With steady inflow from Coorg owing to pouring rains, KRS is now full, and there is plenty of water flowing down in Kaveri. Hoping that this is the right time, I decided to make a quick day trip to Shivanasamudra. There indeed was plenty of water and we had a great time. Even though we started as early as 6am, we had no intention to reach the falls – 120km away, before 3pm. We stopped often along the way and drove easy. The stop-overs were breakfast at Kamat Lokaruchi, rocky terrains of Ramnagar and some lakes after Maddur. We decided to take a deviation to Talkad before heading to Shivanasamudra. Some photos..
on the way… building a hay stack..
a cart in the field..
every one seemed to be working with hay..
Life sprouting on a dry lake bed
Bharachukki falls with full strength
A section of Gaganachukki
Another section of Gaganachukki
And another section of Gaganachukki..
More information
* More about Shivanasamudra and how to get there
* More about Talkad
* Other places on the bank of Kaveri
* More weekend getaways from Bangalore
Shivanasamudra is probably the largest waterfall in the region after Jog Falls. The place is also credited for hosting the first hydroelectric project in India. Here, Kaveri splits into two, falls into a valley in two separate places called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki and re-unites downstream. A good lot of water falls down from both the waterfalls. Gaganachukki especially is a steep fall where water gushes down with great velocity. The two waterfalls are around a 15-minute drive apart and make beautiful picnic locations.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
Information
Shivanasamudra can be approached either via Bangalore – Mysore road or Kanakapura road. If you are taking Mysore road, you need to turn left at Maddur and drive some distance. On Kanakapura road, keep driving for around 120 kms on the highway. Shivanasamudra is very close to the highway. Kanakapura road is usually devoid of much traffic and is preferred way for driving. The roads are not very good and it may require 3 hours to cover the distance, so plan to leave early. There are no hotels close by and no accommodation or restaurants available on location. Nearby places to visit include Talkad, which has nice sandy shores by the river and a few historical monuments.