Are you looking for a short and exciting getaway from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore? Do you want to witness the spectacular sight of two mighty rivers meeting and forming a gorge and a waterfall? Do you want to experience the thrill of trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting in a scenic and serene location? If yes, then Mekedatu is the perfect destination for you!
Mekedatu is a scenic spot near Bangalore, where the rivers Kaveri and Arkavati meet and form a gorge and a waterfall. The name Mekedatu means “goat’s leap” in Kannada, and it is derived from a legend that a goat escaped from a tiger by leaping across the gorge. Mekedatu is a popular one day trip from Bangalore, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Mekedatu, such as how to reach, what to do, when to visit, where to stay, and more. Read on to discover why Mekedatu is a thrilling adventure that you should not miss!
How to Reach Mekedatu from Bangalore
Mekedatu is located about 100 km from Bangalore, and it can be reached by various modes of transportation, such as bus, car, bike, etc. Here are the details of each mode:
Bus:
There are regular buses from Bangalore to Kanakapura, which is the nearest town to Mekedatu. From Kanakapura, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Sangama, which is the confluence of the rivers Kaveri and Arkavati. From Sangama, you can either walk or take a coracle ride to Mekedatu. The bus journey from Bangalore to Kanakapura takes about 3 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 100. The bus journey from Kanakapura to Sangama takes about an hour, and the fare is around Rs. 20. The coracle ride from Sangama to Mekedatu takes about 15 minutes, and the fare is around Rs. 50 per person.
Car:
You can also drive your own car or rent a car from Bangalore to Mekedatu. The route is via NH 48 and NH 948, passing through towns like Ramanagara, Channapatna, and Kanakapura. The road is well-maintained and scenic, and you can enjoy the views of the countryside and the hills along the way. The car journey from Bangalore to Mekedatu takes about 2.5 hours, and the toll is around Rs. 100. You can park your car at Sangama, and then walk or take a coracle ride to Mekedatu.
Bike:
If you are an adventure lover, you can also ride your own bike or rent a bike from Bangalore to Mekedatu. The route is the same as the car route, but you can also explore some off-road trails and shortcuts along the way. The bike journey from Bangalore to Mekedatu takes about 3 hours, and the fuel cost is around Rs. 300. You can park your bike at Sangama, and then walk or take a coracle ride to Mekedatu.
Some tips and suggestions for the journey are:
The best time to start from Bangalore is early in the morning, around 6 am, to avoid the traffic and the heat.
The places to stop along the way are Ramanagara, which is famous for its silk industry and the shooting location of the movie Sholay, and Channapatna, which is famous for its wooden toys and handicrafts.
The things to carry are water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and comfortable shoes.
What to Do at Mekedatu
Mekedatu is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and the adventure of nature. There are many attractions and activities that you can do at Mekedatu, such as:
Sangama:
Sangama is the confluence of the rivers Kaveri and Arkavati, and it is the starting point of Mekedatu. Here, you can see the contrast between the calm and clear water of Arkavati and the turbulent and muddy water of Kaveri. You can also take a dip in the water, which is considered sacred by the locals. Sangama is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Shiva Temple:
Near Sangama, there is a small and ancient Shiva temple, which is believed to be the place where the goat escaped from the tiger. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is visited by many devotees and pilgrims. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Trek:
From Sangama, you can either walk or take a coracle ride to Mekedatu. The walk is about 4 km, and it takes about an hour. The coracle ride is about 3 km, and it takes about 15 minutes. The trek is along the river bank, and it offers stunning views of the gorge and the waterfall. The trek is moderate in difficulty, and it is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trek is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Gorge:
The gorge is the main attraction of Mekedatu, and it is where the rivers Kaveri and Arkavati narrow down and squeeze through a gap of about 10 meters. The gorge is also known as the “goat’s leap”, and it is where the legend of Mekedatu originated. The gorge is a sight to behold, as the water gushes through the rocks with great force and noise. The gorge is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Waterfall:
The waterfall is the other attraction of Mekedatu, and it is where the water falls from a height of about 20 meters into a deep pool. The waterfall is also known as the “Chunchi Falls”, and it is a popular spot for photography and picnic. The waterfall is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Some tips and suggestions for the visit are:
The best time to go to Mekedatu is in the morning, around 9 am, to avoid the crowd and the heat.
The things to wear are light and comfortable clothes, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals.
The safety precautions are to avoid swimming or boating in the river, as the water level and current can change suddenly and unpredictably. Also, avoid venturing too close to the edge of the gorge or the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery and dangerous.
The things to carry are water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and a change of clothes.
When to Visit Mekedatu
Mekedatu is a place that can be visited throughout the year, as it has a pleasant and moderate climate. However, the best time to visit Mekedatu depends on your preferences and goals, such as the crowd, the water level, the activities, etc. Here are the seasonal variations and weather conditions at Mekedatu, and the pros and cons of visiting Mekedatu in different seasons:
Summer (March to May):
The summer season at Mekedatu is hot and dry, with the temperature ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The water level in the river is low, and the flow is slow. The crowd is also less, and the prices are lower. The pros of visiting Mekedatu in summer are that you can enjoy the trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting activities, and that you can get a clear view of the gorge and the waterfall. The cons of visiting Mekedatu in summer are that you may feel uncomfortable and dehydrated due to the heat and the sun, and that you may not be able to enjoy the swimming or boating activities.
