Sangama is the confluence of two rivers – Arkavathi and Kaveri(Cauvery). This place is around 2 hours drive from Bangalore and can be done on a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. Arkavathi will be just a small stream for most of the year and will have some water during the monsoons. It is best to visit the place in rainy season when kaveri is running full of water.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
The last 5kms of the drive to Sangama is quite interesting. The road takes a steep dip into a valley and offers a nice view of the running river. The waters here are shallow and wide, so you can walk around in the water or take a dip. When you are done, you can walk through the forest, along the banks of the river for around 3kms and reach Mekedatu. You also have the option to take a bus, but most people prefer to walk. As you move towards Mekedatu, you notice the river getting narrow, until at some point there is hardly a 20 feet distance between the banks. The river runs ferociously at this point and has formed beautiful soft structures on the rocky banks. Legend has it that the channel was so narrow that sheep would jump across, and hence the name Mekedatu(Meke = sheep, datu = cross in Kannada).
Around 5kms before Sangama is a waterfall on the river Arkavathi. You would not find much water most of the year except in the monsoons.
Information
To reach Sangama, drive on Kanakapura road from Bangalore. You need to leave the highway after Kanakapura and take a left. Inquire once you reach the town. Another option is to take a circuitous route by driving on the highway till Satanur and taking a left from there. Once you are in Sangama, you can take a bus that keeps shuttling between Mekedatu and Sangama. But most people prefer to walk leisurely along the riverbank. To go to Chunchi falls, take a left turn around 5km before Sangama. There is a sign on the road which you will not miss.
Nearby places to visit include Muthathi village in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Galibore fishing camp and Jungle Lodges at Bheemeshwari
AVOID ACCIDENTS: It was tragedy when we are almost reaching Sangama. No body bothered to put a board for Ghat/sharp curves. At one point there is a dead end and since the road is good we will normally be atleast at a speed of 80km/hr and since we can see dead end we may reduce speed to 40 or may be 30. But guys soon after the dead end you will have to take an immediate left and then a sharp right turn. And after one of our friend’s bike met with an accident, we noticed that there are broken windows and other parts of vehicles which tells us that many other’s were also victims. From the first sharp curve you will find few more curves. Please do no go more than 10km/hr speed. Interestingly you will find a board that Ghat came to an end once you reach Sangama. But where is Ghat Start board?? At least there is no board such as Go slow etc.
Friends, It’s me again. By the way my name is Abhilash. Please see that you return back before dark otherwise it is dangerous in terms of road safety and even otherwise. Before you go to Mekedatu, keep asking people about the Ghat section I told you earlier so that you will know when to be careful. The roads are narrow but good so other tourist vehicles come in good speed so please be very cautious and use Horn to the maximum when ever you dont see the road. We also have noticed that village people don’t know about the distance so they will tell you it’s few kilometers away but it is not so. Even we too don’t remember the distance but I believe Mekedatu is around 100 or 110 km from Bangalore. I didn’t really enjoy Talakadu as I didn’t see temples. But the river there is dangerous as it’s waters pushes even a good swimmer to death so plz play near bank. It’s not a good idea to go to Mekedatu from Talakadu as the approach road is bad. The two best places there is Shivanna samudram and Mekedatu. If you still have time then go for talakadu. Covering all these three wouldn’t be a good idea in one day. There are no lodges or good food nor clean drinking water near Mekedatu/Sangama so plz carry your food items. It’s also better to carry a saftey kit. Carrying blankets, mosquito net, mosquito coil would be a good idea so that in case you have to stay back you may do so in the worst case..
Somebody please inform to concern department to install sign boards on this way so that people will take care.
why cant some whose travelling next time can carry some sign boards & just put them there….
so that no one gets injured ever….
i will try & do it if im visiting this place in near future
Thanks for the valuable information.
Regards,
Nitin
Hi Friends,
I visited sangama two weeks ago.I met accident in ghat section.I would have seen this blog before. I was in 80 Km/Hr before ghat section starts… ghat road started suddenly and i didn’t noticed… So friends be careful next time you visit.
thnk u
Is it safe to be there at tis time of the year
we visited mekedatu on 3rd Jan 2010. At Sangam, there is no coracle to cross the river and we had to wade through waist high water to cross the stream to reach the other side – old people cannot do this and have to sit out. There is absolutely no hotel or food facility at Sangam and Mekedatu – so pls. take food along for a day trip.
[...] Maduvu or pearl valley 2. A morning in Nandi Hills 3. Muthathi 4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary 5. Sangama, Mekedatu and Chunchi falls 6. Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls 7. Talkad 8. Balmuri Falls 9. [...]
Hey frnds this is again to inform ppl wu r plannin to go to sangam to drive carefully especially wen yu r abt to reach sangam… roads r so dangerous n since road before d accident zone s gud, al will be in 80+ speed n yu will nt get to kno wer s d accident zone unless yu meet wit accident, no wer yu can find d sign boards, on 27/2/2010 v frnds left to sangam n wen v wer abt to reach sangam 2 of my frnds met wit major accident as wen de took a right curve turn there was only 1/4th of d road. before de realize dis de fell n wer seriously injured.. This showz dat yu wont get to kno if derz road ahead continuing r not.so plz be careful!!!