On 15th Nov, 2007 we all were to attend a marriage of a close relative in Kanakapura. The day being a Thursday - My Husband, brother-in-law and myself took leave from work to attend the wedding. We left home to goto Kanakapura as early as 8:30 A.M. My husband was driving the car. We took the ‘nice road’ to reach Kanakapura. This way we avoided the traffic at the peak hour. Kanakapura is about 100 Kms from Bangalore City. I’ve heard of this place as the art of living ashram is also here. We reached the function hall at 10:30 A.M. The marriage went on well then my husband’s cousins were discussing that we could go to Mekedattu after lunch as it is close by to this place. Most of the close relatives attended the function. We wished the married couple, had our lunch and went to a Vishnu temple nearby in Kanakapura. By now it was 3:30 P.M. and all the cousins were deciding should we go or not. My father-in-law kept telling that it was too late to go to the place but others decided that after coming so far its better we goto Mekedaatu. Now our family (Raghu, my in-laws, Raghu’s grandfather and me), Mama, Mami and their little daughter and another cousin decided to go t
o Mekedaatu. We went in our car and the others came in the bike.
On the way to Mekedaatu my MIL was telling me that to reach Mekedaatu we have to cross the river Cauvery. On the other side of the bank there would be bus which will take us to the hill point where one can see a narrow gap where water passes. To see that place we should go early as the place is a forest. The roads on the way to Mekedaatu for some distance were bad. We had to travel through the village hence we got delayed, the road was dusty and after sometime we were finally out where the air was clearer, and roads devoid of the usual traffic, we were rushing towards the destination. We reached Mekedaatu at 4:30 P.M. On enquiry, few localities there told us that the last boat has gone to the other side of the river and there will be no more boats now as it is evening. We were disappointed as it was of no use coming so far. This place is also called Sangama. This Sangama is place where three rivers join. We spent some time walking in the Sangama water near the bank. Then Raghu said why not goto the Chunchi falls!! On the way to Mekedaatu we could see a landmark pointing to the opposite direction called Chunchi Falls. Someone in Mekedaatu said that the place is good and we must reach there before 6:00 P.M and we can see wonderful view. Hearing this we all rushed from there as quick as possible. The road was narrow but good. We noticed a board and moved in the same direction to Chunchi falls.
You will need to take a deviation from the main road towards Mekedattu. i.e.while coming from Mekedaatu you get another deviation towards the right, 5km - 6km more from here is the water fall. On driving for 30 minutes we reached dead – end. There was a huge hill and Raghu parked the car under one of the trees. It was deserted and no one was around as it was a working day. We found one local old person sitting under the tree where you can also park your vehicle. We confirmed from him if this was the place and he said yes. Raghu's grandfather said he will sit under the tree there and will not come down to the waterfall. We thought the waterfall is very close by to the place and got down from the car and walked till the dead end - We looked for water and thought where the waterfall is as it was dry rock hill everywhere but we could hear the sound of the waterfall. We didn’t know from where the water was falling. There was not a single soul around.
My husband, FIL, BIL, his cousin, mama along with their 3 year old daughter said this is an adventure and got down the way through the rocks and trees. We (my MIL, Kavita mami and me) thought we will also go slowly behind them.
At some distance either of them would shout and inform us all to be careful if there is a narrow way or if it skids...etc. They would scream from a distance and ask us to come in that path and we would follow them. After some time we could hear no voices, we were just going ahead then my FIL came back and told the guys have found the waterfall and as he was tired he wanted to go back near the car. He also advised my MIL to accompany him back to the car as the way ahead was difficult and the rocks were slippery but my MIL wanted to go ahead as she was concerned if the guys will take care of themselves near the fall. We started our mini-trek from there, we had to get down few rocks (few were really slippery), my BIL and his cousin came back saying that my husband and Subbu mama had found the waterfall down and now they came to guide us. Rajeev (My BIL) was helping my MIL to get down the rocks. There we saw a small stream of water flowing across the way and we jumped across this. Kavitha Mami and I were coming behind together. The way was narrow and towards our left was valley filled with dense plants. By now the sunlight was decreasing; it was dusk and I was enjoying this trek because when we started to this place I did not expect that I would be trekking here to see waterfalls! The best moments in life is when you least expect it to happen.
Little ahead what we saw at first was a small stream flowing down the rocks and were a little disappointed (and I was wondering how can one call this falls?!! and for this we came from so far!!) To my relief my BIL said this is not the falls...its very much ahead. We clicked few photos from the mobile on the way and I was wondering oh!! Why didn't I bring the camera today? We walked for few more minutes and I could hear the waterfall sound clearer now. Little ahead I could see Raghu there near the end of rock waving his hand enthusiastically at us. He shouted my name from there and asked me to get down there. By now we had already walked for more than 30 minutes. The natural light was fading away. It was better if we all would go back as soon as possible. We got down about 60 meters by now. To reach the place where we could see the waterfall we had to get down another 30 meters down and we were bit tired by now. I was also timid to get down near the waterfall. Raghu came up and forced us to come down and even Kavitha Mami was interested to go down then I removed my slippers as there were more slippery and irregular rocks ahead and thought its another few meters down and reluctantly got down. My MIL also wanted to come down as near the tip of the rock was the waterfall and she wanted to ensure everyone's safety and with Raghu's help we got down.
