Shivanasamudra

Shivanasamudra is a waterfall around 140kms from Bangalore. It is one of the wonderful waterfalls in Karnataka. It is called by various names as bluff Shiva’s sea. That’s how this place has got the name Shivanasamudra. It is located in Mandya district. It has the first Hydro - Electric Power Station which was done in 1902. The waterfall is 50mtrs tall. The river Cavery flows here. It flows in two cascades. The western branch of the falls is known as Gaganachukki and the eastern branch is known as Bharachukki. These two branches are a mile away from each other. Gaganachukki is 98mtrs tall and 667,000 cubic feet per second is the maximum flow of water in this falls. It is also known as the oldest power station in Asia. A Dorgan near the Gaganchukki is the best viewpoint, to explore the top stream of the Gaganachukki.

Here people can’t swim as the gorge is very deep and the current passes in the falls. This place is also a famous pilgrimage centre. It is known as Madhya Rangam. The Ranganatha temple is worshipped here and it is constructed in the Dravidian style.

The temperature will be 20 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius.

The best time to visit this place is during rainy season between July and September.

Route Information

There are 2 routes from Bangalore:

1: Take the Mysore road, near Maddur take a diversion and drive till Malavalli.

2: Take Kanakapura road and drive till Malavalli.

At Malavalli, you can ask someone for the guidance.

Shopping information

Shivanasamudra is a village place and is not a significant shopping place. But you will find many shop where you can pick some snacks, cola, film rolls etc.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Waterfall:

You can visit both Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls. You can enjoy the spectacular flow of water just after the mansoon. If you wish to have a closer look, you can take the steps to get down a bit and there you will find a viewpoint. Swimming is not possible here, as the george is very deep.

Below are some attractive places around Shivanasamudra and Mysore. You can cover these places in a one day trip.

Somnathpur:

(Around 35kms from Mysore)

It is very nice temple built in the time of Hoysala architecture. It is built in 13th century A.D. The temple is built in the shape of star shaped with three shines built after Prasanna Chennakeshava. Duration: 2 hrs.

Talkad:

(Around 45kms from Mysore)

It is an ancient town built in sand. Only one temple can be seen above the sand which is very nice to see. There is a river in which you can play. Once in five years many other temples are seen which are hidden in the sand. Duration: 2-3hrs.

Melkote:

(Around 60kms from Mysore)

It is famous for the temple which shows the old culture of India. Here Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple is worshipped. In this temple the oldest Sanskrit pathasala can be seen. Here they celebrate many festivals such as Vairamudi utsava, Teppotsava. Duration:1-2 hrs.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Things to carry: First Aid Kit, Travel Kit, Cap (in summer). You will find many Dhaba (Village hotels) on the way.

Hotel availability: No hotels/ accommodation available at Shivanasamudra. You can get nice accomodation in Mysore.

Local Taxi availability: -NA-

Neared known city: Mysore and Kanakapura.

(  posted by Raghu of http://placesaroundbangalore.blogspot.com/)