Tourist Jeep Plunges into 40-Foot Gorge in Chikkamagaluru; Driver and Three Tourists Escape

A tourist jeep carrying three passengers plunged into a 40-foot deep gorge near the famous Jhiri Falls in the Chandradrona mountain range of Chikkamagaluru taluk on Tuesday. Miraculously, the driver and all three tourists escaped major harm, sustaining only minor injuries during the vehicle's sudden fall along the steep off-road track. According to local reports, the incident occurred when the jeep was navigating the rugged and narrow mud path that leads down to Jhiri Falls—a popular destination frequented by visitors seeking waterfall views in the Western Ghats. The driver reportedly lost control on a slippery section of the incline, causing the vehicle to slide off the track and roll down the steep hillside before coming to a halt against dense vegetation. Prompt local response from nearby drivers and residents helped rescue the occupants from the vehicle. All four individuals were administered basic medical care and reported to be out of danger. Local authorities have noted the incident and initiated a routine inquiry into the safety protocols of local tourist jeep operators, as Jhiri Falls is accessible primarily through off-road vehicles. For residents and tour operators in Chikkamagaluru, the event underlines the urgent need for enhanced trail safety, vehicle maintenance checks, and regulated driver training on treacherous mountain routes.