The Cauvery river tumbles majestically down the Shivasamudram Falls , also called the Shivasamudram Falls . Located in Mandya district in Karnataka state, the Shivasamudram Falls has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other.

Two kms from Shivasamudram, which is popularly called Bluff, through green fields, dotted with multitudes of young trees lies the waterfall.

From the watchtower, one can view the falls where the river plunges downward in a wonderful cascade, sending up dense clouds of mist, presenting a breathtaking scene. The Falls which plunges to a depth of 300-350 ft. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India .

At Shivasamudram, the river branches into two, creating the second largest island in its course. There are a group of ancient temples situated in this island. It is believed that very long ago there was a village in this island. Each branch of the river at Shivasamudram has a separate falls - the western falls known as Gagana Chukki and the eastern falls, Bhara Chukki.

Shivasamudram is also famous for its hydro power station which was started in 1902 by Sheshadri Ayyar, a dewan of Mysore . This is said to be the first hydro power station in Asia and from here power was supplied to Bangalore -- the first city to get power in India - in 1906 and then to Kolar Gold Fields and Mysore .

Location : 120 km from Bangalore and 65 km from Mysore .

Hotels : Hotels are not available here. Suggested stay at Mysore

Lalguli Falls are located about 15km north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District. Here, the Kali river creates a grand spectacle by tumbling from a height of approximately 250ft. in a series of picturesque rapids set at varying heights.

Best Season : Winter. Avoid the rainy season, when hostile terrain and blood-sucking leeches make these falls inaccessible.

Location : 535 km from Bangalore in Northern Karnataka .

Accommodation : Pai’s Sambhram Lodge

About 80km from Karwar, is the Magod falls, where the river Bedthi, cascades from a height of 650ft, into a rocky ravine. The thickly wooded countryside, the roar of gushing water, and a beautiful view combine to make this spot an ideal choice for outings. Nearby are scenic spots, like Jenukallugudda (honey rock hillock) where one can view memorable sunsets & Kavadikere (8km from yellapur), a large lake.

Location : 520 km from Bangalore in Northern Karnataka .

Accommodation : Pai’s Sambhram Lodge

Water cascades from the top of the Chandra Drona Hill from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location : 245 km from Bangalore and 10 km from Kemmangundi.

Accommodation : The Taj Garden Retreat , The Planters Court, Hotel Malnad Paradise, Hotel Rajmahal, Woodlands

An 8km trek from Kemmangundi along a steep and narrow path leads you to these sprightly falls. Surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls gushes down from a height of 250 ft. in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe ( Big Falls ) and Chikka Hebbe ( Small Falls .) Don’t miss a refreshing dip in this herb-infused water.

Location: 238 km from Bangalore Chickmagalur Dist.

Hotels : In Chickamagalur. The Taj Garden Retreat , The Planters Court Hotel, Hotel Malnad Paradise , Hotel Rajmahal, Woodland s

Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down steps into limpid pools to join the Cauvery River . The ideal time to visit the falls is during the monsoon.

Location : 270km from Bangalore in Kodagu Dist.

Hotels : I n Kodagu, Siddapur Orange County Resort, Hotel Coorg International, Capitol Village , Hotel Rajdarshan

Honnemaradu, a haven for water sports, is tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats along the Sharavati backwaters near Sagar. Encompassing an area of 50 km by 80 km, this reservoir stretches as far as the eye can see. One of the few places that cater exclusively to water sports, Honnemaradu or “ Golden Lake ” has some of the most spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Deep in a forest, without the slightest trace of civilization, Honnemaradu is a haven for die-hard outdoors fanatics as well as those who want a complete break from the City. Some of the water sports activities here include coracling, canoeing, kayaking and wind rafting.

Location: 12 km from Thalaguppa and 400 km from Bangalore .

It is a breathtakingly beautiful riverine island carved by the Cauvery River in the plains, 2km from Kushalnagar. It can be accessed by traveling over a hanging bridge. Nisargadhama teems with lush foliage, thick bamboo groves, teak, and rosewood. The sprawling 64-acre nature resort has a deer park , orchidarium, and elephant and boat rides. You can also picnic on the sandy beds of the river bank.