Mekedatu (pronounced maykaydhaatu) means “Goat’s leap” in Kannada. Mekedatu is also known as “Sangama” as it is the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavati rivers. This is a lovely day picnic and a perennial favourite of Bangaloreans. A beautiful drive. Lovely outdoors. A River. A lovely gorge and waterfalls. And on top of all that are some excellent places to eat! What else do you need?
The Circuit
Bengaluru – Chunchi Falls – Mekedatu – Pyramid Valley – Art of Living – Bengaluru
Google Map – Click this link
Distance – 200 KMs
The road between Bangalore and Kanakapura is being widened and you will see some rough patches between NICE road junction to Harohalli.
The Plan
7.00 AM. – Leave home.
Between 8 – 8.20 AM – Breakfast options
- MTR – Just before the Art of Living ashram arch on the left-hand side of the highway. Look out for the signage
- Newly opened Udupi Garden 200 metres after MTR on the left side.
- Hotel Yogaprasanna at Kaggalipura two KMs from Art of Living Ashram on the highway https://goo.gl/maps/1ShNzrhtMnvFKQsdA
- Idli Mane at Harohalli on the highway https://goo.gl/maps/iEYRE2XuR8dZNP5W8
- Vasu Hotel in Kanakapura if you want to have late Breakfast https://goo.gl/maps/cp4a2FxbDvAbzNpB8
10.45 AM – Arrive at Chunchi Falls via Kanakapura. This is a lovely waterfall. Especially in monsoons. The rocks are sharp and slippery. The water in many places will be still in non-monsoon times. Not worth taking a dip. Enjoy the falls from the distance. There is no shade in this place and one needs to wear a good hat. After spending 30 minutes, depart for Mekedatu.
Chunchi Falls (Photo courtesy – H S Arun)
11.30 AM – Arrive at Mekedatu. Park your car at the parking place and move towards the river. Cross the shallow Arkavati – in peak monsoon, you may have to cross the river in Coracle – and choose a nice shaded area near the river, spread the carpet and have a nice picnic. Get into the shallow water and enjoy. Beware not to enter the deeper parts of the river or near big rocks. No diving from the rocks. There are many unknown whirlpools in the river and many deaths have occurred when people have moved towards deeper parts. Make sure your feet are always on the ground.
The Sangama – Confluence of Arkavathi and Kaveri rivers
1.30 PM – Lunch
2.30 PM – If you are not lazing around and entering the water again you can walk to Mekedatu. It is a 4 KM walk which can be easily done. If you find the sun is scorching, take a nap under the tree or play some family games and go around 4 PM. If you are not game for a walk, then hop into the rickety bus which will take you to the spot.
4 PM – Walk to Mekedaatu. Get stunned by the gorge through which Cauvery flows. This is Mekedatu falls! Again no stunts as rocks are sharp and people have lost balance and died. Please don’t get encouraged by pictures in Social media of people taking dangerous pictures in this spot.
Mekedaatu – The gorge through which Kaveri flows (Photo Courtesy – Evgeniya Belich)
Don’t miss this lovely video of Mekedatu on YouTube (Courtesy – Vijeandran MP) – On YouTube
5.30 PM – Return to Sangama. Pack up and drive back to Bengaluru. On the way if you are not tired, you may visit the lovely Pyramid Valley and Art Of Living Ashram.
Pyramid Valley (Photo Courtesy – Asif Iqbal)
Vishalakshi Mantapa – Art of Living Ashram (Photo Courtesy – Sushant Sadre)
Travel Tips
- There are no good restaurants in Mekedatu. It is recommended to carry a picnic lunch.
- The small shops are the place where you can pick up water bottles or fruit drinks.
- The river has dangerous whirlpools. Do not take any risks. We are repeating these warnings as we have read many instances of people drowning in the river.
- This place can also be a nice weekend break. If you are planning to stay, then Jungle Lodges have a nice place near the river at Galibore.
- The timings given here are indicative. The road conditions may change due to various factors. It will be good to join a road trip enthusiasts’ FB group HVK Forum managed by H V Kumar, the doyen of road trip in India. You can get the latest updates on road conditions in this very active group.
- It will be hot during summer. Make sure you carry sunscreen lotion and a good hat.
Conclusion
Mekedatu and Chunchi Falls is an easy one day trip from Bangalore. It gives a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments box below and we will answer them.
More to explore around Bangalore!
If you are interested in longer road trips from Bangalore with detailed itineraries, please click on this post in this blog.
49 Lovely Road Trips from Bangalore in 2023 with an Easy daily Itinerary!
Thank You
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A great boon for the travellers from Bengaluru. Your travel experiences are very good guide for every one. a good going.
THANKS.
Thank you Sundarakumar.
Can we go in the weather of March?
Yes. You can.