Shivanasamudra Falls Waterfall

Address: Shivanasamudra, Mandya district, Karnataka, India (Gaganachukki & Bharachukki viewing areas)

Shivanasamudra Falls is a segmented waterfall on the Kaveri River in Karnataka, India, noted for its twin cataracts often referred to as Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. The falls sit where the river splits around a forested island and plunge over rocky escarpments, creating widely visited viewpoints.

There are multiple viewing platforms and short walking paths that give access to the principal viewpoints of both cataracts; most visitors view the falls during the monsoon and post-monsoon months when river flow is highest. The surrounding area includes picnic spots and basic visitor facilities.

A hydroelectric station was established at Shivanasamudra in the early 20th century to harness the river’s flow for electricity, supplying nearby industrial and mining operations historically. The site remains both a scenic attraction and an example of early hydroelectric development in the region.

The falls are located in south-central Karnataka on the Kaveri River and are commonly visited from nearby cities in Karnataka. The nearest local towns provide road access and basic visitor services.

• Early hydroelectric power: Hydroelectric installations at the site date to the early 20th century and were among the first power projects in the region.

What to See#

• Gaganachukki: Gaganachukki Falls, the more dramatic of the two cascades featuring steep, segmented drops and several viewpoints on the western side.
• Bharachukki: Bharachukki Falls, the wider stream with several observation points and a quieter riverside approach on the eastern side; both falls are part of the same river system.

• Visit in the post‑monsoon months (September-November) when the falls are full but access and viewing platforms are safer than during peak monsoon flows.
• Allow time to see both Gaganachukki and Bharachukki viewpoints-each offers very different perspectives (one more forceful, the other wider)-and plan your route so you approach each from its designated viewing area for best vistas.
• Arrive early in the day to avoid the larger mid‑day crowds and to get clearer photos; check local warnings during high flows because some vantage points are closed after heavy rains.