Mekedaatu

Mekedaatu is a waterfall where the Arkavati meets the Kaveri in Karnataka. The water squeezes through a narrow gorge of dark rock, measuring roughly 10 meters at its tightest point.

The gorge formed over thousands of years as the river cut through the bedrock. Local communities have used the surrounding area as a fishing ground for generations.

The name means "goat's leap" in the local language, referring to an old story about an animal escaping across the rocks. Visitors today walk along the riverbank where fishermen still cast their nets into the rushing water below.

The drive from Bangalore takes roughly three hours, with Sangama serving as the last major stop along the way. The path to the falls follows unpaved trails along the riverbank, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

When summer lowers the water level, the rock layers that shaped the tight riverbed become visible. Visitors can then see the stone formations that usually stay hidden beneath the surface.

Location: Bengaluru

Part of: Kaveri

GPS coordinates: 12.25818,77.44866

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:43