Modern India - Shivanasamudra Falls

On our road trip to Mysore, the driver recommended a side jaunt to Shivanasamudra Falls.  Almost an hour’s drive on bumpy roads through small agricultural villages brought us to the site.  The initial view was encouraging, and we proceeded down a set of steps to two viewing platforms.

The Kaveri river splits around a large island into a series of falls, then joins up again at the base. 

It’s magnificent.

The falls run year round, and the river powers a nearby hydroelectric plant.  It was the first one built in Asia, in 1902, and the power initially went to the Kolar Gold Fields.

I’ve seen my share of waterfalls, but nothing to compare with this.  The way the falls broke up over the rocks was mesmerizing.

A quick video:

 

Another quick video:

 

Plus, there were monkeys.

 

Back at the parking area, we paused for some tender coconut water.  Anyone who has visited the tropics will know this drill--for a small price, the vendor will lop the top off an immature coconut with a machete, and hand it to you so you can enjoy the coconut water inside.  It’s generally safe from contamination, although the savvy traveller carries their own straws, and very refreshing and hydrating.

On the way back to the road to Mysore, through more small villages, we shared the road with the occasional tractor, but more often teams of oxen pulling carts.  My favorite vignette was a very old man, dressed in a dhoti, riding a bicycle, and herding a large flock of black goats along the road.  He was also talking on his mobile phone.  It seemed symbolic of the ways things have changed, and not changed, since I was last here.