Shivanasamudra
About Shivanasamudra (ಶಿವನ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ)
Shivanasamudra is small hamlet in Kollegal Taluk, Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka state India. It is situated on the river banks of Kaveri. Shivanasamudra is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and hydroelectric power station.
Shivanasamudra Falls
River Kaveri flows through the rocks and plunges down to form waterfalls. The river divides into two and flows around Shivanasamudra making it an island town.
Gaganachukki & Bharachukki
The two waterfalls here, the left segment is Gaganachukki falls and the Right segment is Bharachukki Falls.
The western branch ( left segment) of the twin waterfalls is Gaganachukki. -The Eastern branch (right Segment) Bharachukki is a few kilometers away from Gaganachukki. Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls together known as Shivanasamudra Falls (ಶಿವನ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ) (Shiva’s sea)
Note: Gaganachukki Falls divides and falls as twin waterfalls. Please do not confuse it with Bharachukki Falls. You have to drive for 5 minutes approximately from Gaganachukki to see Bharachukki Falls which is 3 kilometers away
Gaganachukki falls
The Western branch of the two branches of river Kaveri, falls as a twin waterfall of Gaganachukki from a height of approximately 98 meters. One of the twin waterfall looks like a huge horse tail. The best view of this waterfall is from the watchtower. We can approach the waterfalls via Dargah of Hazrath Mardane Gaib.
Boat Ride at Gaganachukki falls
When the water flows in lesser volume people do go near the waterfall and enjoy swimming. There are locals who take you on Coracle ride (small round boats) (Theppa Kannada). But they have no safety measurements like life jackets with them and also there are no life guards here. So people who like to be adventurous and like to explore have to do it on their own risk.
Boat ride fare
- ₹100 – Per Person
- ₹50 – kids
Bharachukki falls
The Eastern segment or branch of Shivanasamudra waterfalls is the Bharachukki Falls. It falls down from a height of approximately 69 meters. The width of the falls is almost 800 meters. Compared to Gaganachukki, Barachukki falls is graceful.
During the monsoon, you can see the water gushing with leaps and bounds. It is the most wonderful sight. Bharachukki is also called the ‘Niagara’ of South India.
Closer View
There are around 200 steps that lead to the base of the waterfall. But during the monsoon, when there is a heavy flow of water the gate will be closed to avoid accidents. Visitors can sit on the benches or view the falls standing on the platform, which is fenced with railings.
Hydroelectric power station at ಶಿವನ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ
Idea Behind Construction
When you see the falls in full bloom one can feel an electrifying effect in their body. I can also say ‘spine-chilling’ as you feel both excited and scared at once. This is how even Major A.J.De Lotebiniere, the Deputy Chief Engineer of Mysore state felt when he visited this falls. By seeing the force of Gaganachukki Falls he got an idea of harnessing electricity.
Proposal
De Lotebiniere placed his proposal to Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar the king of Mysore, to develop a hydroelectric power plant here. Enthused by the proposal the king offered all support and summoned Diwan Sir .K Sheshadri Iyer and instructed him to give all support to the proposed project.
Construction
Elephants, Horses and Bullock carts were used to carry heavy equipment imported from the UK and US to the hilly terrain. Wooden poles were brought specially from Australia for the purpose. With combined efforts, a 700 KW hydroelectric power station was established in the area. The first hydroelectric power station became operational on June 30th, 1902 – reference News Karnataka – BM Lava Kumar.
Shivanasamudra Dam
It is a check dam which diverts Cauvery river water towards hydroelectric power station. Also called ‘Headwards’, The check dam diverts water towards the head of hydropower generating turbines. This place is very dangerous as it has whirlpools and undercurrents.
Places to visit near Shivanasamudra
Sri Tripurasundari Temple
Talakadu
Somnathpura
Matthithaleshwara Temple
Temple Near Shivanasamudra
River Kaveri as she flows makes three islands in three places. Two places are in Karnataka and one in Tamilnadu.
