Chunchunkatte Falls

The roaring waters of Cauvery at Chunchunkatte can be deafening, but it’s amazing to see the power and beauty of this river here. It is one of the most dramatic falls, with the misty spray of the water drops all over the surrounding that is energizing. The rocky landscape adds to the splendor as water passes through the cracks and crevices and forms milky white cascades across the breadth of the flowing river. The water falls is pretty wide and there is a power generating station that was installed some years back. Locals share the place was greener before the power generation plant was installed.



Chunchunkatte gets its name from a legend in which a tribal couple chuncha and chunchi helped Lord Ram and Sita when in exile. Local villagers have lots of interesting stories to narrate. On the banks of the river is a very old Kodanda Rama Temple. The thunderous noise of the water falls is heard from a distance as one drives close to this place. But it is interesting to note that the noise is not heard inside the temple and locals have fascinating tales to share as to why the noise is not heard inside the temple. Another interesting feature is that the idol of Sita is to the right of Lord Rama unlike in most Lord Rama temples where Sita is to the left. There are two hanuman temples too one in the main temple and the other near the river.



The path to the falls from the temple is well maintained and a bridge helps reach the falls. Another legend told by the locals is about how Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman, shot an arrow in a secluded place between the tall rocks near the water falls to create a bathing area for Sita. Climbing the tall rocks is challenging and one finds a small pond of water what the locals refer to as where Sita bathed while in exile here. The area around is very rocky and a haven for aquatic birds. Many Darters, egrets, spot billed ducks, small blue kingfishers, Brahminy Kites and many other birds can be spotted.



The surrounding areas of the temple are green with plenty of old trees providing shade for all the communities that come here for various festivities. The temple area also houses a big chariot. The temple celebrates the chariot festival (Brahma Ratotsava) during the Makarashankranthi day when the area is thronged by hundreds of devotees.



To reach here one has to drive to Mysore and head towards K R Nagar. From K R Nagar the water falls is about 10 Kilometres. Enquiring with locals at K R Nagar is helpful. The area has no restaurants and eateries which have probably helped keep the place a little clean. Spending a day here is surely very rewarding away from the city’s chaos.

Marconahalli Dam

Away from the tiring hustle- bustle of the city about 90 kms from Bangalore, built across the River Simsha is the very old Marconahalli Dam. The picturesque and tranquil ambience is a perfect getaway to rejuvenate. It’s hard to believe there’s such a relaxing place so close to Bangalore but yet unknown to many in urban Bengaluru fortunately.



Simsha River, a tributary of River Cauvery takes its birth at the Devarayanadurga hills in Tumkur District and flows towards the Southern District of Mandya. Marconahalli dam is built across the Simsha in Kunigal Taluk of Tumkur District. It is at the confluence of Hemavathi, another Tributary of Cauvery and Simsha Rivers. The dam is said to be a unique water resource management project as the reservoir has automatic siphon systems which help spill excess water through the sluice gates and is considered to be a very efficient automatic flood control system that requires no manual operations. The waters of the reservoir supply water to the agricultural and farming areas around Kunigal, Mandya, Maddur etc. This reservoir has been the life-saving water source for irrigating nearly 6,000 hectares of land spread over villages around Kunigal according to local villagers. The dam was built in 1930 during the reign of Mysore Maharaja Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and its unique automatic siphon system was designed by Sir M Vishveshwaraiah. The dam has also prevented the submergence of the well Known Yediyur Siddalingeshwara Temple during the monsoons according to the local people.



A fairly well maintained park with a few trees leads to the flight of steps to reach the top of the dam. On reaching the top the view of the vast expanse of water with some greenery around is breath taking and the cool breeze very rewarding. Muniyappa who has been in charge of the dam for nearly 28 years now, explains with great zeal about the history of the dam and the details of the siphon system as he shows one the minute details of the siphon wells and the gates. Understanding how the siphon system works can be a great learning experience to kids. The motor that operates the sliding gates is also about 70 years old and Muniyappa feels proud that it has never gone for repair even once. The entire structure has been built with sandstone and the display boards give all details of the dam.



The road beyond the dam leads to a village called Nagamangala and as it curves past the reservoir, the waters are surrounded by coconut and Banana plantations and small patches of bamboo. It is easy to find a shady patch along the banks of the river water and settle down. The still waters are a haven for water birds. Pond Herons, Common Egrets, Large Cormorants, white breasted Kingfishers, Common coots, Purple Moorhens, Darters drying their wings are found in good numbers. In addition Drongos, Brahmini Kites, Pied Wagtails, Magpie Robins, Flycatchers, Flower Peckers and many more can be spotted. According to the locals a variety of fishes are found in the waters and provides a good livelihood to fisher folk.



The fronds of the coconut trees provide the perfect shade for an afternoon packed lunch and a nap. Conversations with local people are helpful in understanding the farming issues and the importance of lakes for irrigation. Almost all the locals will mention the big lake built by the late visionary Magadi Kempegowda and how Kunigal is dependent on the lake for its water needs.



The route to this place from Bengaluru is the NH4 to Nelamangala and at Nelamanagala one has to take a left turn on to the Mangalore highway towards Kunigal. Kunigal is about 44 Kms from Nelamanagala. A few kms past Kunigal on the same highway enroute to Yediyur on the left side is a sign board indicating the road to the Marconahalli Dam. There are lots of other places nearby such as the Huliyur Durga State forest, the Deepambudhi Lake, Kunigal Lake and the Stud farm at Kunigal if one has the time. It is best to carry lots of water and food as there are no good restaurants nearby.