August 9, 2009
Time and again the realization struck me hard that there is an inseparable bonding between me and the waters. It just drives me crazy and now after several avocations with this liquid force, I could not resist another trip to a magnificent waterfall – Shivanasamudra.
On a short notice, four adventure-thirsty, corporate burnt out cases, drove a fairly long journey to Shivanasamudra which is about 85kms to the east of Mysore.
We just wanted water and water and only water. We were geared up with swimming costumes, waterproof footwear and above all a fully ripped tension baggage in our minds waiting to be unleashed.
I must admit every five kilometer of talk about the place only took me down memory lane to those tender school days when I would hate to remember the names Bharachukki and Gaganachukki – the two beautiful waterfalls at Shivanasamudra.
The 139km from drive from Bangalore was pleasant as the greenery filled the canvas of my mind with freshness. Village roads as we entered Mandya district were bumpy and shook us loose. Singing and trying to dance although fastened to the car seats took the fun meter to a new height.
At Shivanasamudra the river Cauvery cascades down a deep rocky gorge in two breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls- Bharachukki and Gaganachukki. We were at the right time of the year – the monsoon- when the sight of these two falls is enchanting and at its best. Considered as one of the 100 best waterfalls in the world, Shivana Samudra falls are not easy to approach as they are too steep and rocky.
It was noon when we approached close to our destiny. The collective roar of the water strengthened as we got closer. What grabbed my attention was a British structure building flaunting the British mascot. My friend explained to me that it was the first Hydro-electric Power station in Asia set up in the year 1902.
Within minutes of drive, we were exposed to the glorious milky flow of River Cauvery. The Bharachukki falls is formed by the natural collection of surface rain water run offs from the plains & hills surrounding Sathegala and Kollegala towns. It roars down a 75-meter gorge.
Wow…amazing…out of this world…beautiful…these were just exclamations that tried to beat the roar of the water flow. Eyes glued to the colossal water bodies, our feet were dragged magnetically towards it. We waited there admiring natures wonders and even posed for a few pictures. To our bad luck the batteries of our best semi-professional camera gave way and soon the mobile cameras were rushed to action.
The Cauvery River divides around the 700-acre picturesque Shivanasamudra region. On the one side, it forms the Gaganachukki falls and on the other side are the Bharachukki falls. It is said that the Gaganachukki falls are shaped like a large horsetail and Bharachukki is a jagged crashing cascade. Swollen from the rains, the falls offered us no scope for a dip. It’s too dangerous here. What were before us were hills clad in green and purified by the water flow.
We moved to the next falls which is 13 kms away. This was a fantastic sight. The river pushing it self over a hill and making a gigantic yet graceful fall. It was here we found our swimming spot. Away from the fall, we found few rocks over which the water flowed. Within minutes we were like a part of the water. In swimming shorts, the boys went in first into the cold water. The girls preferred only to wet their feet.
For me it worked like water therapy. I fond a spot between the rocks were the water rushed out with force. I placed myself just between the stones and lo! It was my Jacuzzi. Hours passed and we played like little kids in a bath tub, enjoying every bit of the liquid medium. The sun began its downward move and it was a sign to return. The water play was not enough, and half-hearted I moved out of my Jacuzzi. We were off again to Bangalore bidding good bye to this famous picnic spot
It was a much-needed break from the hectic day-to-day life. A sense of relief engulfed us as we drove back home with a stop at a silk worm breeding centre.
The monsoon is the best time to visit Shivana Samudra. To all stressed out souls, water treatment works best. Get it at Shivana Samudra!