After the short trek what we saw was amazing!! I am out of words to describe it and good I got down. There are huge rocks all around us, with water flowing down from a crevice in the rock (Maybe it's the Arkavathi river which ultimately joins Sangama…I am not sure). There was not much water in the falls maybe because of the season, at this place particularly we were looking like tiny insects surrounded by these huge rocks!! There were two sources of the waterfall. One was very narrow and just beside this there was another waterfall flowing between the rocks. The water was flowing aloud. All were surprised to notice that the water below the falls were still (waterfall was not making the water below to flow so it might be flowing elsewhere not sure).
What I missed the most at this point was the camera (we were taking photos by mobile) and another thing that was not on our side was the time....it was getting dark and the time was 6:30 P.M. I was awed by the beautiful scenery in front of me. The guys were just going near the tip of the rock and below were the still water. They were screaming and having fun. My MIL shouted at those who went near the tip as little carelessness anyone could fall in that still water and we had no clue how deep the water would be. We were forced to leave the beautiful place behind as we had to get back to the car before it gets dark as we had to go through the difficult way up to the car. After a quick photo session we quickly climbed up. I was finding climbing up easier than getting down. My husband Raghu was helping my MIL climb up and ensured all were going in the right route towards the car. The sun set now and we could hear a familiar voice calling all of us there in little height we saw my FIL was calling us as it had got dark. Right on time we reached our car and it was dark around us now and the time was 6:30 P.M.
Well people, even if the rocks are not very slippery you could slip and fall! As the rocks are irregular, so better be careful!! This is a small water falls on the way to Sangama. It would have been worth it if there was more water (our timing was not good). We spent around an hour there and returned back. Thanks to these guys curiosity as they wanted to see some place even after the disappointment at Makedaatu they went ahead to find this place - a waterfall.
Chunchi falls are best by your own vehicle. The total drive is close to 95 KM from Bangalore. ‘Chunchi Falls’ are located in Kanakapura Taluk on banks of river Arkavati. Take the Sangama Road after Kanakapura and after 23kms you can spot a road on the left side going to Chunchi falls. 5km more from here is the water fall. Please keep asking people on the way, as there are many chances that you miss the small deviations. (or) Drive out of Bangalore on Kanakapura Road. After Kanakapura, you can proceed for another 10 KM and then you can just ask anyone on the road for Chunchi Falls.
"Chunchi" is a pretty much hidden place and not many know about it. But it is definitely a place worth visiting because you are away from the city buzz in a short time, you get a chance to do mini trekking and I can say that it is a treasure for the artists and nature lovers. It definitely has taught me to appreciate and care for nature.
o Mekedaatu. We went in our car and the others came in the bike. On the way to Mekedaatu my MIL was telling me that to reach Mekedaatu we have to cross the river Cauvery. On the other side of the bank there would be bus which will take us to the hill point where one can see a narrow gap where water passes. To see that place we should go early as the place is a forest. The roads on the way to Mekedaatu for some distance were bad. We had to travel through the village hence we got delayed, the road was dusty and after sometime we were finally out where the air was clearer, and roads devoid of the usual traffic, we were rushing towards the destination. We reached Mekedaatu at 4:30 P.M. On enquiry, few localities there told us that the last boat has gone to the other side of the river and there will be no more boats now as it is evening. We were disappointed as it was of no use coming so far. This place is also called Sangama. This Sangama is place where three rivers join. We spent some time walking in the Sangama water near the bank. Then Raghu said why not goto the Chunchi falls!! On the way to Mekedaatu we could see a landmark pointing to the opposite direction called Chunchi Falls. Someone in Mekedaatu said that the place is good and we must reach there before 6:00 P.M and we can see wonderful view. Hearing this we all rushed from there as quick as possible. The road was narrow but good. We noticed a board and moved in the same direction to Chunchi falls.
You will need to take a deviation from the main road towards Mekedattu. i.e.while coming from Mekedaatu you get another deviation towards the right, 5km - 6km more from here is the water fall. On driving for 30 minutes we reached dead – end. There was a huge hill and Raghu parked the car under one of the trees. It was deserted and no one was around as it was a working day. We found one local old person sitting under the tree where you can also park your vehicle. We confirmed from him if this was the place and he said yes. Raghu's grandfather said he will sit under the tree there and will not come down to the waterfall. We thought the waterfall is very close by to the place and got down from the car and walked till the dead end - We looked for water and thought where the waterfall is as it was dry rock hill everywhere but we could hear the sound of the waterfall. We didn’t know from where the water was falling. There was not a single soul around.My husband, FIL, BIL, his cousin, mama along with their 3 year old daughter said this is an adventure and got down the way through the rocks and trees. We (my MIL, Kavita mami and me) thought we will also go slowly behind them.
