Shivanasamudra Falls & Talakadu – One Day Trip from Bangalore [Complete Guide]

Last Updated on 27 June 2025 by Poorna & Brinda

Shivanasamudra Falls are at their magnificent best right now — the perfect time to plan a trip!

Located just 135 km from Bangalore, Shivanasamudra Falls and Talakadu are longtime favourites for weekend getaways. With water being released from the Kabini and KRS dams, the twin waterfalls are truly a spectacular sight this season.

This complete one day trip guide from Bangalore includes a detailed itinerary, travel tips, and everything you need to know.

On this trip, you’ll witness the Cauvery River split into two mighty cascades — Gaganachukki and Bharachukki — as it plunges over rocky cliffs. You’ll also explore Talakadu, a riverside town known for its sandy beach and buried temples along the Cauvery.

Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, a peaceful picnic spot, or a short drive out of the city — this one day itinerary covers it all!

The Circuit

The falls can be reached either via Kanakapura or via the Mysore expressway.

Circuit 1 via Kanakapura – Bangalore – Kanakapura – Malavalli – Gaganachukki falls – Bharachukki falls – Talakadu – Bangalore

Distance – 315 KMs

Road condition – Very good

Route – Google Map of the circuit

Circuit 2 via Mysore Expressway – Bangalore – Maddur – Malavalli – Gaganachukki falls – Barachukki falls – Talakadu – Bangalore

Distance – 307 KMs

Road condition – Very good

Google map of the circuit – https://goo.gl/maps/KkDPoL4LX6yGhwms6

This option helps avoid the traffic between Bangalore and Kanakapura if one is leaving late. This is also helpful for people living in West Bangalore. In this option have Breakfast at Maddur.

The Itinerary

6.30 AM

Circuit 1 – Leave home and hit NICE road if you are near it. Exit at Kanakapura Road. Drive along the road with a few lakes to give you company. Driving early morning on this road is a pleasure as there is no traffic.

Circuit 2 – Leave home and hit NICE road if you are near it. Exit at Mysore Road. Drive along the road.

8 AM

Circuit 1 – Have Breakfast at Kanakapura. Vasu Hotel is an excellent option. A traditional self-service hotel. This is not a hep hotel but has excellent Idlis, vadas and of course yummy Masala Dosa.

Circuit 2 – Have BF at Maddur either at Maddur Tiffannys which is famous for Maddur Vada.

8.45 AM –

Circuit 1 – Depart Kanakapura and drive along NH 209 (New No is 948). At Malavalli, continue on the bypass road and drive straight to the first of the two falls at Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki. Follow excellent signage from the highway to the falls. Gaganchukki as the name says is the taller of the two.

Circuit 2 – Depart Maddur and drive along NH 209 (New No is 948). At Malavalli, continue on the Chamarajanagar road and drive straight to the first of the two falls at Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki. Follow excellent signage from the highway to the falls. Gaganchukki as the name says is the taller of the two.

10 AM – Arrive at Gaganachukki Falls. Park your car and proceed to the viewpoint. Enjoy the spectacular view of the falls. Gaganachukki as the name suggests cascades from the tall rocks and forms a lovely waterfall. Do not venture to walk down to the bottom of the falls and try to swim in the water. It is dangerous as rocks are slippery and there are whirlpools. You may find some young boys venturing into it but we don’t advise.

10.45 AM – Depart from Gaganachukki and proceed towards Bharachukki. It is a fifteen minutes drive and you reach other spectacular waterfalls. On the way stop over and enjoy the panoramic view of the huge lake formed by the barrage against the Cauvery River. As the name suggests, this is wider with a larger volume of water. Go to the viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view of the falls. Spend 30 -45 minutes here.

11.45 AM – Depart for Talakadu. This is a comfortable 45-minute drive. Reach Talakadu. Park your car in the parking area and enjoy the lovely sandy beach! ( You may not see the beach during monsoon season due to increase in water levels) Do not try to swim in the river. But you can play in the water near the bank. Please be careful of sudden depths due to loose sand patterns. You will also see coracles being rented out for rides. You can try at your own risk as these are not authorised and they don’t come with any life jackets.

Alert – The flow in the river until the end of August will be heavy. Don’t venture into the water for swimming as there are many hidden whirlpools.

1.30 AM – Lunch time. There are some shacks in the town and you can have lunch there. Else, you can drive to any of the two resorts – Raya Resorts or Jaladhama Resort – close by for lunch.

3 PM – After lunch, you can visit the temples in Talakadu. There are around 30 temples. Some of them are buried under sand and some of them were excavated. The five temples of Shiva – Pancahalinga – are all excavated and opened for darshan. Also, don’t forget to visit the lovely Keerti Narayana Temple built in Hoysala Style.

4.30 PM – Depart for Bangalore. Retrace the same route which you took to reach the falls. You can either stop at Vasu Hotel or MTR near Art of Living ashram for snacks on the way if coming via Kanankapura and reach home by 7.30 PM OR have Maddur Vada and coffee at Maddur Tiffanys if coming via Maddur and Mysore expressway.

Travel Tips

a) The best time to visit the Shivanasamudra waterfalls is in the monsoon when the water is released from KRS Dam. But the falls and surroundings are lovely in all seasons. Shivanasamudra falls timings are from dawn to dusk.

b) Do not enter the water at the waterfalls. Many lives have been lost here due to misadventures.

c) At Talakadu, either you can visit the temple first, have lunch and then relax on the beach or vice versa.

d) You may take the help of a guide in Talakadu who will charge a nominal fee and take you around the temples and explain interesting stories about them. That way, one will not waste precious time.

e) Though there are trees on the Riverside, if you have a tent, carry it and pitch it on the beach closer to the river.

f) In the last few years a couple of resorts – Raya Resort and Jaladhama Resort – have opened in the region. If you are planning to stay overnight, you can do so. Staying overnight will help you explore Mudukuthore and the spectacular Hoysala temple of Somnathpur. These resorts also have boat rides with life jackets.

g) A resort by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation has been opened in the last couple of years near Gaganachukki. We are not sure about the quality of it.

h) Make sure you have a good hat and also sunscreen as the afternoon sun at Talakadu will be scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🧭 1. How far is Shivanasamudra from Bangalore?
Shivanasamudra Falls is approximately 135 km from Bangalore. It takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to reach by car, depending on traffic.

⏳ 2. Can I visit Shivanasamudra Falls and Talakadu in one day?
Yes, both places can be easily covered in a single day trip. Shivanasamudra and Talakadu are just 30 km apart and offer a great mix of nature and heritage.

💦 3. What is the best time to visit Shivanasamudra Falls?
The best time to visit is July to October, right after the monsoon, when the Cauvery river is full and the falls are most spectacular.

🧳 4. Is the road to Shivanasamudra and Talakadu good for a day trip?
Yes, the roads are well-maintained and suitable for cars and bikes. A typical route goes via Kanakapura or Maddur and is scenic and smooth.

💡 5. Are there any places to eat near Shivanasamudra or Talakadu?
There are limited food options near the falls. It’s best to carry snacks or stop at restaurants around Maddur or Malavalli on the way.

Conclusion 

Shivanasamudra waterfalls and Talakadu 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.

Postscript – Water is released from KRS Dam now and Shivanasamudra Falls will be a glorious sight as you can see in these pics

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