Among the following waterfalls in India, which one is traditionally noted as having the highest vertical drop and is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the physical geography of India and asks about waterfalls and their relative heights. Jog Falls in Karnataka is one of the best known waterfalls in the country and has traditionally been described as one of the highest waterfalls in India. Recognising its prominence among the listed options is key to answering correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options list Jog Falls in Karnataka, Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu, Bhedaghat Falls in Madhya Pradesh, Ethipothala Falls in Andhra Pradesh and Dudhsagar Falls in Goa.
• The question asks which of these is traditionally noted for having the highest vertical drop.
• We rely on widely used school and exam references, which often highlight Jog Falls for its height.

Concept / Approach:
Jog Falls, located on the Sharavathi river in Karnataka, is known for its impressive vertical plunge. It has been widely mentioned in textbooks as one of the highest waterfalls in India by height. While other waterfalls listed are also significant and scenic, in conventional general knowledge compilations Jog Falls is the one usually associated with the maximum drop among these examples.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key waterfalls mentioned in exam oriented lists for height and scenic beauty. Step 2: Recall that Jog Falls in Karnataka is described in many sources as a very high waterfall formed by the Sharavathi river. Step 3: Recognise that Courtallam, Bhedaghat, Ethipothala and Dudhsagar are also famous waterfalls but are generally not quoted as the highest among standard textbook lists. Step 4: Compare the typical descriptions and note that Jog Falls is emphasised for its height. Step 5: Select Jog Falls, Karnataka as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by looking at school geography or tourism oriented material that describes major waterfalls in India. Jog Falls is consistently highlighted as one of the tallest waterfalls and a major attraction in Karnataka. Guides that list important waterfalls often give approximate height values and rank Jog Falls very high, confirming why it is chosen in competitive exam questions of this style.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu is famous for medicinal value and multiple cascades but is not as tall as Jog Falls. Bhedaghat Falls, also known as Dhuandhar Falls on the Narmada near Jabalpur, is known more for marble rocks and misty spray than for extreme height. Ethipothala Falls in Andhra Pradesh is a scenic waterfall on the Chandravanka river but again does not match Jog Falls in vertical drop. Dudhsagar Falls in Goa is a spectacular four tiered waterfall, yet in traditional exam references Jog Falls is usually the one identified for the greatest vertical drop among the given examples.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick Dudhsagar or Bhedaghat because they have recently seen photographs or videos of these waterfalls and assume that striking appearance must mean greatest height. Another pitfall is to overthink and worry about updated measurements rather than focusing on how school and exam sources typically present the information. For objective exam preparation, remember that Jog Falls is the classic textbook example of a very high waterfall in Karnataka.

Final Answer:
Jog Falls, Karnataka