Hedged between the waters of the River Cauvery, the island town of Shivanasamudra is an undeniably beautiful location in Karnataka. This serene beauty houses one of the top 100 waterfalls listed in Karnataka and is situated in the Mandya district of the state.
Shivanasamudra or Shiva Samudram, which literally stands for ‘Shiva’s Sea’, houses some major tourist locations that has been the people’s favourite in the state.
Shivanasamudra witnesses the River Cauvery on its course through the rocky beds of the Deccan Plateau, getting split into two streams – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, on reaching this location. These waterfalls which are collectively known as Shivanasamudra falls, lie about 130 km from Bengaluru and 81 km from Mysuru, and has gained a lot of tourist attraction due to its gushing waters that fall from a huge cliff about 98 metres high. Both these are located at a distance of one kilometre from each other and are known for its strong currents and deep gorges below.
Looking at the majesty of the falls, it comes as no surprise that this is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world. Tourist come here to experience the calm behind the roaring water which surrounds them. Rainbows ride the wind in these beautiful falls were water falls like cascades of hair which beautifies the mother earth. A panoramic view of Gaganachukki Falls can be seen from the Shivanasamudra Watch Tower or from the view point near the Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib.
It is home to the majestic Ranganatha temple which is evocative of the Hoysala period. This ancient temple has also been a major stop for tourist coming to the area. There are three temples within the island that are formed within the river itself. The temple is one of such three major temples that are built on three different islands on the River Cauvery, the others being those at Srirangapattana and Srirangam. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu. The calmness of the island is infused with subtle hints of spirituality which is given by the Ranganatha temple.
The beauty of the island is augmented by the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary which is popular for its fishing and trekking activities. Adventure seekers are sure to find the tracks and trials here to their satisfaction. There is parking available at the vantage point and a well-maintained place with many benches and steps which take you to many levels of vantage points. This ancient town houses Asia’s first hydro-electric power station, which was constructed to meet the demand of electricity for the gold mines of Kolar in the year 1905. This station is situated near a Dargah, from where you can have excellent views of the other side of Gaganachukki.
The island stands tall and green during the monsoon season which tourist explain as the best time to visit the place where one can fully take in the grandeur of its central attraction, the Shivanasamudra falls. The destination which is well-connected by roads, remains as one of the most famous tourist destinations in the state.
Image courtesy: Sammedrockon, Deepak TL, Madhavkopalle from Wikimedia commons
