Information About

Shivanasamudra







Near the town is the famous Shivanasamudram (also known as the Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva 's Sea ) Waterfall . The Kaveri River splits here into two branches and each branch cascades down rocky cliffs. The more popularly viewed cascade is known as Gaganachukki and the other cascade is known as Bharachukki. These spectacular waterfalls are surrounded by hill forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.



The Gaganachukki is 98 m tall, and has a maximum recorded flow of 667,000 cubic feet per sec. One of Asia's oldest hydro-electric power stations, still functional, is located at the waterfall. This is where Hydel Power was first harnessed in Asia and the electricity thus produced was used in the Gold Mines of Kolar and thus Kolar Gold Fields became the first city in Asia to get electricity. One can view these waterfalls from the Hydel Power viewing end or the Dargah end. The Gaganachukki itself has 2 facades, the western facade and the eastern facade. Many enthusiastic youngsters trek down the hill side towards the cascade and enjoy the water spray. One can ask the locals for directions to the Dargah and view the upstream end of the falls. The upstream is particularly awe inspiring after the monsoons when the Kaveri River is full.



The Barachukki is about a kilometer away from the Dargah. Barachukki has a wider cascading edge. One section resembles a 'u' section, like the Niagara Falls . It also has nice graceful cascade along the side. There are much fewer visitors to this falls and there is no viewing gallery construction here.




You have to take care if you want to swim in the waters. The currents are quite strong and the gorge is quite deep. You may want to think again considering the number of lives lost in the waters at this place. Similarly for Mekedatu .



Also, in the same area...

  1. The Mahatma Gandhi Hydel Power Project. Asia 's first Hydroelectric Power Station , used to power Kolar Gold Fields .

  2. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple - ''Madhya Rangam''
    (Note: Srirangapatna temple is called ''Aadi Rangam'' and the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Trichy ( Kollidam ) is called ''Antha Rangam''. All these 3 Ranganathaswamy Temples are located on land where Cauvery flows on either side of it. Or simply, where Cauvery branches out and rejoins back downstream.)

  3. Dargah of a Muslim Peer - very close to the other side of Gaganachukki Falls.

  4. Chunchi Falls - if time permits. You have to travel on Kanakapura Highway towards Bangalore to reach the diversion for Chunchi Falls. I have not seen it, but heard that it is also a beautiful spot.




How to reach?
From Bangalore: There are 2 routes.

a) You can take Mysore Road, cross Mandya, take diversion for Maddur and drive straight towards Malavalli. After Malavalli, you can ask any local and he can guide you correctly. You can also return via the same route. This route has good roads and you can enjoy the new Bangalore-Mysore Expressway too.

b) Alternatively, you can take the National Highway that passes through Kanakapura. Drive straight upto Malavalli and then you can ask any local villager for directions. They will tell you the exact route. (This is the route that you would take to reach Bheemeshwari Fishing Resort).

Total distance: 140 kms.

Best time to visit: September to February.