Written by: Raju Shanbhag
Shivanasamudra
There is a saying in the local Kannada dialect, which is spoken in the land of Shivanasamudra, that everything that’s white is not milk. Looking at the magnificent surge of white, foamy waves of water down the rocks in Shivanasamudra, you’d wish that the saying was false, for a change. The water is pristine, and the feeling is rejuvenating when you come face to face with one of the finest waterfalls in Karnataka. Be warned, the magnificence of this waterfall has a tendency to grow on you as the time passes without your knowledge!
Shivanasamudra means the sea of Lord Shiva in Kannada. As if the splendor of one waterfall was not enough to lure the nature lovers, the place is blessed with two waterfalls by name Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. Shivanasamudra is 140 km from Bangalore, but you simply won’t remember the distance once you set your eyes on this marvel of nature.
Orientation
Shivanasamudra is 140 km from Bangalore on Mysore Road. Apart from the visual treat that engulfs you the moment you set your foot in, there are also other worldly matters that you may care to know. Shivanasamudra has the first Hydro – Electric Power Station which was done in 1902. The waterfall is 50mtrs tall. The river Kaveri (Cauvery) flows here. It is also known as the oldest power station in Asia.
WEATHER
Usually, the weather in Shivanasamudra hovers between 20 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. Like any other waterfall, the majesty of Shivanasamudra can be enjoyed to its fullest extent after the rainy season, which means between July and September.
GETTING THERE / ROUTE INFORMATION
You will get plenty of buses to go to Maddur. But then, you have to take a diversion from Maddur to Malavalli and the frequency of buses dwindles expectedly as this is a village area. Better if you can drive your own vehicle, because the travel will be much more pleasant.
Road Quality
Although the national highway is good, roads will deteriorate a little once you take diversion.
Pictures of Shivanasamudra
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MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Waterfall
The arresting beauty of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls takes up plenty of your time (but that’s why you have come here!). Well, if you manage to get up early, you have option to see few other places nearby!
Somnathpur
(Around 35kms from Mysore)
From natural wonders to manmade wonders. Somnathpur boasts of a wonderful temple built in Hoysala architecture. Every inch of this temple features some amazing stone carvings. A must see for architecture lovers.
Talkad
(Around 45kms from Mysore)
This is a town built with sand. But most of the travelers will return after seeing just one temple which is always visible. Other temples are buried inside the thick layers of sand on the banks of the river. Once in every five years, like diamonds emerging from the heart of the earth, other buildings make themselves visible.
Melkote
(Around 60kms from Mysore)
After enjoying the nature, you can proceed to Melkote which houses Shri Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple. You can also see one of the oldest Sanskrit pathasala in this place. If you are not very serious about enrolling, you can make your journey back home!
Vital Tourist Information
Carry some food!
Although you will find a sea of Dhabas and hotels on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, they will vanish once you take a diversion to Shivanasamudra. Near Shivanasamudra, there aren’t any hotels or accommodations. Also, make sure you start your journey back soon if you are planning to reach Bangalore the same day. We know it’s cruel to suggest this when you are sitting in front of these wonderful waterfalls. But life’s like that!
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital | JSS Hospital, Mysore. Tel: (0821) – 2563845 |
| Police | Mysore. Tel: (0821) – 2418105 / 2418111 |
very good pic collection
gr8 snaps & thanks for useful information
One question is it a nice place for camping ?
cool pics awesome bro
Hi Raju ,
Gppd efforts but some more detailed info on route would help the commuters
Aparna,
A detailed route :
Start on Brigade Road
Merge to Hosur Road
Hook on to Bannerghatta Road
Take a Right diversion to Outer Ring Road
A Left to Kanakpura Road and continue for around 9 KM
Merge onto NH209 and continue towards Mallavali via Kanakpura and Halgur for around 90KM !
Take Left onto state road towards Shivanasamundram.
You will reach the destination after 5 KM.
Hope it helps.
There is a hotel (little costly and OK type service) exatly at the Sivanasamudra. We has been there last Sept 2008 and stayed there for one night. The view from the balcony was awsome!
I am not sure if the hotel still exists. Even if it is not there anymore you should be able to find a hotel within 30/40 KM on the Mysore road for the groups with kids.
wow nice photography……