Shivanasamudra is about 85 kms to the east of Mysore. At Shivanasamudra the river Cauvery cascades down a deep rocky gorge in two breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls- Bharachukki and Gaganachukki.

Shivanasamudra is home to the first Hydro-electric Power station in Asia, which was set up in the year 1902.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 waterfalls are pristine and are not easy to approach as they are too steep and rocky.

 

Asia’s first hydro-electric power station, still functional and is located at the waterfall. This station was commissioned by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer. 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.

Waterfalls

The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri river where the river winds its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau and drops off to form waterfalls. The island town of Shivanasamudra divides the river into twin waterfalls. A group of ancient temples are located here.

A common misconception about these waterfalls are that the left segment is called Gaganachukki and the right segment is called Bharachukki. In reality the Bharachukki falls are a few kilomoters to the south-west of the Gaganachukki falls. This is due to the Kaveri river itself splitting a few kilometers to the south into western and eastern branches The western branch results in the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki, whereas the eastern branch results in the Bharachukki falls. The Gaganachukki waterfalls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra watch tower.

Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Shivanasamudra is during monsoon.

How to Get there

Air: The nearest airport is at Bangalore which is 225 km from Shivanasamudra.

Rail: Mysore is nearest railhead, at a distance of 85-kms.

Road: 225 km from Bangalore; 85 km from Mysore.

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