A Bike trip to Shivanasamudra waterfalls
It was Sunday morning 3:30 am when I woke up to join my travel group for a planned trip to Shivanasamudra. I had been to this place several times before but never miss a chance to go here again. It was morning of August in Bengaluru and the temperature was around 16 degree. My mind was pushing my body to get ready for the trip but my body was liking its place in the blanket. Finally, my memories from previous trip to this place had a greater impact and in the battle my mind won and I got ready for the trip.
About Shivanasamudra waterfalls
Shivanasamudra waterfalls is situated on the river Kaveri in Chamarajanagar District of the state of Karnataka, India. Few Kilometers back from this place, River Kaveri splits into eastern and western branches. The Western branch creates Gaganachukki waterfalls also known as Shivanasamudra falls. And the Eastern branch creates Bharachukki falls which are few kilometers south-west to this place.
Just before this fall on the cliff, the Kaveri waterflow gets broken into several channels and because of this we see Shivanasamudra falls or Gaganachukki falls as a group of waterfalls occurring side by side. This type of waterfall is known as segmented waterfall.
Shivanasamudra waterfalls has an average width of 305 meters, a height of 98 m and an average volume of 934 cubic metres per second. The maximum recorded volume is 18,887 cubic metres per second.
It is a perennial waterfall and hence you can see it throughout the year but if you want to see its beauty in full glory July to October are best months to visit this place.
Distance to Shivanasamudra waterfalls from Hebbal in Bengaluru is around 140 Km. By motorbike you can cover this distance in around 150 minutes.
Items required
Basically, you won't need much
1. One pair of cloth which you will need to play in the water near waterfall.
2. Water bottle and some snacks (Near the waterfall you will not find any shops, you may find coconut water but very rare chance of finding any shop near the water fall).
3. A pair of Sunglasses.
4. Camera (if you are fond of taking pictures).
5. If you are travelling by bike check the air pressure in tyres. Fill the tank with enough petrol. And take extra clutch and break wires.
Some suggestions
As mentioned earlier if you want to see its beauty in full glory July to October are best months to visit this place but there is a disadvantage too. During these months the waterfall volume will be more due to rain and to avoid the risk of any fatality or accidents, Authorities will close the stair gates which are basically the path which will lead us to the water of the river and you will not be allowed to enter the water does not matter even if you hold an Olympic medal in swimming. Rules are same for all. So, if you want to play in water then Nov to May will be your choice.
On way to Shivanasamudra waterfalls you will see many mountains and ponds, remember you will also pass through Ramanagara, a beautiful place surrounded by hills. For those who don’t know - famous Bollywood movie Sholay was shot here. All these natural beauties of the path are very captivating so keep on moving till you reach your destination else you will be lost in the path itself.
