Balmuri Falls – Picnickers Paradise
Bangalore was never so hot, the Garden city temperature is crossing forty degrees, and residents here are heading towards different picnic spots to unwind in the midst of cool breeze and fresh water. Belmuri falls is one such beautiful destination for locals and tourists. This water falls is one of the most popular spots to hang around in summers as it is surrounded by fresh stream of water. The waterfalls make it an excellent getaway from the mad city rush and scorching summer.
Last week we decide to visit Balmuri falls, a weekend in the city generally goes by so quick that one never realizes the time passing by until Monday morning happens.
BalmuriFalls is an excellent picnic rendezvous. It is a man-made reservoir few kilometers away from Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, eighteen kilometers away from Mysore on the way to Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. As the river turns to the right at this place it is called as “Balamuri”, “Bala” means right and “Muri” means cut in Kannada. This is a small but beautiful falls surrounded by palms, paddy fields and a small island.
BalmuriFalls are the creation of the check dam constructed on river Cauvery. The total length of the check dam is 1.6 Km & at a particular spot in the Balmuri, there is step of about 6 feet from which creates the effect of a mini-waterfall and it is relatively safe to enjoy playing in the water here. One cannot expect gushing water. It is a good picnic spot & one can swim, play, sit or walk around there. This place is famous for the shooting of Kannada movies, many popular songs are shot here.
Edmuri falls is about five hundred feet to the east of Balmuri falls and is a good spot to swim and play some games in the water under the scorching summer sun, taking a trip to the waterfalls would be quite invigorating experience. One can also visit the K.R.S Dam in the evening. It’s just eight kilometers from Belmuri falls.
Road conditions till Mysore are good, but going five kilometers from the main road was pathetic and there are no arrangements for visitors to stay in the evening. Around three thousand people from different parts visit the place on weekends and enjoy in fresh water stream, which is good for health and is an adventurous place. Karnataka tourism can build some cottages or guest house, deploy security & promote tourism in an efficient way.
Quality family fun is what everyone looks for. And what better way to spend a relaxing day with the family near the flowing water in the hot summer. This is a picnickers paradise for nature lovers and weekend getaway hunters from Mysore and Bangalore.
Things to carry: Well fitting swimsuits to swim or enjoy playing in water. Bring a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, swim shoes, fishing rods etc.
How to reach: 150 KMS from Bangalore.
Nearest Airport: Bangalore.
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year. To all the stressed out souls, water treatment works best.
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