Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Gaganchukki and Bharachukki Waterfalls

Shivanasamudra Water Falls
120 Km from Bangalore –85 Km from Mysore- Cauvery River – Second Biggest water fall in India and sixteenth largest in the world.
(2,784 ft / 849 m ).

Gaganachukki waterfalls .  -18-05-08

The Gaganchukki and Bharachukki Falls are on the Cauvery River after the river has winded its way through the rocks and ravines and drops off to form waterfalls. The river divides in to twin side-by-side falls around the 700-acre picturesque Shivanasamudra Island. On the one side, it forms the Gaganachukki falls and on the other it rumbles down as the Bharachukki falls. The segmented waterfalls has an average width of 849 meters, a height of 90 meters. With the Cauvery basin receiving heavy rains, the twin falls have roared back to the glory.The two falls lie at a distance of 1 km (0.6 miles) from each other

Bharachukki Waterfalls .

When both falls are compared, Gaganchukki falls from very high height than Bharachukki. While Bharachukki falls is quite wider than Ganganachukki.

Beautiful valley in Gaganachukki...

The time of best flow are the monsoon season of July to October. And this time you can also enjoy the romance of clouds with the nature accompanied by the showering rains. Therefore, thousand of people drive here.You miss out on the fun of playing in water, but the spectacular sight you witness will more than make up for it Splendorous scenery also add great taste to your journey.


Gaganachukki waterfalls


Bharachukki Waterfalls


Bharachukki Waterfalls
Bharachukki Waterfalls


Bharachukki Waterfalls


Bharachukki Waterfalls

Himavad Gopalswami Betta


Gopalswami Temple- 17-05-08
This is one of the highest peaks in the area in Chamarajnagar district. It rises to a height of 1454 meters above sea level. The place is so called because it is covered in mist. It is approximately 220 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore.There is a motor-able road all the way to the top of the hill. Entry fee is collected at the forest department check-post at foot of the hill. Visitors are allowed from around 6am till 5pm. Overnight stay on top is not allowed. Trekking and videography in the surrounding hills are allowed only with prior permission and to be accompanied by the forest department guides.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, is a grassy hill located in the Chamarajanagar district of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National Park and is frequented by wild life including elephants. It gets its name from the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple located on the top of the hill. Himavad means filled with fog in the native language of Kannada.


The temple was built in 1315 by Perumal Dandanayaka, a Chola Viceroy. The temple is dedicated to Gopalaswamy, which is one of the names of the Hindu God Krishna. The gopuram of the temple is single-tiered and rests on the compound wall of the enclosure. A dhwajastambha (flag-pillar) and a bali-peetam (sacrificial altar) is present in the mukha mantapa (inner-porch). The parapet wall of the façade of the mukha mantapa contains the sculpture of dashavatara (the avatars of the Hindu God Vishnu) with the centre portion of the sculpture depicting Krishnavatara (the avatar of Vishnu in which he appeared as Krishna). There is a shikhara tower over the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum).


The garbha griha contains an idol of Krishna holding a flute under a tree. Krishna is flanked by his friends and the posture is that of a dance with the left big toe resting on the right one. The panel also features several characters and icons from Krishna's avatar. Lord Gopalaswamy's idol is flanked by his consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama. Cows and cowherds are featured towards the right side of the panel.
Legend says that sage Agastya, performed intense penance and as a result lord Vishnu blessed this place and promised to reside here. As this was a place of worship and penance, it used to be called as 'Hamsatheertha', which means the the lake of swans in Sanskrit. Swan acquires a mythological significance in Hinduism, symbolizing knowledge, tranquility and salvation.


Being a part of the Bandipura wildlife sanctuary, the hills are frequented by grazing wild elephants. The place is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding hills, valleys and visitors may also see the spectacular sunrise and sunset from the top.


This temple was built in early fourteenth century by Cholas. And main specialty of the place is wild elephants which can be seen in herds of 60s-70s. Luckily we were able to sight them.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Kodachadri trek


Kodachadri is one of the most beautiful spots of Western Ghats. Kodachadri hill is in Shimoga district, 1343 meters above sea level. A beatific hill abode that overlooks the panoramic Western Ghats. you can see Arabian sea from the top of the hill. It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests.

 The place is 115 kilometers from Shimoga town, but very near to the famous temple town of Kollur.  Kodachadre is the trekkers' paradise,Trekkers can start trekking from Nagodi village near Kollur and reach Kodachadri peak after about three hours trek. Thick forest, Sholas, grass lands and cool air are a specialty of this place.It is clothed with splendid evergreen forests.

This is the highest peak in Shimoga District. At the peak it is believed that 'Shankaracharya' did meditation. And to substantiate the same you will find a 'Sarvajna Peetha' at the top. There is moola stana (original place) of Kollur Goddess at Kodachadri. An Iron pillar, said to be ancient weapon used by Goddess Mookambika to kill Kolasura, a demon, stands in front of small temple near Travelers Bungalow and the antiquity of this Iron pillar makes interesting sight. But present priest says that this Iron pillar might have been installed during Mysore Wodeyar's regime or during British period to identify this place from distance as an Iron Ore.


These hills constitute one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka and part of this region is designated as the Kollur Mookambika Nature Reserve.


Above the clouds...


Beautiful view from Kodachadri IB in morning sunrise.

Sunset from Kodachadri Peak during winter is most beautiful and unforgettable sight. Even though there is a Travellers Bungallow, other facilities like food etc. Near Kodachadri hill You will find some great waterfalls like Arasinagundi ,Belkal Teertha,Hidlumane water falls etc.