MYSURU: The Gaganachukki-Barachukki waterfalls, termed as the Niagara of South are in full flow now, attracting tourists from across the region. The waterfalls at Shivanasamudra village, about 100 km from Bengaluru, are sought-after destinations for weekend travellers as they are in full glory after a gap of eight years. The discharge from Kabini reservoir has been increased to 50,000 and the irrigation department could open the crest gates of the Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir at any moment.
This twin waterfalls bordering Mandya and Chamrajnagar districts are bracketed with 100 best waterfalls in the world. The 1,000 ft-wide waterfalls where water plunges from a height of 100 feet has turned out to be good spot selfies. The Cauvery river splits into twin falls called Gaganachukki in Mandya district and Barachukki in Kollegal taluk. As the Cauvery is in full flow, tourists are banned from going beyond a point by the local cops and security personnel.
Tourists can reach Ganganachukki from Shivasamudra village. Those heading towards Barachukki falls can reach via Sathyagala on the national highway that connects Malavalli and Kollegal. They can also visit places such as century-old Shivanasamudra hydropower station, Sri Ranaganatha temple (Madya Ranga), Sri Chakra Lakshmi temple, Darga Hazrath Maradane Gaib.
As the falls have been attracting a large number of tourists in the last couple of weeks, footfalls at Biligiri Ranga Hills, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Mala Mahadeshwara temple and nearby places have also shot up. The tourism department that fenced the falls areas stopping the public from getting down the steps has also provided basic facilities like vehicle parks, toilets and restaurants. Deepika, a tourist, said the government should set up a permanent illumination at the falls so that it would further enhance the beauty of the places and there will be a scope for night viewing as well.
Where
Distance: Gaganachukki falls is 120 km from Bengaluru
Routes: Bengaluru- Maddur-Malavalli-Gaganachukki; Bengaluru- Kanakapura-Malavalli-Gaganachukki
Transport: Buses from Bengaluru’s Majestic, Kengeri and K R Market bus stations
Closing: Falls area closes for public at 6 pm