Shivanasamudra, is between Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts in Karnataka, is one of South India’s most rewarding weekend destinations. Formed by the splitting Kaveri River, the twin waterfalls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki are famed for their thundering cascades, scenic photo ops, and rich surrounding heritage.
This travel guide will give you:
✔️ The best route from Bangalore, Coimbatore & Kerala
✔️ Entry fee, timings, and photography charges
✔️ Coracle ride info, view spots & travel safety
✔️ Family tips, food options, and where to stay
✔️ Nearby hidden places like Talakadu & Somnathpur
🌟 Top Tourist Spots in Shivanasamudra
1. 🌊 Barachukki Waterfalls
Barachukki is the wider, more picturesque of the two falls, surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall is split into multiple segments, cascading over rocky ridges. It’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and photographers.
📍 Location: Near Kollegal, Mandya District, Karnataka
🕘 Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Entry Fee: Free (₹30–₹50 parking fee)
🚗 Distance:
- Bangalore: 135 km
- Coimbatore: 260 km via Sathyamangalam → Kollegal
- Thrissur/Kerala: 280 km via Wayanad – Gundlupet – Kollegal
🧭 Route Tip: From Coimbatore/Kerala, cross through Dhimbam forest ghat → Kollegal for scenic hill drive (check forest timings)
📸 Attractions
✅ Viewpoint Deck
✅ Steps leading closer to the water during dry season
✅ Coracle Ride (Seasonal): ₹100–₹200/person (allowed only in low current months)
✅ Local Photographers: Instant printouts or digital photos, ₹50–₹150 per photo
💡 Hidden Tips
- Reach by 9:00 AM for misty views and avoid the crowd
- Ask locals for Mini Falls 10 mins away for quiet dip (only if permitted)
- Coracle rides mostly operate between September to February
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Do not cross barricades
- Monsoon rocks get extremely slippery, stick to designated steps
- No lifeguards; children must be supervised
2. 🌪 Gaganachukki Waterfalls
This is the more powerful and taller twin fall. The force of the water is thunderous during peak monsoon. Unlike Barachukki, Gaganachukki doesn’t allow close access, instead, it’s best admired from two dedicated viewpoints.
📍 Location: Opposite bank of Barachukki (10-min drive)
🕘 Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Entry Fee: Free
📸 Best Viewpoints
- Dargah Side (Main Spot)
- Shivanasamudra Watchtower Side
🧭 What to See & Do
- Take long-exposure photographs of the vertical drop
- Learn about Asia’s first hydroelectric project (1902) nearby
- Local vendors sell snacks, corn, ice creams
💡 Hidden Tip: Dargah side offers a wider view, but the Watchtower has fewer crowds
⚠️ Things to Be Careful About
- Keep valuables safe: monkeys snatch bags and food
- No access to the base, falls are dangerous
3. 🏝️ Shivanasamudra Island & Hydroelectric History
This island is where the Kaveri River splits to form the twin falls. It is home to the Shivanasamudra Hydro Electric Station, operational since 1902 and still functioning!
- Entry inside is not permitted, but visible from Watchtower area
- Birdwatching and riverside photo ops available
- En route to Barachukki, stop for peaceful walks
🍛 Where to Eat Nearby Baruchukki Waterfalls
🍽️ Malavalli: Raghavendra Bhavan (veg meals), Vasu Hotel (South Indian)
🍽️ Kollegal: Basic eateries, bakeries, juice shops
🥥 Onsite: Corn, tea, coconut water, bajji (₹20–₹50)
Tip: Carry packed lunch and drinking water for families.
🧒 Kids Attractions & Family Tips
- Safe viewpoints with railings
- Open lawns for rest and photos
- Nearby temples and coracle rides during season
🎒 Pack These
- Water, snacks, sunscreen
- Extra clothes if visiting coracle ride zones
- Basic first-aid (no medical stores onsite)
📍 How to Reach Gaganachukki Waterfalls
From Bangalore (Best Route): Bangalore → Kanakapura → Malavalli → Kollegal → Shivanasamudra (135 km, 3.5 hrs)
From Coimbatore: Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Sathyamangalam → Dhimbam Forest → Kollegal → Shivanasamudra (260 km, 6 hrs)
From Kerala: Wayanad/Thrissur → Sulthan Bathery → Gundlupet → Kollegal → Shivanasamudra (280 km)
🚌 By Bus: KSRTC buses to Kollegala/Malavalli + auto/taxi 🚆 By Train: Nearest station: Mysuru (65 km)
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
🛑Do not enter water unless under supervision (only coracle zones)
🐒 Watch out for monkeys at Gaganachukki, avoid food in hand
🛜 Mobile signal is weak beyond Malavalli, download offline maps
🧻 Restrooms are basic – plan ahead
🧯 Carry a first-aid kit, especially with children or elders
🛑 Do not rely on Uber/Ola for return, arrange transport round trip
🗺️ Nearby Tourist Attractions Around Shivanasamudra
(Within 30–60 km | Ideal for Full-Day or 2-Day Circuit)
1. 🏛️ Somnathpur – Chennakesava Temple (Hoysala Marvel)
A UNESCO tentative site known for its symmetrical Hoysala stone carvings and temple architecture.
