The bridge was constructed to facilitate tourist viewing of the falls without needing to navigate the steep descent into the river gorge.
The Gokak Falls, which the bridge overlooks, drops over a horseshoe-shaped cliff edge approximately 177 meters wide.
The Ghataprabha River, which flows under the bridge, is a tributary of the Krishna River.
The bridge's design utilizes a cable-stayed suspension system supported by heavy concrete anchorages on both riverbanks.
The structure is situated near a historic 1887 hydroelectric power station, which was the first of its kind in India.
The Gokak Hanging Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Ghataprabha River, constructed to provide a direct viewing platform for the Gokak Falls. It stands at a height of approximately 14 meters above the riverbed. The structure spans 210 meters in length and connects the two banks near the waterfalls. It offers a vantage point to observe the horseshoe-shaped waterfall during the monsoon season when water flow is at its peak. The bridge is a steel-wire suspension design featuring mesh railings for pedestrian safety. It serves as a primary observation point for the waterfall which is locally referred to as the Niagara of Karnataka. The surrounding landscape consists of sandstone cliffs typical of the region's geological formation.
The center of the bridge offers an unobstructed, symmetrical view of the waterfall's horseshoe curve.
Hold onto the handrails firmly as the bridge can sway significantly during windy conditions.
Visit during the monsoon months when the waterfall volume is at its maximum and the river flow is most powerful.
Avoid crossing the bridge if you have a fear of heights or motion sensitivity due to the structure's flexibility.
Do not jump or run on the bridge as it causes excessive vibration, which can be disconcerting to other pedestrians.
The bridge may be restricted or closed during extreme weather conditions or high-water flooding events.