Get high on these falls

The monsoon is a great time to get away to Shivanasamudra Falls, India's second-largest and the world's 16th

Get high on these falls

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Get high on these falls

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The monsoon is a great time to get away to Shivanasamudra Falls, India's second-largest and the world's 16th

For an enjoyable and relaxing day trip outside of the city, Shivanasamudra Falls is a great place to take your
family and friends.u00a0 Located about 130 km southeast of Bangalore and 60 km east of Mysore, the falls can be reached in about two-and-a-half hours from the city.u00a0

My friends and I hired a car for the journey, but government buses and private tour buses can take you there as well.u00a0

The edge

Once we turned the corner at the end of the road, we walked to the edge of Shivanasamudra Watchtower, face to face with the natural beauty of India's second largest falls, ranked 16th in the world. Here, the falls are divided into two, separated by a rocky plateau.u00a0 The falls on the right seem to descend from just a small stream, picking up speed and power as the water crashes from rock to rock, resulting in several powerful jets spraying into the basin at the bottom.u00a0 On the left side, the whitewater begins far in the distance, flowing and dropping in and out of several pools along the way before it smoothly rolls into the basin.u00a0

After standing in awe and taking dozens of pictures, we ate some food at the only restaurant there and asked our driver to take us to the eastern falls, Bharachukki.u00a0 At the top of the falls, you can see water coming from all directions.u00a0 Starting from far-off tributaries in the distance, the water plunges into dozens of pools, flowing into the basin, crashing violently in some parts and cascading gently off the rocks in others.

Up, close

From the top, visitors can trek down the steep, rocky steps to reach the swimming area at the basin.u00a0 The recreation area was crowded with visitors letting loose, jumping off rocks into the water, climbing underneath the falls, and lounging on the shore.u00a0 For a small price, coracle rides are offered as well.u00a0 A guide took us on the circular wooden boat up close to where the main falls descend into the water and back to shore in about five minutes.u00a0 Although it was a short ride, it was worth it to see the colossal falls close up.u00a0 After seeing the busy scene in the main swimming area, we walked down the river for a few minutes and found a more peaceful spot to sit and relax before attempting the tiring trek back up.u00a0

Easy on the drinks

About midway through the way up, a panting drunk man, who seemed to be in pretty bad shape, latched onto my shoulder and grabbed my friend's hand.u00a0 We were glad to help him and received a warm hug from him when we reached the top, but this proves that it is best not to get too drunk at the bottom of Bharachukki Falls when that long hike awaits you. At the top, we were well tired and ready for the ride back to Bangalore after seeing one of the most impressive natural sites I have ever seen.

Shivanasamudra Falls attests to the serene beauty of India's landscape, making a great day trip from Bangalore anytime during the monsoon.