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.