Gaganachukki and Bharachukki - Twin Falls of Shivanasamudra

We visited Shivanasamudra falls almost four years back and it was just one day trip. Our plan was to visit Shivanasamudra falls and Talakad in a day. I think almost all Bengalurians are aware of this falls and most of them have seen these twin falls. Nature lovers, bikers, trekking enthusiasts, tourists, photographers love this place. River Kaveri forms these twin falls called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki near a small town- Shivanasamudra. This place is popularly known as 'Bluff'. These two falls are separated by just few kms. Though there is a very short distance between two falls, Gaganachukki is in Malavalli Taluk of Mandya district and Bharachukki is in Kollegala Taluk of Chamarajnagara district. Their approaching roads are also different.

I have heard that falls will be in full glow during peak monsoon when water is released from KRS dam. But our visit was post monsoon. First we saw Gaganachukki falls. There is ample parking place and neatly maintained view point. Gaganachukki looks more beautiful when mist surrounds it. It is a glorious sight to behold. As it was an open view point, hot and burning sun made us really tired :( 

We went to the one more view point to see Gaganachukki. It is known as Darga view point (Near Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib also known as Imam Ali Darga). We wanted to view the waterfalls closely. So we climbed down the rocks from back side of the Darga. We stood on the dangerous rocky terrains. I had never seen a falls so closely!!! An unforgettable and lifetime experience!!! But Darga premises and surroundings are not at all clean. I could not tolerate the horrible and bad smell coming from the garbage around Darga and I started vomiting. We enjoyed Gaganachukki near Darga for almost 45 minutes and moved towards Bharachukki which is located 2 kms from Darga. 

From parking place we walked almost 300 meters to reach the falls. If you want to take a coracle ride or want to take a dip in the clear water of Bharachukki then you need to climb down more than 100 steps. But this place is very dangerous and many people have lost their lives. We can see caution and warning boards everywhere. As there was shortage of time and we also wanted to visit Talakad as planned, we did not go till the base of Bharachukki. Overall it was very enjoyable trip. 

Note : It is better to carry your own food/pack your lunch before leaving to Shivanasamudra. There are small shops and eateries near falls but after looking at those foods we wont feel like having it. 
Kids need special and extra care as falls area is very dangerous. Better not to take kids between the age 0-3 years.
And I want to know why  Shivanasamudra is called as Bluff. If any one knows please leave a comment.
Read my post on Talakadu here :
Talakadu : The land submerged in sand