Shivanasamudra is a cluster of waterfalls in Karnataka situated along the lifeline of south India - the river Kaveri. Shivanasamudra Falls is home to one of the first hydro-electric power stations in Asia, which was set up in 1902. The project was designed by Dewan Sir. Sheshadri Iyer and Chief Engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
This is a segmented waterfall. Segmented waterfalls occur where the water flow is broken into two or more channels before dropping over a cliff, resulting in multiple sides by side waterfalls. The Bharachukki Falls in Kollegala, with a height of 69 metres, and the Gaganachukki Falls in Malavalli, with a height of 90 metres, collectively form the Shivanasamudra Falls. A common misconception about these waterfalls is that the left segment is called Gaganachukki and the right segment is called Bharachukki. In reality the Bharachukki falls is a few kilometers to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls. This is due to the Kaveri river itself splitting a few kilometers to the south into western and eastern branches. The western branch results in the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki, whereas the eastern branch results in the Bharachukki falls.
Gaganachukki Falls
It is a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed. When heading from Bengaluru, this is the first waterfall that you will reach. A small deviation of 2-3 kms from the main highway takes you directly to the viewpoint of this magnificent falls. Enroute you call also see the hydro-electric power station, however entry is restricted for civilians. Another way to reach the waterfalls is through the Dargah of Hazrath Mardane Gaib situated on the opposite bank and closer to the other falls i.e. Bharachukki falls.
Bharachukki Waterfalls
The segmented Bharachukki waterfalls is known to be the smaller of the two falls due to comparative lesser height of the water drop. Nevertheless it is equally graceful and significant in volume displacement. The rough river bed gives rise to a mist that makes it look breathtaking.
Other Info
Getting there: Both the falls are easily accessible by road and are along the National Highway 209 that connects Bengaluru in Karnataka to Dindigul in Tamil Nadu. For outstation visitors, you can reach either Mysore/ Bengaluru via a flight/ train/ bus and then take a cab or private transport to cover the falls. You can also take one of the regular state transport buses to reach Malavalli or Sathegala Post and take an auto from there.
Approx. distance from Mysore: 78 kms
Approx. distance from Bangalore: 133 kms
Entry Charges: There are no entry charges to view either of the falls from their respective viewpoints
Timings: Entry is permitted between 9 AM to 5 PM at both the falls. Due to the forest area nearby with known wildlife movement, entry is restricted post 5 PM for safety purposes
Best time to visit Shivanasamudra falls
It is a perennial waterfall so monsoons are obviously the best time to see the waterfalls in full grandeur. The monsoon season of July to October is the best time to visit the falls and enjoy its breathtaking .
Other Places to visit Nearby
Talakadu
Talakadu is a town on the left bank of the Kaveri river. It had over 30 temples, most of which now lay buried in sand. The extant group of temples, where the eastward flowing Kaveri river changes course as the sand on its banks spreads over a wide area, is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Madhyaranga Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Sri Ranganthaswamy temple in Shivanasamudra is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu. While there are numerous Ranganatha temples in South India, and many of those are located along the banks of river Cauvery, there are three temples within the islands that are formed within the river itself. The temple is one of a such three major temples that are built on three different islands on the River Kaveri, the others being those at Srirangapatna and Srirangam.
Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp
A small town located near the bank of river Cauvery is famous for eco-tourism. A destination in natural surroundings is a one-stop destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Somanathapura
A historical village dating to the Hoysala period, Somanathapura is famous for its historical monuments and its grandeur. The monuments exhibit the grand and exclusive architecture of the time.
Channapatna
Famous for wooden and lacquerware toys and accessories, Channapatna is a small town on the way from Bangalore to Mysore.
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