Background
I was planning to take the family to a water fall that is near to Bangalore and not crowded. While doing research on google, I found there are many falls like pearl valley near Bangalore but very crowded and couples can’t think to go there.
Decision
The I found Hogenakkal and Shivanasamudra water falls and referred to some pics on the net and some you tube videos but Hogenakkal falls was around 250 km. The distance to Shivanasamudra falls was ~160 km, it was reasonable for one day trip. The suggested time (google maps) for one side trip to the fall was 3.5 hours, we decided to go there next day.
Journey
We (our family and family friend family) wanted to start around 10 AM in the morning but we left Whitefield, Bangalore around 11 AM because we wanted to collect few food items and spare dresses in case we become wet in the water falls. These items can be kept ready on the previous day to save time on the trip day.
There were two routes suggested by google maps. We took Mysore road via NICE road with a toll payment of 90/-. What a good and smooth road the NICE road was, I could take my Honda Jazz to 160 km for few minutes until I saw a accident on the road involving 3 cars. We then took the Madduru Malavalli road to reach the falls.
Hungry?
On Mysore road, if you feel hungry, you can stop after Chanapatna on the right side on the road near Indradhanush – there are many restaurants – my favourite is MTR but this time due to kids we went to Dominos and had pan pizzas. This Dominos outlet was very clean and the pizzas were awesome. There is Cafe Coffee Day also where you can enjoy Irish Cafe Latte (my and my wife favourite).
Malavalli Road
Falls – Enjoy the Journey
On the way to the falls there are many spot you can enjoy but Barachukki falls (Shivanasamudra has two falls – Barachukki and Gaganchukki falls) is the main attraction. Even though destination is the reason of the journey but journey itself should be thoroughly enjoyed by stopping at places that you like – for example the Cauvery river flowing before reaching the falls. Its a very beautiful and peaceful view.
The Falls
I recommend you take photos but don’t waste all your time taking photos, you came here to enjoy the sight with your eyes to feel it. Photo taking for me is a waste unless you feel it.
When you enter the Barachukki falls, you have to pay 20/- to the forest guard for the entry. There is ample space for car parking after reaching the Barachukki falls, park the vehicles and be ready for the excitement. You can eat snacks from the road side vendors like bhel, fruits, ice cream etc.
The important thing to keep in mind is the time to go near the falls closes at 5 PM and the police present at the spot start moving the people at 4:30 PM itself, so plan accordingly.
To reach to the very near of the falls you have to take ~100 steps very steep staircase down. After reaching down you go in the water, feel the water, take bath.
I will recommend the round boat available there at 100 Rs per person (no charges for kids). The guide will take you to the bottom of the falls and tell him if you want to take shower, he will take very near to the fall. If he doesn’t go, offer him some extra tip. Just focus on the enjoyment, forget that your purse, phone or camera will become wet, either you can wrap them in plastic cover or don’t thinks about it.
After taking the boat and getting fully wet in the water, I took my kid (Aeparish) to the other side of the water where people were enjoying in the water, it was very difficult but equally thrilling to walk in the water due to sharp and big big stones bare footed. It is worth to try this walk and feel the stones and sometime fall down also to crack some jokes and feel the water.
After this, you can spend some time on the top to sit and relax or walk. But to reach to the top you have to climb up the staircase. Just cover 20-30 steps and take rest and continue. Have water with you throughout the journey.
Back to Bangalore
After this exciting journey and refreshing waterfalls, we headed to Bangalore using the same route. After this fulfilling journey back, we went to Kapoor’s Cafe on Varthur Road (Inside Gurkul Tennis Academy) for a wonderful and delicious food (5/5 rating for food).
All the best to you and have a fulfilling and memorable journey and experiences.
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