Shivasamudram and surrounding places – From Mysore or, Somnathpur

Shivasamudram deserves tourists' attention for its extraordinary vast natural landscape and number of waterfalls. It is situated on the border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu surrounded by forests and mountains. There are also two temples, one of Lord Shiva and the other of Lord Vishnu or Ranganath in eternal sleep.

It is 37 km from Somnathpur, 77 km from Mysore and 120 km from Bangalore. You can cover the whole tour by bus. Here Cauveri bifurcates into two tributaries Gaganchukki and Barachukki flowing down like a falls from a height of 91 meters. In monsoon the flow is awesome. Shivasamudram is shaped like an island. You may hear the roaring wild animals time to time here, even if you can't see them. With permission you may also visit Shimsa Hydro Power Plant 1.5 Km from here, the first of its kind (1902) in Asia.This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel


Accommodation at Shivasamudram

Arrangement for accommodation can be available at Rest house and Inspection Bungalow; Advance Booking: EE, Electrical Division, Shimsapur.

Other Places to see around

Enthusiasts may visit the 16th century Nanjanguda Shiva Temple on the bank of Kapili river 18 km from Mysore. This 110 meter long temple is built on 147 pillars.

The three-day Car Festival in March is famous throughout the south.
This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel


On this way, 35 km to the south is Gundalupet. From there you can go to Bandipur and Mudumalai. Biligirirangna Hills or BR Hills is 102 km from Mysore and 48 km from Chamraja Nagore by bus. The hill is named after Biligiri Rangnath Swami Temple. Tourists from all over country flock here for the chariot-festival in January and April. Travellers Bungalow is there for accommodation.

Temples of Hoysal era are scattered all over the Manda district The 12th century Cheluvaraya-Swami Temple is at Melcote 30 km to the north of Mysore is famous for its Bhairamude festival during March-April. Several exhibits of the Hoysal era are found on the bank of the Thiru malasagar Lake. The 12th century Soumya Keshab Temple is situated at Nagamangalaya to the north of Melcote.

To the west there are various 13th century temples. Exceptional image of Shiva with 16 hands in the pose of Tandava dance, you can see at Mallikarjun Temple of Hoysala style at Basaralu (Sadar district) 25 km to the north of Mandar.

Tibetan refugee colony at Bylakuppe, 80 km to the west of Mysore, the Rubguelling, meaning good progress place, a colony of 15 villages, is worth visiting. Two monasteries and a carpet factory are here. Handicrafts are on sale. No accommodation is available but in restaurants you can enjoy Tibetian meals.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel