Living in Bangalore is bliss!!! Apart from the nice weather, it is surrounded by number of waterfalls which in monsoon turns into roaring thunders. A road trip is a must to soak you into the realm of Mother Nature, especially when you have Thunderbird as your companion.
On a weekend of last July, we (me and my husband) decided to go for a long drive with our Thunderbird. So here we started, at 6 am in the morning to avoid heavy traffic of Bangalore. It was a beautiful morning, with fresh breeze and raining cats and dogs in between.
Kanakpura
We reached Kanakpura after one hour of drive and had Idlis in our breakfast. From Kanakpura, road divides into two, left one leading to Chunchi Fall, Sangama and Mekadatu while right one will lead into Shivanasamudram Falls.
Chunchi Falls
With the help of Google map and local’s directions, we reached Chunchi Falls. A picture perfect location it is. Locals have arranged some space for parking. From parking, it is about another 1-1.5 Km trek on plateau to reach the falls. Some snacks such as pineapple, carrot, chips were available at parking area.
After some trekking, we reached near to river which was in its full flow.
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The muddy water of river Arkavati will definitely attract you but it can be quite dangerous to step down deep inside the river.
Further, after some rock climbing, we reached on top to see the beauty of cascade of the falls. During monsoon, it is not possible to go near the falls. The whole landscape is very beautiful surrounded by green tress, gushing river and a beautiful waterfall
Sangama
Merging of River Arkavati and Cauvery locally known as ‘Sangama’ is another half an hour journey from Chunchi Falls. The area comes under Forest Department, so before reaching the place, forest officers will stop you and check your bags.
The water at Sangama is clean, one can easily see the two rivers from two sides. Though coracle rides are available here, but due to overflow of water, sometimes it is not possible in monsoon. You can taste the delicacy of fresh fried fishes here.
Mekedatu
Mekedatu (meaning Goat’s leap in Kannada) is a small wonder where Cauvery passes through deep and narrow gorge made of granite. The river wider than 150 m at Sangama flows through 10m narrow and deep gorges transferring itself from calm to ferocious river.
Shivanasamudram Falls are group of two falls Gagana Chukki (90 metres) and Bhara Chukki (69 metres) in Mandya district of Karnataka. In monsoon, view of both of the falls is mesmerizing. One of the first hydro electric project in Asia has also built on River Cauvery in Shivanasamudram
The road conditions from Sangama to Gangana Chukki waterfalls are perfect and greenery with small hillocks makes the journey enjoyable and picturesque. Grape gardens and beautiful green farms will make you fall in love with this place.
Roaring sound and electrifying water in Gagana Chukki falls will not let your eyes move from the spell they have cast upon you. Here, at parking area, you can taste fresh sugar cane juice, fruit chat and different types of snacks.
Bhara Chukki falls are another 20 min drive from Gagana Chukki. Earlier, coracle rides were operated at Bhara Chukki, but unfortunately, it has been stopped.
While returning, we got drenched in rain, but it was a memorable weekend spent in leap of Nature.
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