Shivasamudram

About Shivasamudram

Gaganachukki on the left is a large horsetail waterfall and Bharachukki on the right is a jagged crashing cascading waterfall. With the onset of the monsoon season, the Sivasamudram waterfall runs amok with enormous energy and the Cauvery River tumbles headlong in a wonderful cascade, sending up dense clouds of mist.

Location info

• Address:130kms from Bangalore

• District:Mandya district

• Nearest City:Bangalore

• Best time to visit: Monsoon season (July to October)

Climate & weather

Temperature usually falls in the range of 12-30oC./ summer range of 20-35°C

History of Shivasamudram

In 1902, on the left waterfall, the Gaganachukki, the first hydro-electric power station of Karnataka was constructed by Sheshadri Ayyar, a dewan of Mysore. This is regarded the first hydro power station in Asia and from here power was supplied to Bangalore – the first city to get power in India - in 1906.

How to reach Shivasamudram

• Nearest Railway Station:Nearest railway station is Maddur (40 km).

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport.

• Road Transport:Connected by bus to Mandya town (60 km) and Mysore (65 km).

Hotels & accommodation nearby

There are no places to stay or eat. So, better pack your food or be prepared to stuff yourself with biscuits and ice creams.

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

• 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

• Mekedatu River

Mekedatu, in Kannada means Goat’s leap, which is situated 98kms south of Bangalore. river Cauvery flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow, that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name

• 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

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• 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.

Nearest petrol pump

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

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Shivasamudram

July to October (monsoon and post-monsoon) is the best time when waterfalls are at their fullest. November to February offers pleasant weather with moderate water flow. March-May has reduced water flow but easier access.

Timings & opening hours

Best viewed during daylight hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visit during or just after monsoon (July-October) for the fullest flow. Some waterfalls may be restricted during heavy rains for safety.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee of INR 10-50 per person for most waterfalls. Parking charges: INR 20-50 for vehicles. Some waterfalls maintained by Karnataka Forest Department have additional permit fees.

Duration needed

1-2 hours including the trek to the waterfall and time spent enjoying the scenery. Half a day if combining with nearby attractions or a longer trek.

Safety tips

Slippery rocks near waterfalls are extremely dangerous — stay behind railings and marked viewing areas. Do not swim in plunge pools — hidden currents and submerged rocks are hazardous. Avoid visiting during heavy rain when water levels rise suddenly. Do not climb on wet rocks.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Wear non-slip footwear for walking on wet surfaces. Bring a raincoat/poncho during monsoon. Waterproof bag for phone and camera.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station is typically on the Konkan Railway or Bangalore-Mangalore line. Nearest airport: Mangalore International or Hubli Airport. KSRTC buses connect to nearby towns.

Things to do at Shivasamudram

Photography, nature watching, trekking to the waterfall, picnicking at designated areas, birdwatching in the surrounding forest, and enjoying the mist and spray of the falls.

Things to visit & highlights

The main waterfall, upstream river sections, viewpoints offering panoramic valley views, nearby forests and streams, and surrounding coffee/tea plantations.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is swimming safe at Shivasamudram? A: Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and submerged rocks. Enjoy the view from a safe distance. Q: What is the best season? A: Monsoon (July-September) for maximum water flow. Q: Is there a trek involved? A: Most waterfalls require a short trek (0.5-2 km) through forest trails. Wear sturdy shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Waterfalls

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Shivasamudram

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