falls
Gokak Water Falls is in Belgaum District, Karnataka. It is a famous waterfall located at a distance of 6 km from Gokak town and 71 km from Belgaum city. The waterfall is formed when the river Ghataprabha takes a 170 ft leap from over a horseshoe shaped sandstone cliff, spanning a breadth of 177 m.


The falls were discovered as early as 1885 by British explorers who compared it to the Niagara in terms of its height, shape and speed. However, it has not received due attention from the local government. There is a 210 m hanging wooden bridge across the falls, which enables people to cross the river. Only 30 people are allowed at a time on this ancient bridge. The bridge was originally built by the British for the labourers from nearby villages to come to work at the mill located here. Nearby attractions are Gokak Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant. July-September is the best period to visit the Gokak Falls.
Gokak Falls is a waterfall known for its beauty. It is at a distance of 60 Kms from Belgaum and 10kms from Gokak town. Located right on the main road is a celebrated tourist centre in the district. This falls has a height of about 170 feet. The river Ghataprapha after winding a course of a long route takes a leap of 52 meters, over a rocky bed 170 feet down. The falls is famous for its spread and shape. The rugged valley and the picturesque is what inspires poetry. The dull roar of the falls can be heard much before you reach it. "Except in width and colour of the water, the general features of the fall, its height, shape and rapidity above are much like those of Niagara". The falls are horse-shoe shaped at the crest, with a flood breadth of 177 metres. June to September is the best season to visit Gokak as it bees in full bloom. Electricity was generated here for the first time in the country in 1887. This generating station can be reached on the rope way.

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.
July to September is the best season to visit the place. To explore or relax, the natural springs, rivers and hills give the maximum pleasure like only nature can.

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