SHIVANASAMUDRA FALLS TOURISM | PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO SHIVANASAMUDRA

At a distance of 130 km from Bangalore & 81 km from Mysore, Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka. The island of Shivanasamudra divides the Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are collectively called Shivanasamudra Falls though Gaganachukki is most commonly represented as Shivanasamudra Falls. This place offers breathtaking sights in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra Falls is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages.

Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail-shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. The currents here are quite strong and the gorge is quite deep. So, swimming is not permitted here. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up downstream of the falls in the year 1905. The power generated here was initially used in Kolar Gold Fields. The power station is situated near a Dargah, from where you can have excellent views of the other side of Gaganachukki.

Bharachukki is situated at a distance of approximately one km from the Gaganachukki (Dargah point). The cascading edge of Bharachukki is a little wider and more popular than that of Gaganachukki. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty. There is a well-laid plight of about 200 steps that lead down to the waterfall. The way down to the waterfall is relatively safe as it is fenced with railings and there are benches to sit on and relax. An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall. Barachukki also has a section of the waterfall where the water flows less in volume and an ideal spot to play and enjoy a bath under the waterfall in this area.

Though geographically both the falls are adjacent, the viewpoints of these falls are about 15 km away. The Gaganachukki waterfalls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra watch tower. There is another approach to the Gaganachukki falls from the Dargah Hazrath Mardane Gaib which provides the best view of the right branch of the falls. Reaching the bottom of the waterfall from the watchtower side is not possible as the area is fenced and no one is allowed to go near the water. There are also warnings posted near the fence that caution visitors against crossing the barrier and proceeding to the water from that side of the falls.

Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport which is about 175 km from Sivanasamudra. Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 81 km from Sivanasamudra. Shivanasamudra is not well connected by bus. Buses fly regularly to Kollegala from Bangalore as well as Mysore. From Kollegala, one can hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the falls.

July to January is the best time to visit Sivanasamudra Falls while August to October is the peak season.

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