#CoffeeWithTripoto
“There is a waterfall in every dream. Cool and crystal clear, it falls gently on the sleeper, cleansing the mind and soothing the soul.”
At a distance of 130 km from Bangalore & 81 km from Mysore, Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in Mandya District of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore. These waterfalls are also known as Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva's Sea. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other.
The Circuit
Bangalore – Kanakapura – Malavalli – Gaganachukki falls – Bharachukki falls – Bangalore
Distance – 315 KMs
Road condition – Very good
Route – Google Map of the circuit
The Itinerary
6.30 AM – Leave home and hit NICE road if you near it. Exit at Kanakapura road. Ride along the road with few lakes to give you company. Driving early morning on this road is pleasure as there is no traffic.
8 AM – Have Breakfast at Kanakapura. Vasu hotel is an excellent option. A traditional self-service hotel. This is not a hep hotel but has excellent Idlis, vadas and of course yummy Masala Dosa.
8.45 AM – Depart Kanakapura and ridealong NH 209 (New No is 948). At Malavalli, continue on the bypass road and drive straight to the first of the two falls at Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki. Follow excellent signage from the highway to the falls. Gaganchukki as the name says is the taller of the two.
10 AM – Arrive at Gaganachukki falls. Park your bike and proceed to the view-point. Enjoy the spectacular view of the falls. Gaganachukki as name suggests cascades from the tall rocks and forms a lovely waterfall. Do not venture to walk down to the bottom of the falls and try to swim in water. It is dangerous as rocks are slippery and there are whirlpools. You may find some young boys venturing into it but we don’t advise.
10.45 AM – Depart from Gaganachukki and proceed towards Bharachukki. It is a fifteen minutes drive and you reach another spectacular falls. On the way stopover and enjoy the panoramic view of the huge lake formed by the barrage against Cauvery river. As the name suggests, this is wider with larger volume of water. Go to the view-point and enjoy the panoramic view of the falls. Spend 30 -45 minutes here.
We skipped talkadu as we had to get back to our hostel.
Travel Tips
a) The best time to visit the Shivanasamudra waterfalls is in monsoon when the water is released from KRS Dam. But the falls and surroundings are lovely in all seasons.
b) Do not enter the water at the waterfalls. Many lives have been lost here due to misadventure.
The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.