A pic-nic @ Shivasamudram

You know how there are days when you feel like running away from the humdrum routine and congested city life into the lap of nature? We did exactly that last weekend, as we took off on a trip to Shivasamudram, popularly called Bluff, in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Situated about 12o kms from Bangalore, this is where the river Cauvery tumbles down in the form of two waterfalls, Gagan Chukki and Bhara Chukki. The Shivasamudram falls are the second biggest falls in India. The place also has its share of history as this is the location of Asia's first hydroelectric power station, from which power was supplied to Bangalore, the first city in India to get electric power! Here's the journey in pictures:

The western falls, called Gagana Chukki falls, trickling down the rocky cliffs. The ideal time to visit is in July-August, since the river Cauvery would be in full flow, and the waterfalls in all their misty splendour.



A view of the river from atop a hill. Again, I suppose the army of boulders would be totally submerged under the monsoon deluge in July-August.



The eastern falls, called Bhara Chukki falls. I liked this spot better because you can get a much closer feel of the falls by means of the round boats which take you to the foot of the falls, as seen above.



On the way to Bhara Chukki falls is an ancient dargah situated along the bank of the river. I really liked the dark background provided by the rain clouds.



This was my favourite spot at Shivasamudram, right in the middle of the river, where you can sit for hours splashing in the serene water, or enjoy a refreshing swim. I doubt if the swift current during the monsoon would afford this luxury.

Trying my hand here at capturing a picture of solitude. My pick of the pack.

Quick facts:
Distance from Bangalore: 120 kms
Road: Quite good (SH-17) most of the way
Optimum duration of visit: 1 day
Best time to visit: July-August

Yenjoy.