At some distance either of them would shout and inform us all to be careful if there is a narrow way or if it skids...etc. They would scream from a distance and ask us to come in that path and we would follow them. After some time we could hear no voices, we were just going ahead then my FIL came back and told the guys have found the waterfall and as he was tired he wanted to go back near the car. He also advised my MIL to accompany him back to the car as the way ahead was difficult and the rocks were slippery but my MIL wanted to go ahead as she was concerned if the guys will take care of themselves near the fall. We started our mini-trek from there, we had to get down few rocks (few were really slippery), my BIL and his cousin came back saying that my husband and Subbu mama had found the waterfall down and now they came to guide us. Rajeev (My BIL) was helping my MIL to get down the rocks. There we saw a small stream of water flowing across the way and we jumped across this. Kavitha Mami and I were coming behind together. The way was narrow and towards our left was valley filled with dense plants. By now the sunlight was decreasing; it was dusk and I was enjoying this trek because when we started to this place I did not expect that I would be trekking here to see waterfalls! The best moments in life is when you least expect it to happen.
Little ahead what we saw at first was a small stream flowing down the rocks and were a little disappointed (and I was wondering how can one call this falls?!! and for this we came from so far!!) To my relief my BIL said this is not the falls...its very much ahead. We clicked few photos from the mobile on the way and I was wondering oh!! Why didn't I bring the camera today? We walked for few more minutes and I could hear the waterfall sound clearer now. Little ahead I could see Raghu there near the end of rock waving his hand enthusiastically at us. He shouted my name from there and asked me to get down there. By now we had already walked for more than 30 minutes. The natural light was fading away. It was better if we all would go back as soon as possible. We got down about 60 meters by now. To reach the place where we could see the waterfall we had to get down another 30 meters down and we were bit tired by now. I was also timid to get down near the waterfall. Raghu came up and forced us to come down and even Kavitha Mami was interested to go down then I removed my slippers as there were more slippery and irregular rocks ahead and thought its another few meters down and reluctantly got down. My MIL also wanted to come down as near the tip of the rock was the waterfall and she wanted to ensure everyone's safety and with Raghu's help we got down.
After the short trek what we saw was amazing!! I am out of words to describe it and good I got down. There are huge rocks all around us, with water flowing down from a crevice in the rock (Maybe it's the Arkavathi river which ultimately joins Sangama…I am not sure). There was not much water in the falls maybe because of the season, at this place particularly we were looking like tiny insects surrounded by these huge rocks!! There were two sources of the waterfall. One was very narrow and just beside this there was another waterfall flowing between the rocks. The water was flowing aloud. All were surprised to notice that the water below the falls were still (waterfall was not making the water below to flow so it might be flowing elsewhere not sure).
What I missed the most at this point was the camera (we were taking photos by mobile) and another thing that was not on our side was the time....it was getting dark and the time was 6:30 P.M. I was awed by the beautiful scenery in front of me. The guys were just going near the tip of the rock and below were the still water. They were screaming and having fun. My MIL shouted at those who went near the tip as little carelessness anyone could fall in that still water and we had no clue how deep the water would be. We were forced to leave the beautiful place behind as we had to get back to the car before it gets dark as we had to go through the difficult way up to the car. After a quick photo session we quickly climbed up. I was finding climbing up easier than getting down. My husband Raghu was helping my MIL climb up and ensured all were going in the right route towards the car. The sun set now and we could hear a familiar voice calling all of us there in little height we saw my FIL was calling us as it had got dark. Right on time we reached our car and it was dark around us now and the time was 6:30 P.M.
Well people, even if the rocks are not very slippery you could slip and fall! As the rocks are irregular, so better be careful!! This is a small water falls on the way to Sangama. It would have been worth it if there was more water (our timing was not good). We spent around an hour there and returned back. Thanks to these guys curiosity as they wanted to see some place even after the disappointment at Makedaatu they went ahead to find this place - a waterfall.
Chunchi falls are best by your own vehicle. The total drive is close to 95 KM from Bangalore. ‘Chunchi Falls’ are located in Kanakapura Taluk on banks of river Arkavati. Take the Sangama Road after Kanakapura and after 23kms you can spot a road on the left side going to Chunchi falls. 5km more from here is the water fall. Please keep asking people on the way, as there are many chances that you miss the small deviations. (or) Drive out of Bangalore on Kanakapura Road. After Kanakapura, you can proceed for another 10 KM and then you can just ask anyone on the road for Chunchi Falls."Chunchi" is a pretty much hidden place and not many know about it. But it is definitely a place worth visiting because you are away from the city buzz in a short time, you get a chance to do mini trekking and I can say that it is a treasure for the artists and nature lovers. It definitely has taught me to appreciate and care for nature.
