Rocky gorge, twin falls: don't miss

BANGALORE: It's here where river Cauvery branches off and cascades down 200 feet into a rocky gorge at the twin waterfalls of Gaganchukki and Bharachukki. If you're thinking of a day's getaway from chaotic traffic or a concrete jungle called Bangalore, a trip to Shivanasamudra won't be a bad idea. Drive down on Kanakapura Road, which winds through little villages on the city outskirts.Or take the Bangalore-Mysore highway to Shivanasamudra, but beware of traffic and potholes. It can be a longer journey, but a memorable one with plenty of stopovers at Bidadi, Maddur or other places. Shivanasamudra is around 120 km away from Bangalore. The twin waterfalls is a sight to watch after the river swells during monsoon. Its picturesque beauty catches the eye of any nature lover. A trip during summer when water recedes allows one to sight the rocky face of the gorge shaped into a thousand fissures. A century-old hydroelectric station, a first-of-its-kind in Asia, is located along the Cauvery and the waterfalls attract a large number of weekend picnickers. You will have to put up with hawkers though. There's a viewpoint to see the falls and take pictures with family or friends. If you are more adventurous and agile, there is a narrow winding path from the viewpoint almost to the bottom of the falls where you can wade in the water. But be cautious, the water is rough here, especially during monsoon. Shivanasamudra could be a stopover for those planning a trip to Talakad. From the twin waterfalls, there's a new picnic island resort you could head — Talakadu Jaladhama at Mudukuthore (via Muttanahalli), on way to Talakad. A theppa (coracle) or motorboat will ferry you across the river to the bamboo-and-banyan filled island. The resort also takes lunch orders and there are a variety of birds to give you company. For Rs 200 per head, the Jaladhama will organise a 4 km boat ride on the clam backwaters of the Cauvery to Madavamantri Dam. From here you could head to Talakad (Mysore district), around 4 km ahead. Talakad is crowded on weekends and you could try to make a trip on a weekday. It's a must-visit spot on all tour itineraries. The place is famous for its five temples, including Vaidyanatheshwara temple, submerged under sand. Legend has it that Talakad was swept over by sand dunes when Alamelamma, the widow of Sriranga Nayaka, cursed the land and threw herself into Cauvery.