Mekedatu

Kannada language describes Mekedatu as ‘Goat’s Leap’. The distance of this place from Bangalore is approximately 95 kilometers via Kanakapura. Rivers Arkavathy & Kaveri merges with each other at a place called Sangam. Three and a half kilometers downstream from here River Kaveri (Cauvery)downpours into a deep gorge.

The name comes from a very popular ancient tale of a goat and a tiger. It is said that once, a goat (meke) was being chased by a hungry tiger. 

The goat took a huge leap from one side to the other side of the gorge and saved herself. However, the gorge is not so narrow that a goat can cross it so easily. Also with time, the distance between the two gorges has increased with erosion of the soil because of the strong water flow.


Mythological versions say that the goat was none, but Lord Shiva in disguise. The ends of both gorges have strange holes resembling a goat’s hooves. Since the marks are deep and wide, people believe that only supreme powers in the goat can leave such an impression on the hard granite like of the gorge.

If you want to see several different versions of the mighty Cauvery river, then Mekedatu is perhaps the best place to be in. Mekedatu can be easily reached via a small drive at the Kanakpura Raod, which is 88kms away from Bangalore. 

Following the Sangama you can take a bus or you just hike along the river bank to reach the location. Mekedatu is a beautiful gorge that flows through the confluence of the two rivers. The gorge is just ten meters wide with slippery rocks and speedy water flow. People often slip off the edges of the gorge or die of drowning here.

To reach Mekedatu one has to drive till Sangam. Many tour operators in Bangalore also provide transport to Sangam. After reaching the confluence, he/she has to take the circular boats to cross the river.  Mekedatu is just 4 kilometers from here and the best time to visit is the later half of the year (August to January)