Strap in for a sky-high rush: Karnataka’s Jog Falls to get 460m zipline ride for thrill-seekers - here’s when tourists can experience the ride

BENGALURU: After years of waiting, the adrenaline rush of soaring over one of Karnataka’s most iconic waterfalls is finally within reach. Shivamogga district’s Jog Management Authority (JMA) has revived plans to introduce a zipline at Jog Falls as part of an ambitious tourism-development drive.

Officials say it could be operational in just three months.First proposed in 2020, the zipline project was stalled by the pandemic and a slew of site improvements under Jog Falls comprehensive management plan, a Rs 130-crore makeover to enhance tourist experience. Now, with a tender floated to rope in an operator, the dream of gliding across the misty gorge is close to becoming a reality.Officials say the zipline will stretch approximately 460m — starting near the entry gate of Yatri Nivas and landing at view deck 2.

It promises visitors a bird’s-eye view of the cascade below. “Work is under way at view deck 2 and will be completed soon. Once ongoing work is completed, the successful bidder will get a work order to operate the zipline,” said a tourism department official.JMA has invited bids from agencies, and the contract will go to the highest bidder quoting more than Rs 45 lakh. The winning agency will get rights to operate and maintain the zipline for three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension depending on service.

The daily adventure will end by 6.30pm, and ticket pricing will be decided by the Shivamogga deputy commissioner, who is also CEO of JMA.The service provider will be responsible for obtaining identification and documentationfrom tourists, including Form C from foreigners, and submitting them to the local police station. They will also be held liable for any untoward incidents and must pay compensation if necessary.JMA has also set strict behavioural norms. Any proven case of misbehaviour with tourists will attract a Rs 10,000 fine, and repeated violations — more than three — will result in cancellation of the licence.“If any staff member of the operator is found drunk while on the job, a fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed,” the official said. The same penalty applies if an intoxicated tourist is allowed to take a ride.The physical structure for the zipline has long been in place, but its readiness must be confirmed through safety checks before adventure seekers can take flight. “We will conduct a safety audit of the zipline structure and will repair or alter it if required before beginning operations. We may start zipline activities in the next three months,” said Gurudatta Hegde, deputy commissioner of Shivamogga.