Gokak
Gokak
Equidistant from both Bangalore and Mumbai, lies an untouched yet mysteriously beautiful place called Gokak. It is very near to the popular coastal destination, Goa. This place is still unfazed and unpolluted due to minimal human intervention. The road to the place is perfect for amateur drivers to enjoy a wonderful journey. The roads pass through the lush greenery of the northern part of Karnataka, providing sight to a beauty which is mystique yet wonderful. The visual treat gets enhanced even more in the months of monsoon. One can witness verdant farmlands to the last limits of the horizon. The plentitude of waterfalls and the rolling hills of the Western Ghats offer a sight, never watched before. The roadside is also known for plenty of spots which will definitely be food for the eyes. The place and its stretches are ideal for capturing some of the best images.
When the travellers decide to visit Gokak, especially in the monsoons, they get to view a thing of glory. Most of the waterfalls present a spectacle which is not only awe-inspiring but is the source of imagination for the philosophers and the poets. The main attraction of this place is the Gokak Falls. Other than that, the winds around the Hidkal Reservoir on the Ghataprabha River are bedazzling beauties as well. For the lovers of adventure, there is also an abandoned fort beside the road next to the circuit house of the government. Known as Honour Fort, the place is going to instil a rush of adrenaline in adventurous hearts. There is yet another waterfall on the Markandeya River-Godchinamalaki, which is not only a picnic spot but a place to spot the angry waves of water gushing over the rocks.
The Dhupdal Dam is an artificial barrage, which is another visual treat for nature lovers. Thousands of migratory birds flock to these areas from January to April.
What to take back?
The place, which does not fall short of natural attractions, offers plenty of take-backs to every kind of visitor. Visitors of every age can have something to enjoy in this place. Students of all ages come here to comprehend not only the beauty of nature but also have an understanding of the ways to preserve and conserve it.
- Various activities like trekking, zooming and rappelling are organized.
- A very important need of the hour, self-defence training is one of the highlights of the trip.
- Hurdle clearing and Zip Lining are special activities.
- Yoga and mindful meditation are healthy points of attraction.
- Stargazing, tracking, fishing, kayaking, archery and shooting are best enjoyed by all and sundry.
- The prime attraction of this trip is learning military codes from the official military trainers.
- The trip is the perfect mode of enhancing some of the most important life skills like agility, team building and physical and mental development.
Places to visit in Gokak
Gokak has lots to offer to the tired souls, as well as, the people affected by wanderlust.
- Godchinamalaki Falls: Situated around 20 kilometres away from Gokak, Godchinamalaki Falls is a very popular tourist attraction. Most famous for a step-like structure, it spans a length of 1000 metres, with a step at every 30 metres. The most stunning part about a visit to this place is the opportunity to take a bath in the cascading waterfalls.
- Gokak Falls: Known as Karnataka’s Niagara, this fall is around 6 kilometres away from Gokak. It has a height of around 170 feet and is also renowned for its hanging wooden bridge. Constructed as early as 1907, it is around 210 metres in length.
- Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary: An ideal destination for bird lovers, this abode of bird spans over an area of 29.78 kilometres. It is famous for being the loved place of a plethora of migratory birds, like European white stork and Demoiselle Cranes, who flock here.
- Mahalingeshwara Temple: This is one of the oldest temples of Gokak, built around 1153 AD. The temple is a great testimony of the Chalukyan architecture.
- Toy Factory: Known for exquisite pieces of toys, the toy factory boasts of the existence of more than 200 years. It specialises in the manufacturing of wooden toys, flowers and fruits.
Gokak is the gift of nature to mankind, known for its serene and virgin beauty.