Mekedatu Travel Guide

Explore the best of Mekedatu with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, activities, food, and travel tips.


Introduction to Mekedatu

Mekedatu is a popular tourist destination located in the southeastern region of Karnataka. The name “Mekedatu” translates to “goat’s leap” in the Kannada language, which refers to a narrow gorge that forms here where the Kaveri River flows through the rocky terrain. The natural beauty of this region, along with its historical and cultural significance, makes it a must-visit destination for travelers to India.

List of Places to Visit in Mekedatu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Talakadu: Located about 30 kilometers from Mekedatu, Talakadu is a historical site that was once a prominent center of learning and culture in the region. It is home to numerous ancient temples and structures, many of which date back to the 4th century.
  • Srirangapatna: This small island town located near Mysore is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. It is home to the Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Daria Daulat Bagh, both of which are must-visit attractions for history enthusiasts.
  • Shivanasamudra Falls: Located about 70 kilometers from Mekedatu, Shivanasamudra Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. It is believed to be one of the first hydroelectric power generation stations in Asia.

Natural Attractions of Mekedatu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mekedatu Gorge: The narrow gorge formed by the Kaveri River is the highlight of a visit to Mekedatu. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river to experience the beauty of the gorge up close.
  • Chunchi Falls: Located about 35 kilometers from Mekedatu, Chunchi Falls is a popular picnic spot that is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the falls and take in the scenic views.
  • Muthyala Maduvu Falls: Also known as the Pearl Valley, this scenic waterfall is located about 40 kilometers from Mekedatu. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for trekking, picnicking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mekedatu

Mekedatu is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The rugged terrain of the region makes it ideal for hiking and biking. Some popular routes include:

  • Mekedatu to Sangam Trek: This scenic trek takes visitors through the rocky terrain of the region, culminating in breathtaking views of the Kaveri River and the Mekedatu Gorge.
  • Srirangapatna to Mysore Cycle Tour: This cycling tour takes visitors through the picturesque countryside of Karnataka, passing through small villages, paddy fields, and ancient temples.
  • Sangam to Hogenakkal Falls Trek: This challenging trek takes visitors through dense forests, rocky terrain, and stunning waterfalls, culminating in breathtaking views of the Hogenakkal Falls.

Best Things to Do in Mekedatu: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Ride Along the Kaveri River: A boat ride along the Kaveri River is a must-do activity for visitors to Mekedatu. The river flows through a narrow gorge, providing stunning views of the rocky terrain and the lush greenery that surrounds it.
  • Visit the Mekedatu Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, hyenas, and sloth bears. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to experience the natural beauty of the region up close.
  • Visit the Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is located near Mekedatu and is home to numerous species of birds, including painted storks, pelicans, and herons. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to experience the beauty of these birds up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mekedatu

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Mekedatu, visit the Mekedatu Gorge
Day 2 Visit the Mekedatu Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 3 Trek from Sangam to Hogenakkal Falls
Day 4 Boating along the Kaveri River
Day 5 Visit Talakadu
Day 6 Visit Srirangapatna and Shivanasamudra Falls
Day 7 Departure from Mekedatu

Food and Drink Scene of Mekedatu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Masala Dosa: A traditional South Indian dish made with fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with potato and onion curry.
  • Bisi Bele Bath: A spicy rice and lentil dish flavored with a special spice mix and served with ghee and vegetable raita.
  • Mysore Pak: A popular dessert made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour.

Local Beverages

  • Filter Coffee: A strong South Indian coffee, served with milk and sugar.
  • Solkadhi: A traditional Maharashtrian drink made with coconut milk, kokum, and spices. It is believed to aid digestion and is commonly served after meals.

Where to Stay in Mekedatu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mekedatu has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some popular options include:

  • Mekedatu Forest Camp: An eco-friendly campsite located in the heart of the Mekedatu Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can stay in tents and cabins and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
  • KSTDC Hotel Mayura Sangama: A government-run hotel located near the Mekedatu Gorge. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including an on-site restaurant and a swimming pool.
  • Green Valley Homestay: A cozy homestay located near Mekedatu, owned and operated by a local family. The homestay offers comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

What to Buy in Mekedatu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Channapatna Wooden Toys: These colorful wooden toys are a specialty of the region and make great souvenirs.
  • Mysore Silk Sarees: These exquisite silk sarees are made in the nearby city of Mysore and are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship.
  • Coorg Coffee: The nearby region of Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, and visitors to Mekedatu can purchase locally grown coffee beans to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Mekedatu

  • Language: The official language of the region is Kannada, but English and Hindi are also widely spoken.
  • Religion: The majority of the population in Mekedatu practices Hinduism, but there are also significant Muslim and Christian populations in the region.
  • Etiquette: Visitors to Mekedatu should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites. It is also customary to remove footwear before entering temples and other sacred sites.

Best Time to Visit Mekedatu

The best time to visit Mekedatu is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, can be wet and humid, making it difficult to explore the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mekedatu

Do:

  • Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Do remove footwear before entering temples and other sacred sites.
  • Do respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t take photographs of people or religious sites without permission.
  • Don’t disturb wildlife or interfere with their natural habitat.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mekedatu

Mekedatu is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their safety, such as:

  • Avoiding isolated areas and deserted streets, especially at night.
  • Keeping a close eye on personal belongings in crowded areas.
  • Using licensed taxis and transportation services.

Health in Mekedatu

Mekedatu is a relatively healthy destination, but visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their well-being, such as:

  • Staying hydrated and drinking bottled water.
  • Using mosquito repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
  • Bringing any necessary medications and ensuring that they are stored properly.

Getting to Mekedatu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mekedatu

The nearest airport to Mekedatu is the Bangalore International Airport, located about 145 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Mekedatu.

Bus Stations Near Mekedatu

The nearest bus station to Mekedatu is the Kanakapura Bus Station, located about 30 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to Mekedatu.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Mekedatu by car or motorcycle. The region is well-connected by roads, and there are several rental car and motorcycle services available in the nearby cities and towns.

How to Get Around in Mekedatu

The best way to get around Mekedatu is by rental car or motorcycle. Visitors can also hire a local guide or take a guided tour of the region to ensure that they don’t miss any of the top attractions.

Where to Go Next from Mekedatu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bangalore: The vibrant city of Bangalore is located about 130 kilometers from Mekedatu and is famous for its nightlife, shopping, and cultural attractions.
  • Coorg: The nearby region of Coorg is renowned for its coffee plantations, stunning natural beauty, and indigenous culture.
  • Ooty: Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is a popular hill station located about 235 kilometers from Mekedatu. It is famous for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and colonial heritage.

Conclusion

Mekedatu is a must-visit destination for travelers to Karnataka. The region’s natural beauty, rich cultural history, and outdoor adventures make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the best of South India. With this comprehensive guide, visitors to Mekedatu can explore the region with confidence, knowing that they won’t miss any of the top attractions or local customs.