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India·Karnataka·Mandya·Malavalli·waterfall

Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)

At Shivanasamudra the Kaveri splits around an island and drops in two great segmented falls; Gaganachukki is the western branch, seen from the Malavalli side as a wide, misty horsetail cascade framed by a gorge.

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Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki), Malavalli
Practical guide

Plan Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)

Typewaterfall
Nearest baseMalavalli
Best timeAugust to January for full flow (peak just after the monsoon)
Time needed1 to 1
EntryFree or nominal (parking)
Nearest town/baseMalavalli
DistrictMandya
Place typewaterfall
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours at the viewpoint.

At Shivanasamudra the Kaveri splits around an island and drops in two great segmented falls; Gaganachukki is the western branch, seen from the Malavalli side as a wide, misty horsetail cascade framed by a gorge.

The falls powered Asia’s first hydroelectric station, opened in 1902 to supply the Kolar gold fields. They are at their thundering best in and just after the monsoon, and reduce to threads in the dry months.

Visiting

Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki) — at a glance

TimingsDaylight hours
Best timeAugust to January for full flow (peak post-monsoon)

Entry: Free or nominal (parking)

Getting here

How to reach Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)

Near Shivanasamudra, Malavalli taluk, ~80 km from Mysuru

View from the railed watchtower — do not climb down the steep, slippery gorge.

What to expect

Highlights

  • The wide Gaganachukki horsetail cascade from the Malavalli-side viewpoint.
  • The gorge and the historic 1902 hydro-power heritage.
  • Monsoon-season volume and rainbows in the spray.
Getting there

How to visit

  • Near Shivanasamudra in Malavalli taluk, ~80 km from Mysuru and ~130 km from Bengaluru; best reached by road/taxi.
  • View Gaganachukki from the fenced watchtower/viewpoint — the descent toward the base is steep, slippery and often unsafe; the Bharachukki branch is reached separately from the far (Chamarajanagar) side.

Distance by road

  • Mysuru45 km
  • Bengaluru100 km
  • Ramanagara55 km
  • Hassan85 km
  • Chamarajanagar90 km

Road km to Mandya; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.

Timing

Best time

August to January for full flow (peak just after the monsoon); the falls shrink greatly by late summer.

Weather in Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)Seasonal guide

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Visitor notes

  • Stay behind the railings — the gorge is steep and the wet rocks are dangerous; do not attempt to climb down to the water.
Safety

Good to know

On the map

Where Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki) is

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Nearby

What’s near Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)

wildlifeKokkrebellur 25.3 km · ~42 min by cab
DirectionsOpen guide
templeKarighatta Temple 50.7 km · ~84 min by cab
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heritageGumbaz, Srirangapatna 50.9 km · ~85 min by cab
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templeNimishamba Temple 51.5 km · ~86 min by cab
DirectionsOpen guide
heritageDaria Daulat Bagh 53.0 km · ~88 min by cab
DirectionsOpen guide
mosqueJama Masjid, Srirangapatna 53.9 km · ~90 min by cab
DirectionsOpen guide
Good to know

Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki) — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)?

August to January for full flow (peak just after the monsoon); the falls shrink greatly by late summer.

What are the entry fee and timings at Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)?

Entry: Free or nominal (parking). Timings: Daylight hours. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.

How do I reach Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)?

Near Shivanasamudra in Malavalli taluk, ~80 km from Mysuru and ~130 km from Bengaluru; best reached by road/taxi. View Gaganachukki from the fenced watchtower/viewpoint — the descent toward the base is steep, slippery and often unsafe; the Bharachukki branch is reached separately from the far (Chamarajanagar) side.

How much time do I need for Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)?

1 to 1.5 hours at the viewpoint.

What else is near Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki)?

Nearby you can pair Kokkrebellur (25.3 km), Karighatta Temple (50.7 km), Gumbaz, Srirangapatna (50.9 km), Nimishamba Temple (51.5 km).

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