Don’t kill me for the weird subject line guys! Well, for those who have already been to this natural wonder might have already guessed the place I am referring to. Mekedatu or goat’s leap is a narrow ravine, which forms a passage for the river Cauvery in its course of journey. Legend has it that in some places, the ravine becomes so narrow that a goat can jump over and cross the gorges, hence the name.
It is 90 odd km from Bangalore and is a great one-day getaway from the city humdrums. You can comfortably leave around 10am and be back by 6pm. After crossing the town of Kanakpura, a left turn directs you towards Sangam and Mekedatu. The road directions will prod you on, and still if you are not sure, there are the locals who will always help you out. Around 35 odd km on this route and you reach a junction which forks out for Sangam (on the right) and Mekedatu (on the left).
The first impression of the place will vary, depending on the season – steaming hot from February till pre-monsoon, with water level up to your knees in the stream, and pleasant weather during monsoon till January, with water up to your waist. The heat is even more intolerable, during monsoon because there are tons of rocks alongside the river with very less shade from the sun. Also, be careful of the idiosyncrasies of rowdy tourists, who will prefer to drink and create a nuisance.
You can trek up to a certain level besides the water body, splash around and get tanned, but the major fun is if you take the bus service which is available on the opposite side of the first stream that you have to cross. Battered, age-old buses, suited for ‘trekking’ purpose only, a distance of around 5km and a charge of 40 bucks will take to as far as the gorge – which again is a treat for the eyes. Another attraction is the varied colors and the contour formation on the rocks, a result of the water flowing in and out of the cavities.
Personally, I haven’t been to Sangam yet but if you leave early enough, you can make it to both the places. I will suggest Sangam first, which is the confluence of Arkavathi and Cauvery rivers, then Mekedatu, simply because the former will be quite a treat to your legs after the sunny trek in Mekedatu, and finally Cauvery Fishing Camp, a fishing haven, if you intend to stay overnight.
I did say that the trip can be made in some 8 hours, but for a longer trip, you can go to all of Chunchi falls, Sangam, and Cauvery Fishing Camp, all in the radius of 10km around Mekedatu. The place to stay is the fishing farms that have jungle resorts. Charges are around Rs. 2,200, a double bed, sufficient for maximum 4 people room.
Well, who doesn’t like a visit a peaceful countryside; listen to the innumerable birds chirping; read a book on a boat with a fishing rod waiting for a fish to take the bait; and of course gaze at a star-filled night. An extra day to your weekend and you can pack a couple of jumpers, a book (that is long awaited to be read) and goggles into your car, and drive off to anonymity! If you are craving for these simple luxuries in life, this destination is perfect for you. Have fun!
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