This monsoon has given all the Bangloreans a great sight of watching these huge water falls plunging down the rocks flowing through deep ravines on either side of the island before plunging in two different places, a few kilometres apart. We planned this unexpected, but short one day trip as the volume of water had amazingly increased in the otherwise scanty or dry rocks of the island town of Shivanasamudra in the Mandya district of Karnataka.
Packed with home made food and eatables we headed to experience the beauty created by river Cauvery that divides and runs down a gorge into two branches - Mystic Barachukki and Gaganachukki Falls.
The waterfall can be enjoyed from close quarters as there are shallow areas near the place where the water plunges.
We took a turn after Maddur, on the left to Malavali. The road is not very good along this stretch. But, you will surely enjoy the green fields of paddy, marigold, roses and other fruit trees.
The journey from Maddur to Gaganachukki took close to 90 minutes. On reaching the place, we saw huge crowds of tourists who had also thronged the place to take a glimpse of this magnificent water fall with its gleaming rainbows across the rocky bed.
The waterfalls in this monsoon were in full swing and the view - a gorgeous one. We literally could not take our eyes off the roaring and gushing water fall that created beautiful rainbows as it was quite sunny too.
The area near the waterfalls has Asia’s first hydro-electric power station that was set up in the year 1902 and is still functional.
Barachukki is wider and slower compared to Gaganachukki.
The waterfall can be enjoyed from close quarters as there are shallow areas near the place where the water plunges. But, the officials had closed the gates preventing the tourists to go down and enjoy the shallow waters as it was very risky and the crowd was very huge.
The land around the falls had its water flowing inwards appearing like the back waters. We stopped at few places to watch how the falls had carved its own way through the deep rocky gorge, becoming steady at flat plains and then roaring down again, raising foams of mist in the air creating a beautiful sight.
There are temples are dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu around the falls.
You can also visit the famous historic town Talakad, a desert-like town located on the banks of river Cauvery, at a distance of about 35 km from the waterfalls. You can check my previous blog to know about this place.
The beautiful toys are coloured with bright vegetable dyes that are non-toxic and safe for children to play with. Tourists are attracted by its simple yet elegant designs which serve as souvenirs.
We spent the whole day enjoying the falls and left around 5 p.m. On our way back, we relished the tasty fried fish prepared by the local people at a reasonable price. One piece was quite filling and satisfying.
Enjoy :)
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