Somanathpura and Shivanasamudra

Date: 16-Aug-14

We had been planning to visit Shivanasamudra Falls during our Mysore trip, especially after hearing about its spectacular monsoon beauty. Since my in-laws were with us on this visit, we decided to combine the trip with a visit to Somanathapura, a place my father-in-law was particularly interested in because of its historical significance.

A few days before the trip, we learned that the annual Jalapathotsava festival was being held at Bharachukki Falls on 16th and 17th August, during which the waterfalls would be illuminated with colorful lights. We felt fortunate that our visit coincided with the event and were excited to experience it.

Somanathapura

We started from home at around 2:45 PM. My father-in-law and Ayush joined us for the trip. Since the Somanathapura temple closes at 5:30 PM, we decided to visit it first. We travelled via Bannur, where some stretches of the road were not in great condition.

We reached the temple at around 3:30 PM. The entry fee was ₹5 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreign tourists, a difference that surprised us. The temple itself was magnificent. Built during the Hoysala dynasty in the 13th century, it features architecture and intricate carvings comparable to those of Belur and Halebidu. The entire complex was beautifully maintained, and every sculpture reflected remarkable craftsmanship.

My father-in-law thoroughly enjoyed admiring the carvings and historical details. We spent some time exploring the temple, taking photographs, and appreciating its beauty before leaving at around 3:45 PM.

Shivanasamudra

Our next destination was Shivanasamudra (Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls). Instead of taking the usual route through Malavalli, Thilak chose the T. Narasipura route simply to explore a different road. The drive was pleasant, and the lush monsoon greenery made the journey even more enjoyable.

The roads leading to Shivanasamudra were incredibly scenic, with vibrant greenery stretching in every direction. It took us about one and a half hours to reach the Gaganachukki falls.

Gaganachukki falls

As we approached the falls, we decided to visit Gaganachukki first because we wanted to watch the lighting at Bharachukki after sunset. The route to Gaganachukki was breathtaking. The River Kaveri was flowing in full force, carrying abundant monsoon water. We stopped briefly near the river to take a few photographs.

We reached Gaganachukki at around 5:45 PM. Considering the Jalapathotsava celebrations, we had expected large crowds. Surprisingly, the place was relatively quiet. The view, however, was spectacular. During my previous visit, the water flow had been much lower. This time, the falls were roaring with monsoon-fed water, creating a stunning sight.

We spent some time enjoying the scenery before heading to the nearby KSTDC Hotel Mayura for coffee. Outside the hotel, we also enjoyed some delicious churmuri, which made for a perfect evening snack.

Bharachukki falls

At around 6:30 PM, we left for Bharachukki Falls. Like many visitors, I had once assumed that Bharachukki was the waterfall visible from the Gaganachukki viewpoint. However, while researching the trip, I discovered that Bharachukki is actually located about 10 kilometers away.

Although the road to Bharachukki was equally beautiful, darkness had begun to set in, preventing us from fully enjoying the surrounding scenery. On the way, we noticed an old stone bridge supported by stone pillars. It looked fascinating and reflected the engineering style of a bygone era. Since the bridge was no longer considered safe, a new bridge had been built nearby, and vehicle access to the old one had been restricted. As we approached Bharachukki, we noticed a large number of vehicles heading in the same direction. Security arrangements were impressive, with several police personnel managing traffic and designated parking areas. A cultural program was also being conducted near the falls as part of the festival celebrations.

Unfortunately, the much-awaited light show turned out to be disappointing. Although the falls were illuminated with different colors, the lighting lacked intensity and failed to highlight the beauty of the waterfall effectively. We felt that the falls would have looked far better in natural light. Despite the excellent arrangements for visitors, the illumination itself did not meet our expectations. After spending about 15 to 20 minutes there, we decided to return.

We started our journey back at around 7:45 PM, traveled via Malavalli, and reached home by 9:30 PM.

Travel snapshot

Although the Jalapathotsava light show was underwhelming, the magnificent Somanathapura Temple, the powerful Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls, and the beautiful monsoon landscapes along the way made this a memorable and enjoyable trip.

• Route Travelled: Onward: Mysore Home > Bannur > Somanathpura >  > Gaganachukki > Bharachukki
  Return: Bharachukki Falls > Malavalli > Bannur > Mysore Home
• Total distance (To & Fro): 220 km
• Mileage (Car): 24.7 km/l
• Fuel expense: 677 Rs
• Total expense: 927 Rs

Route map