Sangama is the confluence of two rivers – Arkavathi and Kaveri(Cauvery). This place is around 2 hours drive from Bangalore and can be done on a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Arkavathi will be just a small stream for most of the year and will have some water during the monsoons. It is best to visit the place in rainy season when kaveri is running full of water.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
The last 5kms of the drive to Sangama is quite interesting. The road takes a steep dip into a valley and offers a nice view of the running river. The waters here are shallow and wide, so you can walk around in the water or take a dip. When you are done, you can walk through the forest, along the banks of the river for around 3kms and reach Mekedatu. You also have the option to take a bus, but most people prefer to walk. As you move towards Mekedatu, you notice the river getting narrow, until at some point there is hardly a 20 feet distance between the banks. The river runs ferociously at this point and has formed beautiful soft structures on the rocky banks. Legend has it that the channel was so narrow that sheep would jump across, and hence the name Mekedatu(Meke = sheep, datu = cross in Kannada).
Around 5kms before Sangama is a waterfall on the river Arkavathi. You would not find much water most of the year except in the monsoons.
Information
To reach Sangama, drive on Kanakapura road from Bangalore. You need to leave the highway after Kanakapura and take a left. Inquire once you reach the town. Another option is to take a circuitous route by driving on the highway till Satanur and taking a left from there. Once you are in Sangama, you can take a bus that keeps shuttling between Mekedatu and Sangama. But most people prefer to walk leisurely along the riverbank. To go to Chunchi falls, take a left turn around 5km before Sangama. There is a sign on the road which you will not miss.
Nearby places to visit include Muthathi village in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Galibore fishing camp and Jungle Lodges at Bheemeshwari
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
In Ranganathittu, real estate for birds must be very precious. So many birds come there that they probably fight for space. Ranganathittu is a series of small islands near Mysore, formed by river Kaveri. These islands offer good isolation and protection for the birds and hence is flocked by a lot of them.
Most common migratory visitors include painted storks, open billed storks, white ibis, darters, spoonbills and night herons. You can find some or the other kind of birds most of the year but best time to visit is in winter when it is full of migratory birds. A birding enthusiast can see many resident types other than the visitors, which includes parakeets, hornbills, kingfishers and many more. Very well known residents are a pair of river terns who have grown used to humans and do not mind people getting close to them.
A River Tern with eggs
A pair of Openbilled Storks
The place is maintained by forest department which provides boats for visiting the islands. A typical boat ride lasts for 15 minutes and can be extended by paying additional fees. Good time to visit would be early in the morning or in the evening hours.
Ranganathittu Information
Ranganathittu is located just off Bangalore – Mysore highway, close to Srirangapattna and is around a 120kms from Bangalore. Start early from Bangalore so you can reach there before the sun is high. Morning times are best for bird watching, but keep in mind that the place is open only between 8.30 and 5.30. From Bangalore, drive on the Mysore road till you reach Srirangapattana, continue further for another 3kms and then turn right. After driving for another 5 minutes in this road, you reach the right turn to the sanctuary. Drive for 5 more minutes on the banks of a small canal to reach the sanctuary. If you plan to visit just Ranganathittu, it would be easier take ksrtc buses early in the morning, get down at Srirangapattna and take a rikshaw to the sanctuary.
Nearby places to see include Tipu’s fort, his grave at Srirangapattna and Sangama where two branches of Kaveri – Poorvavahini and Paschimavahini re-unite. This place being very close to Mysore, you can also visit this city of palaces if you have time.
Basic Information for Birding
People interested in birding would get a wealth of information on many websites available. Some of them are below:
* http://www.indiabirds.com
* http://www.thejunglelook.com
* http://www.treepie.org
Also look at the mailing list that discusses the birds in the region: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bngbirds/
There are many places close to Bangalore and Mysore along the banks of Kaveri that make perfect spot for a day trip or pleasent picnic. I am writing a series of posts in the next few days to cover each of these places one at a time, starting with Muthathi.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
Muthathi is probably the nearest place from Bangalore on the banks of the river. It is a small village, near which the river runs shallow and wide. Road to Muthathi runs parallel to the river and makes a pleasant drive. While you are there, you can dip into the waters and enjoy the feel of the running water. The good thing about the place is that it does not get very crowded in the weekends(At least yet!) and even if it does, there is enough open space that you can always find some nice and empty area near the bank for yourself.
Other than loitering by the river, the approach to the village is a nice drive through dry deciduos forests where you might spot wildlife if you are lucky. One of the specialities of this region is the highly endemic grizzled giant squirrel which are rare and hardly seen.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel
Muthathi Information
The best thing about Mutathi is that it is just 90 minute drive once you leave the town. Drive on the Kanakapura road through Kanakapura and Sathanur. Turn left at Satanur and drive for another 30 minutes to reach Muthathi. You drive through the hills and wilderness of Cauvery wildlife sanctuary and get good views of the river. There is no accomodation available in Muthathi village but nearby Bheemeshwari has a resort run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Advance booking is necessary. Pack your food before you leave the town since there are no restaurants available. Nearby places that can be visited include the Bheemeshwai Jungle Lodge which is famous for angling activities. It is known as one of the best places to catch Masheer fish. Also close by are Mekedatu, Chunchi falls and Kaveri Sangama where river Arkavati meets Kaveri.