Shivanasamudra Falls is a famous waterfall on the Kaveri River in Chamarajanara district, close to Mandya. Shivanasamudra falls is a must-see after the monsoon season for the beautiful delight it provides.
Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki are the two waterfalls that makeup Shivanasamudra. Despite being part of the same Kaveri river, the viewing locations for Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki are roughly 15 kilometers apart. There is a well-maintained viewing platform where you can see the Gagana Chukki and Bharachukki waterfalls. River water cascading down steep rock cliffs, surrounded by beautiful green trees, guarantees a captivating image and photographer’s joy.
Shivanasamudra falls, also known as Sivasamudram, is a beautiful waterfall in Karnataka’s Mandya district. Shivanasamudra Falls, which literally translates as “Shiva’s Sea,” is surrounded by the dense forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Shivanasamudra, commonly known as Bluff, is India’s second-biggest waterfall and one of the greatest waterfalls around Bangalore. It is ranked 45th among the top 100 waterfalls in the world. It is one of Mysore’s most popular waterfalls and also the finest one-day excursion from Bangalore.
Shivanasamudra falls is a segmented waterfall produced by the Cauvery River, with numerous parallel streams forming opposite each other. The island settlement of Shivanasamudra splits the Cauvery River into two separate falls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are called Shivanasamudra Falls together, while Gaganachukki is most often depicted as Shivanasamudra Falls. During the peak monsoon season, the falls provide a spectacular spectacle. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka.
Gaganachukki is a massive horsetail-shaped waterfall that drops from a height of 90 meters and two big parallel streams that flow down through a stony bed from a height of more than 320 feet. The currents are strong here, and the gorge is fairly deep. As a result, swimming is not permitted here. There is a guard tower with a breathtaking view of the waterfall. A Dargah beside the falls also offers a magnificent view of the waterfall. It is the site of Asia’s first hydroelectric power facility, which was built in 1902. This is one of India’s oldest power plants. The electricity generated here was originally used in the Kolar Gold Fields.
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Bharachukki, located 1 km from Gaganachukki, is a little broader and more popular than its cousin. It rushes down from a height of 70 meters, generating many streams that flow through the vast granite formations, creating stunning natural beauty. A small route of stairs cut through rocks that lead down to the bottom of the Dargah’s fall. The coracle ride that brings you to the mouth of the enormous waterfall is the main attraction of Bharachukki waterfall. It also includes a part of a waterfall where the water runs slower and is a great place to play and take a bath under the waterfall.
Though physically nearby, the views for both falls are roughly 15 kilometers apart. The finest place to see the Gaganachukki waterfalls is from the Shivanasamudra falls observation tower. Another route to the Gaganachukki falls from the Dargah Hazrath Mardane Gaib, which offers the greatest view of the falls’ right branch. The bottom of the waterfall cannot be reached from the watchtower side since the area is walled off, and no one is permitted to approach near the water.
The Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Shivanasamudra falls is designed in the Dravidian style. The deity here is known as “Madhya Ranga,” and is greatly loved by Sri Vaishnava followers and others. The deity, affectionately known as Mohana Ranga, is thought to symbolize God’s youth form. Another well-known temple in Shivanasamudra is the old Sri Someshwara Temple. There is also a Vanadurga Devi temple around 1 kilometer from the Someshwara temple.
The greatest time to visit is during the monsoon season when the falls are in full bloom. These waterfalls and adjacent hills are part of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers various excursions, including forest hiking, rock climbing, bird viewing, fishing, and other activities for naturalists.
The best vantage spots are at Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls.
Gaganachukki Falls: This waterfall may be seen from two distinct vantage points. The Shiavanasamudra Watch Tower is one among them. The other is the Islamic shrine of Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib.
Barachukki Falls: This waterfall is significantly more accessible. The local government has built a large observation deck with numerous stories and stairways. Furthermore, there are several sitting possibilities. The stairs at the foot of the falls are available during the warmer months. However, due to rising water levels during the monsoon season, access is prohibited.
Shivanasamudra Falls’ History
Did you know that one of Asia’s oldest hydroelectric power plants is located at the Shivanasamudra Falls? It was constructed in 1902. It was imperial India’s second electricity production station. Sir K Seshadri Iyer, Diwan of Mysore, dedicated the station. During the early 1900s gold rush, the electricity generated here was utilized in the Kolar Gold Fields!
Tip: The Karnataka Power Corporation grants tourists specific authorization to enter the power facility. Make sure to take a ride in the station’s vintage British winch lift vehicle.
The Shivanasamudra Falls’ height
Shiavana Samudra is a segmented waterfall that happens when the water flow is divided into several smaller streams before falling over a cliff. As a result, it produces a series of tiny waterfalls close to each other. The falls are about 300 meters broad and 98 meters tall! That’s a lot of space! When the flood gates of the upstream dam are opened, the outflow volume is approximately 18,887 cubic meters per second. This generally happens during the monsoon season, which lasts from June through September.
What is the best way to get to Shivanasamudra Falls?
Shivanasamudra Falls is around 140 kilometers from Bangalore. The trip from Bangalore to Mandya takes 2 hours on the Bangalore-Mysore route, with a 1.5-hour detour into Malavalli town. A vehicle is the finest mode of transportation for a road trip.
Daily buses run from Bangalore to Malavalli (Mandya) and then to Shivana Samudra. It is advised to disembark at Satya Gala Hand Post and hike the final 2 kilometers to the falls. However, autorickshaws are available at the bus station to transport you to the falls.
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Shivana Samudra Restaurants
Between Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) runs a hotel and restaurant. Outside the observation point, there are little bhel puri stores and steamed corn vendors. Fresh sugarcane juice is available.
En way to the viewpoints, there are several modest motels and rustic cafés. However, as you reach Malavalli town or the Bangalore Mysore Highway in Mandya, you will find many high-end eateries. We particularly enjoy Kamat Loka Ruchi on the route to Ramanagar for its delectable Jowar Roti dinners!