- The first Island formed is at Srirangapatna in Mandya District. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha which is Lord Vishnu’s Idol in a sleeping posture on Adishesha – The Seven-headed Serpent. This temple is ‘Adi Ranga Temple’
- The second Island formed is at Shivanasamudra and the temple of Lord Ranganatha is called the ‘Madhya Ranga Temple’ and
- The third island ‘Anthya Ranga Temple’ is at Srirangam Tamilnadu
Average Visit Duration
6 Hours – 9 Hours to visit all places at shivanasamudra
- Barachukki Falls
- Gaganachukki Falls
- Check Dam
- Hydroelectric Power Station
- Two Temples (Sri Prasanna Meenakshi Sri Someshwara Temple & Ranganathaswamy Temple)
Best Time To Visit Shivanasamudra
June to September view of the falls in full bloom
Winter & Summer – enjoy the water and scenic beauty at the base
Gaganachukki & Bharachukki Timings
Opening: 9:00 a.m. – Closing: 6:00 p.m.
Official Website for ಶಿವನ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ
www.mandya.nic.in
www.kstdc.co
Email
There Is No Official Email Address
Phone Number Shivanasamudra
There Is No Contact Number
Shivanasamudra (ಶಿವನ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ) Address
Barachukki Waterfalls – Barachukki Waterfalls Chamarajnagar, Karnataka 571430
Gaganachukki Waterfalls – Gaganachukki Falls Rd, Karnataka 571437
Shivanasamudra Accommodation
There is no accommodation at viewPoint. You might have to travel around 3-5 Kms to find good accommodation. There are few beautiful resorts in the surrounding area.
Accomodation near Bharachukki
KSTDC – Hotel Mayura
Contact – 089706 50053
Accomodation near Gaganachukki
KSTDC – Hotel Mayura (Hotel Lakshadeep Gaganachukki)
Contact – 08231 247288, 88622 35155
Shivanasamudra Distance
Bangalore to Shivanasamudra – 132.7 Kms
Mysore to Shivanasamudra – 77.5 Kms
Malavalli to Shivanasamudra – 29.2 Kms
How To Reach
KSRTC(Bus)
Every 10 minutes there is a KSRTC Bus to Malavalli from Bangalore. You can take buses going towards ‘Kollegala’ or any bus that goes via Malavalli.
If you are looking to book online through KSRTC website, there is a bus (0730BNGMMH) which starts from Bangalore at 7.30 A.M and reaches Malavalli at 9.30 A.M,
Charges ₹98/Person
Malavalli to Shivanasamudra
Take a private bus or Govt Bus from Malavalli to Sathegala Hand Post 23 Kms, Shared & Private auto rickshaw to Shivanasamudra which is 6.2 Kms @ ₹20/ Person
Private auto rickshaw to the falls @ ₹100/One way
ISRTC(Train)
Take train from Bangalore railway station or Mysore Railway station, Nearest station to Shivanasamudra is Maddur station.
From Maddur station it is 54.7 Kms to Shivanasamudra.
Bangalore to Maddur Train – 60 Kms – ₹41
Mysore to Maddur Train – 52 kms – ₹36
NOTE – please do contact Indian Railways (IRCTC) for better clarity on train timings & updated Pricing
By Air
Nearest International Airport( kempegowda airport Bangalore) is 175 Kms from Shivanasamudra.
Nearest Domestic Airport (Mandakalli Airport Mysore) is 77.1 Kms from Shivanasamudra
Road – Bike / Car
Bangalore to Shivanasamudra via Mysore road – 130 Kms
Majestic (kempegowda bus station) – Kumbalgodu – Bidadi – Channapatna – Maddur – KM Doddi – Malavalli – Shivanasamudra
Bangalore to Shivanasamudra via Kanakapura road- 132Kms
Majestic (kempegowda bus station) – Jayanagar – Thathaguni – Harohalli – Kanakapura – Malavalli – Shivanasamudra
Route Mysore to Shivanasamudra via Bannur – 77.5 Kms
Mysore – Harohalli – Bannur – Malavalli – Shivanasamudra
Route Mysore to Shivanasamudra via T Narasipura – 72.3 Kms
Mysore – Duddagere – T Narasipura – Sargur – Shivanasamudra