Monsoon (June to September):
The monsoon season at Mekedatu is wet and humid, with the temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The water level in the river is high, and the flow is fast. The crowd is also more, and the prices are higher. The pros of visiting Mekedatu in monsoon are that you can enjoy the swimming or boating activities, and that you can see the gorge and the waterfall in their full glory. The cons of visiting Mekedatu in monsoon are that you may face difficulty and danger in trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting activities, and that you may not get a clear view of the gorge and the waterfall due to the mist and the rain.
Winter (October to February):
The winter season at Mekedatu is cool and pleasant, with the temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The water level in the river is moderate, and the flow is normal. The crowd is also moderate, and the prices are reasonable. The pros of visiting Mekedatu in winter are that you can enjoy all the attractions and activities at Mekedatu, and that you can get a balanced view of the gorge and the waterfall.
Where to Stay near Mekedatu
If you want to extend your trip to Mekedatu, you can find various types of accommodation options near Mekedatu, such as hotels, resorts, homestays, camps, etc. Here are some of the best options for you:
Bheemeshwari Nature and Adventure Camp: This is a luxury resort that offers cottages, tents, and log huts overlooking the river Kaveri. The resort also offers activities such as fishing, rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, etc. The location is about 25 km from Mekedatu, and the price is around Rs. 5000 per night.
Galibore Nature Camp: This is another resort by Jungle Lodges that offers spacious tents with attached bathrooms and balconies facing the river Kaveri. The resort also offers activities such as coracle ride, birdwatching, trekking, etc. The location is about 16 km from Mekedatu, and the price is around Rs. 4000 per night.
Mekedatu Homestay: This is a budget-friendly option that offers rooms and dormitories with basic amenities and facilities. The homestay also offers food, bonfire, and games. The location is about 5 km from Mekedatu, and the price is around Rs. 1000 per night.
Mekedatu Camping: This is an adventurous option that offers tents and sleeping bags on the river bank. The camping also offers food, music, and barbecue. The location is about 2 km from Mekedatu, and the price is around Rs. 800 per night.
Some tips and suggestions for the stay are:
The best time to book your accommodation is in advance, as the availability and the rates may vary depending on the season and the demand.
The check-in and check-out timings are usually flexible, but you should confirm with the host or the manager before arriving or departing.
The cancellation and refund policies are different for each option, so you should read the terms and conditions carefully before booking.
The things to carry are toiletries, towels, clothes, medicines, and personal items.
Nearby Attractions to Mekedatu
If you have some extra time and energy, you can also explore some other places of interest that are close to Mekedatu, such as:
Chunchi Falls:
This is a beautiful waterfall that is formed by the river Arkavati before it joins the river Kaveri. The waterfall is about 15 meters high, and it is surrounded by rocks and greenery. The waterfall is a popular picnic spot, and it is also a good place for photography and relaxation. The waterfall is about 10 km from Mekedatu, and it is open from 8 am to 5 pm. There is no entry fee, but there is a parking fee of Rs. 10.
Bheemeshwari:
This is a scenic spot that is located on the banks of the river Kaveri. The spot is famous for its fishing camps, where you can catch and release various species of fish, such as mahseer, catfish, etc. The spot also offers activities such as rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, etc. The spot is about 25 km from Mekedatu, and it is open from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no entry fee, but there is a fee for the activities, which varies depending on the package and the season.
Shivanasamudra:
This is a twin waterfall that is formed by the river Kaveri after it splits into two branches. The waterfall is one of the largest in India, and it is also the location of the first hydroelectric power station in Asia. The waterfall has two segments, namely Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, which are about 1 km apart. The waterfall is a spectacular sight, especially during the monsoon, when the water volume is high. The waterfall is about 50 km from Mekedatu, and it is open from 8 am to 5 pm. There is no entry fee, but there is a parking fee of Rs. 20.
Some tips and suggestions for the visit are:
The best time to visit these places is in the morning or evening, to avoid the crowd and the heat.
The things to wear are light and comfortable clothes, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals.
The safety precautions are to avoid swimming or boating in the waterfalls, as the water level and current can be dangerous. Also, avoid venturing too close to the edge of the waterfalls, as the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
The things to carry are water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and a change of clothes.
Mekedatu is a thrilling one day trip from Bangalore, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for all types of travellers. You can enjoy the beauty and the adventure of nature, as you witness the spectacular sight of the gorge and the waterfall, and experience the thrill of trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting. You can also explore the history and the legend behind the name, and visit the ancient Shiva temple. You can also extend your trip to Mekedatu, and stay at some of the best accommodation options near Mekedatu. You can also visit some other nearby attractions, such as Chunchi Falls, Bheemeshwari, and Shivanasamudra, and make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it useful and informative. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you. Happy travelling!