📍 Distance: 30 km from Gaganachukki
🕘 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
💵 Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indian), ₹300 (Foreigner), Free for kids under 15
📸 DSLR Allowed (₹30), Tripods not permitted
💡 Hidden Tip: Visit post-4 PM for perfect shadow-free carvings
2. 🏖️ Talakadu – The Lost Temple Town on Sand Dunes
This historic site is home to temples buried under sand, connected to a mysterious royal curse. Ideal for spiritual seekers and cultural explorers.
📍 Distance: 35 km from Shivanasamudra
🕘 Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
💵 Entry Fee: Free (Coracle Ride ₹200–₹250/person)
🛶 Optional: Visit the riverfront and ride to submerged shrines
💡 Hidden Tip: Hire local guides (₹150–₹200) to uncover the hidden temples and stories of the Talakadu curse
3. 🌳 Muthathi Forest & Riverbank Retreat
A tranquil forest area with Hanuman connections, perfect for riverside relaxation and light treks.
📍 Distance: 40 km via Halagur
🕘 Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Forest gates close by 6 PM)
🚫 Entry Fee: None (Check forest vehicle charges)
💡 Hidden Tip: Bring binoculars to spot hornbills and langurs
4. 🐘 Bheemeshwari Adventure Camp (Jungle Lodges)
A wildlife and nature resort area offering trekking, birding, coracle rides, and riverside camps.
📍 Distance: 55 km via Malavalli → Halagur
💵 Day Entry: ₹1,250–₹1,800/person (Jungle Lodges)
🛶 Activities: Ziplining, kayaking, wildlife trails
💡 Hidden Tip: Book in advance, especially on weekends
5. 🛕 Srirangapatna – Ranganathaswamy Temple & Tipu Legacy
Blend of religion and history. Offers a full spiritual and cultural experience en route to Mysore.
📍 Distance: 65 km from Shivanasamudra (via Mysore road)
🕘 Timings: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💵 Entry Fee: Free
💡 Hidden Tip: Explore Tipu Sultan’s summer palace & riverbank gardens after temple visit
🧾Barachukki, Gaganachukki & Shivanasamudra Traveler Reviews
✅ Top 5 Positive Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“A breathtaking retreat from city life!”
Visited during September. The Barachukki falls were roaring and the entire area was misty and magical. Well-maintained steps and plenty of space to relax. Perfect for family trips.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Coracle ride was the highlight of our trip.”
We paid ₹150 each and got an amazing 15-minute ride near the base. Surreal views and safe even for kids with lifejackets. Truly unforgettable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Excellent destination for photography lovers.”
Golden hour from Gaganachukki Watchtower gave me the best waterfall shots I’ve taken. Light mist, backlit streams, and local photographers available too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐“Offbeat, peaceful, and naturally beautiful.”
Not overly commercialized, and very peaceful during weekday mornings. The cool breeze and sound of falling water is refreshing for the soul.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Clean, safe and easy drive from Bangalore.”
Loved the clean surroundings, ample parking, and friendly locals. Perfect weekend escape. Travelled with two kids, and they enjoyed spotting monkeys too.
⚠️ Top 5 Negative Reviews
⭐⭐“Mobile network was almost dead past Malavalli.”
We couldn’t find the exact spot due to GPS signal loss. BSNL worked, but no signal for Airtel/Jio. Must carry offline maps.
⭐⭐“Toilets and food options are very basic.”
We found only one working toilet near the parking area. Food stalls had limited items and hygiene was questionable.
⭐⭐“Monkey menace is real at Gaganachukki.”
Our food bag was snatched. Please don’t carry visible snacks. Monkeys near the viewpoint were aggressive.
⭐⭐“Road from Kollegal to Barachukki is patchy.”
Poor road maintenance in the final 5–6 km stretch. Narrow lanes, potholes and no street lights in the evening.
⭐⭐“No safety railings near some slopes.”
At a few corners near Barachukki viewpoint, the rocks were slippery and lacked fencing. Not ideal for elderly visitors.
❓ Most Asked Questions
Q. Is coracle ride available at Barachukki?
A. Yes, seasonally between Sept–Feb when water is calm (₹100–₹200).
Q. Are these waterfalls open all week?
A. Yes, daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q. Which side is better: Barachukki or Gaganachukki?
A. Barachukki is wider and family-friendly. Gaganachukki is more powerful.
Q. Is it safe for senior citizens and kids?
A. Yes, as long as they stay on marked paths. Steps to the base can be avoided.
Q. Are professional photographers available onsite?
A. Yes. Charges are ₹50–₹150 depending on print/digital copy.
