Shimsha falls, Karnataka

                           
Shivanasamudram falls popularly known as Shimsha falls is about 150kms drive from Bangalore and it takes about 4 hours to reach the spot by car.  Shimsha river originates and flows in the state of Karnataka before it joins Kaveri, the life supporting river of both Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

My son Neeraj and his wife suggested that we go on a long drive to see this beauty of the nature and enjoy the serenity.  My younger son Pushkar and his wife Taruna were excited about this trip as they came from Muscat where Water falls stands as a myth!!  We were also joined by Pavithra's parents and brothers who took charge of the entire planning and were instrumental in making the trip memorable.

                                            

once you reach this place, there are about 300 steps that you climb down to reach the spot where the locals thrive taking the tourists very near the falls in a float called "Theppa" or "Parisal" in Tamil.  The water mist that bounces off the rocks and splashes on your faces makes you feel as if you are in heavens!! The summer heat quickly evaporates the water drenched clothes and gives you one of the finest experiences equivalent to that of Niagara falls where you are allowed to go very near the falls by the "Maid of the mist" boats.  The only difference is that Niagara is well developed and Shimsha falls has tremendous scope to develop and attract tourists from all over the world!  The only draw back in this beautiful place is that there are no proper eateries or comfortable places where you can sit and dine?  The Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation must realise this potential centre for tourists and make everything possible to make it an attractive destination showcasing the water falls!

After a small drive and detour, we reached a place called Mudukuthore, near Talakkd which is on the banks of river Kaveri.  Mudukuthore is a quiet, tranquil village.  Mudukuthore also means Turn and move forward which depicts river Kaveri which takes a turn in this part and proceeds ahead!   The ancient Shiva temple stood on top of  Somagiri hill which is about 200 feet high, as a testimony of Hindu religion and provided solace to heart and mind. This is also one of the Panchalinga temples of Talakkad.    From atop the hills, one could see River Kaveri flowing magnanimously and in peace giving life line to all those dwelling on the river banks and near.  Talakkad is a holy place in Karnataka which is also called Shivasthala as it has many Shiva temples, leading them all is the Vaidyanatheshwara  temple!  Adjoining the main deity's sanctum and sanctorum is the temple of Brahmarambha Devi, celestially known as Parvathi. We offered Puja at both the Sannidhis and spent some time listening to the history of the temple as narrated by one of the priests with interest.

We spent quite some time watching the river flow and the calm that was spread all over the place for devotees to meditate and attain oneness with God!  It was already dark by the time we decided to start our journey back to Bangalore.  It was destiny and our fortune that prompted us to visit these interesting places which can be better described as "pleasure and religion" mixed.  We were thankful to God for creating a good sense and to offer worship that will go down in our memories for ever to cherish and be happy about!

Sandhya,Raju,Taruna,Pushkar,Neeraj,Pavithra,Praveen,Renuka, SomaShekar