Shivanasamudra, Shivanasamudra (sea of Shiva) near Malavalli in Mandya is fast attaining its splendour following an increase in the quantum of water discharged from the Kabini reservoirs.

Situated in a rocky terrain with traces of vegetation, Shivanasamudra (also known as Shivasamudra) is nature at its best during the rainy season between July and September.

With heavy rainfall expected in the catchment areas of the Cauvery in the following weeks coupled with a good discharge from the Kabini reservoirs, the Cauvery falls is likely to become a soothing sight to tourists who visit the spot.

Located about 60 km from Mysore, a three-hour drive from Bangalore, Shivanasamudra is an alluring spot where the Cauvery branches off into two streams, each of which make a descent of about 200 ft with a roaring sound when the river is in full flow.

As the cascading water hits the rocky surface, a dense mist of vapour emerges to partially envelop the falls, providing a brilliant sight which is reckoned to be unmatched in its beauty.

The western branch of the river which makes a rapid descent is the Gagana Chukki and can be approached by a steep path leading down from the tomb of Phir Ghaib, a Muslim saint said to have disappeared from the spot mysteriously The stream here makes a deafening noise as it hits the boulders and rocks resulting in a cloud of foam. The Bara Chukki on the eastern side provides a wonderful sight and is about a mile away from the Gagana Chukki falls. When the river is in spate or the region receives good rainfall, the volume of water that gushes down the steep descent in an unbroken sheet nearly quarter of a mile broad, is mind-boggling and defies imagination. In the centre of the falls is a deep gorge in the form of a horseshoe.

The water, having collected there, rushes forward and descents again and gushes towards the north-eastern side through narrow gorges only to reunite with the western stream.

A 19th century traveller Lewin Bowring noted that the splendour of the place was unrivalled. He went on to add that the noise of the gushing water was deafening while the foam emanating from the falls was blinding. Though Bara Chukki is of a lesser height compared to Gagana Chukki, the former is said to be more imposing.

There is more to the region. The island carved out of the two streams of the Cauvery is also a famous pilgrimage centre and is popularly called as Madhya Ranga. The Ranganatha Temple, constructed in the Dravidian style, houses the idol of Lord Ranganatha sleeping on Adisesha while an intriguing piece of sculpture is that of Takshaka, the lord of serpents, whose image is found to the right in the navaranga of the temple. Interestingly, there are three such sites on the banks of the Cauvery and Srirangapatana is known as "Adi Ranga," Shivanasamudra as "Madhya Ranga" and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu as "Antya Ranga."

Though a popular spot among the native of Mysore, Bangalore, and surrounding places, the beauty of Shivanasamudra has not been fully promoted by the authorities among tourists from other States. Easily reachable from either Bangalore or Mysore, Shivanasamudra, the local people say, should be promoted just as the other equally famous waterfalls in Karnataka - the Jog Falls.

Best Time :
The ideal time to visit Shivanasamudra is between the months of June and December.

How to Get there:
Air : The nearest airport is at Bangalore
Rail : Mysore is nearest railhead
Road : Around 100 km from Bangalore; 60 km from Mysore.