Mekedatu

About Mekedatu

Mekedatu is one of the notable places to visit in Karnataka.

Location info

• Address:

• District:

• **Nearest City:**Sullia Taluk

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the place is during October to December.

Things to do at Mekedatu

One can do little treking around. It is advisable to be careful while walking on the rock and not to venture too much on the edges.

Things to visit & highlights

Sangama : It is a serene place where Arkavathy and Cauvery meet. The road from kanakapura while not maintained well offers excellent scenery of flowing river and hence the drive becomes very enjoyable. Sangama itself is littered (a big pity ) and there is a drive to clear the litter.
You can wade thru the river or take a boat drive and cross the river at Sangama. From the other end, a leisurely walk will take you to Mekadatu. There are buses also that ply between Sangama and Mekedatu.
Mekedatu : Literally means “Goat’s leap” in Kannada and popular story is that river Cauvery acceded to a request from a goat and became a narrow stream enabling the goat to cross over. In reality, the river gets narrower due to a gorge that is formed. If the river is full, it is a spectacular sight to see Cauvery at Mekadatu.

How to reach Mekedatu

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Bangalore

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

**Road Transport:**Drive through Kanakpura from Bangalore to reach Sangama, the vehicles have to be parked at Sangama, which is the confluence of river Cauvery and Arkavathi. Here there is a temple dedicated to Lord Sangameshwar. We have to wade through Sangama to get to the other bank. From here we have to travel 3 kms uphill in a rickety bus on an almost non existent road to reach Mekedatu. mekedatu rickety bus

Nearest visiting places

• Sivasamudram Island

About 65kms, East of Mysore, you will find the tiny island town of Shivasamudram in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. This sparking waterfalls flows through the abundant sylvan forest of Karnataka in Deccan Plateau, plunges 320 feet into gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. The falls are 893 metres wide

• Srirangpatnam Island

Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapattana is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction

• Karighatta Temples

Karighatta is a hill situated a few kilometres outside the ‘island’ town of Srirangapatna. It is situated off the Bangalore-Mysore road just before Srirangapatna. The name translates to “Black Hill” in Kannada. The hill has a Hindu temple devoted to a form of Hindu god Vishnu, called “Karigirivasa”

• Melukote Temples

Melkote located near Mysore in Karnataka houses an ancient shrine to Vishnu, worshipped as TiruNarayana. This shrine is known for its long standing association with the spiritual leader Ramanujacharya. Melkote is also known as Yadavagiri, yatistalam, Vedadri and Narayanadri.

• Srirangapatna Temples

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Srirangapatna Archeology

The river Kaveri surrounds Srirangapatnam , which is 16 km north of Mysore.it was the capital of Muslim Mysore kingdom, which was at loggerhead with the English and the Mysore king

• Bhimeshwari Sanctuary

The sparkling blue waters of Cauvery wind through rocks and ravines and fall off the Deccan Plateau to form the twin falls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki.About 35 kms downstream is yet another set of falls called Mekedatu (Goat’s Leap)

• Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 5 km from Melkote. Meant specifically for the protection of wolf, the sanctuary is divided into two blocks, namely, Mudibetta and Narayandurga. Deciduous scrub forest occupies the sanctuary

• Srirangapatna Historical

Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri

• Hemagiri Falls

This place is located 8 Kms from KR pet enroute to Kikere town or Govindhalli. It is better to take the route back, in view of bad roads on the same stretch to reach Kikere town. The river is in full flow during monsoon and it is a treat to watch

• Shivasamudram Waterfalls

The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world

• Bheemeswari River

Listen to the sweet hum of the rippling river… Feel the chill of the water… and get to face her majestic beauty by riding down the river in a raft…The Cauvery is one of the most majestic and sacred rivers in the country. Flowing through the thick forests of Karnataka, this river is home to India’s only protected fish species - The ‘Mahaseer’

• Mahadevapura River

Mahadevapura is located in Mandya district of Karnataka in India. A great picnic spot which is quite far away from modern world. A famous spot for film makers shooting nature scapes -for this hamlet by the Cauvery, offers some of the prettiest frames for any cinematographer

• Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary

Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock

• Kokkare Belluru/Bellur Pelicanry

Kokkare Bellur (Village of Storks), a small village off the main highway between Bangalore and Mysore, is one of the few nesting sites in India of the spotbilled pelican. In addition, it is also home to hundreds of painted storks

Things to carry

Make sure to carry water and food which are not readily available and those available may not be of your choice. Also, a few shops located around the Sangam charge a bomb for water and beverages. There surprisingly you may get some refreshing tea.

Tips & suggestions

Take a lot of precaution while climbing down to see the gorge as the rocks are very slippery.
After the dark there is no bus. So make sure you do not miss the last bus. It is also advisable to leave the place before dark.
One sour point is, the place is mostly littered with plastics and broken alcohol bottles. I think such a beautiful place deserves to be little clean.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Mekedatu

October to March is the best time for river visits — pleasant weather and moderate water levels. Post-monsoon (October-November) offers full river flow without the danger of floods. Monsoon (June-September) brings high water levels — rafting and boating may be restricted. Summer sees reduced flow in some rivers.

Timings & opening hours

River access is open 24 hours. However, water activities are recommended during daylight hours only (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the river bank is generally free. Some specific picnic spots or river resorts may charge entry fees. Coracle/boat rides: ₹200-₹500 per person depending on duration.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a visit to the river bank. A half-day or full-day trip can be planned including picnicking, boating, and exploring the riverside.

Safety tips

Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. Many rivers have unpredictable currents. Avoid swimming alone. During monsoon, stay well away from river banks as water levels can rise suddenly. Do not attempt to cross the river when water levels are high. Watch for slippery rocks.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the river’s course — typically stations in the districts the river flows through. Nearest airport varies by location. The river is accessible by road from multiple points.

History of Mekedatu

Mekedatu is one of the important rivers of Karnataka, flowing through the state and supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and communities along its course. The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows through diverse landscapes before joining a larger river system or the Arabian Sea/Bay of Bengal. The river has cultural and religious significance in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is river rafting available? White-water rafting is available on certain rivers during the post-monsoon season (October-February). The Kali River and Sharavathi River are popular rafting destinations.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing regulations vary — check with local authorities. Some rivers have designated fishing areas with permits.

What safety precautions should I take? Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. During monsoon, water levels can rise suddenly. Never swim alone.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Rivers

Photo gallery of Mekedatu

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Mekedatu on popular travel photography sites and social media.