The Shivanasamudra falls, literally meaning Shiva`s Sea are situated at a distance of 85 kms from Mysore and 139 kms from Bangalore. A segmented waterfall by undulating landform, Shivanasamudra Falls is formed by breaking 2 channels before dropping from the cliffs. It has an average width of 305 meters, a 98 meters in height and the average volume of 934 cubic meters per second.
Location of Shivasamudran Falls
It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, which forms here the boundary to the Chamarajanagar District, and is the location of one of the first Hydro-electric Power stations in Asia, which was set up in the year 1902.
Scenic Beauty of Shivasamudran Falls
The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river Kaveri into two different falls which display a captivating sight. On one side, it forms the Gaganachukki falls shaped like a large horsetail and on the other side are the Bharachukki Falls. The sight of these two falls is enchanting and the best time to visit them is during the monsoon. The falls are considered to be one among the 100 best waterfalls in the world. The World Waterfall Database ranked Shivanasamudra falls has world"s top 45 waterfalls among the world"s 100 waterfalls.
The Gaganachukki waterfalls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra watch tower. There is another approach to the Gaganachukki falls from the Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib. Bharachukki falls are situated at a distance of approximately 1 km from the Dargah junction. These falls are best during the monsoons, nevertheless their beauty mesmerizes tourists throughout the year.
Shivasamudran Falls is a segmented waterfall. These types of waterfalls occur where the water flow is broken into two or more channels before dropping over a cliff, resulting in multiple side by side waterfalls. It has an average width of 305 meters, a height of 98 m, and an average volume of 934 cubic meters / sec. The maximum recorded volume is 18,887 cubic meters/ sec.
Power Generation at Shivasamudran Falls
This is the place where Asia"s first hydroelectric power plant was set up. This power plant is functional even today. This station was commissioned by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer. This is one of the oldest generating stations in India. The electricity produced here was initially used in the Kolar Gold Fields. Thus, Kolar Gold Fields became the first town in Asia to get hydro electricity.
Temples Near Shivasamudran Falls
The Ranganatha temple in Shivanasamudra Island is a huge structure of the Hoysala period. The place is also called Madhya ranga. The deity is called Jagan Mohan Ranganatha, about 8 ft. in reclining posture. There are images of Goddess Cauvery, Takshaka serpent, Ramanujacharya, Alwars and huge stone image of Sugriva in the temple.
Best Time to Visit Shivasamudran Falls
The months from July to October are ideal for people to have a visit here. The water looks full and gorgeous during this time because of the monsoons.
Visiting Information to Shivasamudran Falls
KSRTC Buses & Private Buses ply regularly from Mysore, Mandya and also few buses from Bangalore.