Shivasamudram or Shivanasamudram waterfalls are the nation’s second largest waterfalls and the sixteenth largest in the world. Shivasamudram waterfalls are an absolutely stunning place to hang out with family and friends.
The unique fact about this waterfall is that it divides Cauvery River into two different falls, the western Gaganachukki falls and the eastern Bharachukki falls, located one km apart. These waterfalls are surrounded by hill forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. What makes Shivasamudram waterfalls extra-ordinary is the fact that the waterfall is a splendid cluster of these beautiful and scenic waterfalls.
Coming to the impressive Shivasamudram falls, the heighness of the waterfall is about 300-350 feet has its source in Karnataka’s Mandya District. The Gaganachukki falls descends down a height of 98m with the maximum flow of 667,000 cubic feet per second. It is a very popular waterfall as, Asia’s first hydroelectric power station was set up at this waterfall, in the year 1905. The electricity produced here was mainly used to light up the Gold Mines of Kolar, making Kolar the first Asian city to receive electricity. The power station is situated near a Dargah, from where you can have excellent views of Gaganachukki. The waterfall comprises of two arcades, one in the west and the other in the east.
Bharachukki waterfall is situated at a distance of approximately one km from the Dargah, and the flow edge of this waterfall is little wider than that of Gaganachukki falls. At Bharachukki falls you can have a great view of the falls from the top, walk down to the bottom of the falls and can have a dip in the river under the falls and have a coracle ride, there is also boating option available on Bharachuki water fall.
At Shivasamudram, the river branches into two, creating the second largest island in its course. There is a group of ancient temples situated in this island.
The overall view of the waterfall is stunning as water gushing through the rocks, the trees and the cloud like atmosphere due to the falls is a great watch.
Location : Shivanasamudra Waterfalls situated in Mandya District, it is just at a distance of around 120 km from Bangalore, the journey time will be close to 3 hours from Bangalore.
How to reach : If you like to watch waterfalls, this is one of the must-visit places as a one-day trip from Bangalore. You need to go on Mysore highway via ramanagara and chanapattna. It’s a good option to go in a car or bike, where the road goes above the Cauvery river, which is very calm and serene and you can enjoy the awesome weather.
Best time to visit this place is during and after the monsoon, where the water is in abundant quantity, and the falls are breathtaking. In this place you have two viewpoints to choose from on either side of the falls, one of which has steps leading to the viewpoints, the other is more challenging with some steps then lots of climbing over large rocks, whichever you choose once you get there it’s worth, breathtaking and awesome view.
Overall it is a very nice drive to the falls, the calm and serene surroundings and the good roads enhance your pleasant experience and make your trip really great.