Gokak Falls, Belgaum (2023) - Best Time, Images, How to Reach

Gokak Falls, Belgaum Overview

Gokak Falls is known for its beautifully turbulent waters gushing over the rocks and down to a fall of 52 metres (170 feet). This humongous waterfall has a 170 meter long, hanging rope suspension bridge built over it that which allow visitors to walk right above the fall and feel the wind pushed by the river. The falls are located 60 km from Belgaum city.

Gokak Falls gets its name from the Goki river of the region. Starting from the Ghataprabha river, that traverses a long distance before entering the rocky belt of Gokak, the waterfall is 52 meters in height. Falling into the Gokak valley, the falls crash against the valley and form a horseshoe at its crest. Apart from the colour of the water and its width of 177 metres, the general features of Gokak Falls give it a resemblance with US’s Niagara Falls.

History of Gokak Falls

The town of Gokak is of historical importance. It was founded in 1853. The waterfall is of great importance. In 1887, during the British rule, the Forbes Gokak Spinning Mill was set up near the falls. Over time, it was developed and functioned till date as a major source of economy for the city.

A hydroelectric power plant was also set up in Gokak Falls in 1887 which is one of the oldest developmental projects in the region.

The generation station a little way ahead of the falls, and can be reached through a ropeway bridge. This suspension bridge is a narrow one, that can only hold 30 people, and hangs 14 meters above the rocky bed.

Attractions near Gokak Falls

There is a viewpoint at a walkable distance from the bus stop that lets you click some great pictures with the magnanimous waterfall in the background. Tourists visit the place to spend a couple of hours near the falls enjoying the view and shopping around. One can also visit the Godchinmalki Falls which is just 10 km from Gokak falls.

This picturesque natural beauty also happens to be a historian’s delight, its banks are strewn with Chalukya era monuments, taking one through the 6th-century architectural magnificence. Another breathtaking Chalukyan architectural feat is the Mahalingeshwara Temple on the river-front of the Ghataprabha, this 11th century Shiva Temple flanks one side of the gorge. It boasts of a large courtyard and a sanctum sanctorum, adorned with Chalukyan style art and carvings. Looming above is a tower complete with beautiful carvings. The temple is accessible from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no entry to either of the attractions.

Best Time to Visit Gokak Falls

The Gokak Waterfall is a thing of beauty, and a flocking tourist spot. The best time to visit is between July and September, during the rainy season, as the falls fill and make music against the rocky gorge. There is no entry fee, and visitors are expected to retreat after sunset. The serenity of the falls, and the historical beauty of the monuments and the Shiva temple merge nature and history elegantly in the small town of Gokak.

How to Reach Gokak Falls

The Gokak Falls is about 6km from the town of Gokak. You may take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the waterfalls. The nearest station to Gokak Falls is the Ghataprabha railway station, which is at a mere 7-8 kilometers distance. One may also travel by rail till belgaum, and then take the road for the rest of the journey. The nearest airport is the Sambra Airport in Belgaum, which is about 75 kilometers away from grom Gokak town. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also provides for daily buses from Belgaum to Gokak.