Motorcycling Along the Wild Cauvery: A Hidden Trail from Bengaluru to Gopinatham

Overview: There’s something about a sunrise ride — the cool breeze, the quiet roads, the thrill of the unknown. I and my friend Sridhar had mapped a plan to ride along the banks of the Cauvery, heading towards the village of Gopinatham on the Karnataka side of the river, close to the famed Hogenakkal Falls.

We set off from Bengaluru at 4 AM, taking the scenic Malavalli–Kollegal route. The ride was smooth, with the early morning mist lifting gradually to reveal sun-dappled forests and quiet rural roads. We paused for a hearty breakfast near Kollegal — steaming idlis and crispy vadas that hit just right.

As we continued, we stumbled upon a poignant memorial — a simple stone pillar dedicated to the victims of forest brigand Veerappan. Directly opposite this site was a breathtaking gorge carved by the Cauvery, almost as if nature itself was bearing witness to history.

We eventually reached the quieter Karnataka side of Hogenakkal Falls. Unlike the bustling Tamil Nadu side, this area was surprisingly peaceful, giving us a serene experience of the famed waters. One unexpected delight was a trail strewn with fallen Indian Oak flowers, their fiery red petals forming a natural carpet along the riverbank — surreal and utterly photogenic.

Locals informed us that the coracle (or Theppa) crossing that allows passage to the other side was now functioning from Alambadi, about 4 km away. So we set off again, maneuvering our bikes through stretches of sandy terrain until we reached the quiet riverbank.

After a short 20-minute wait, the boatmen arrived. We loaded our motorcycles onto the coracle — a unique experience that felt both thrilling and oddly peaceful. In about 10 minutes, we were gliding across the Cauvery to the Tamil Nadu side.

The return journey took us through the scenic forests of Anchetty. The roads twisted and turned through dense greenery, offering us one last adventure before we stopped for lunch at Denkanikottai. After a satisfying meal, we hit the road again and reached Bengaluru in around 2.5 hours.

🗺️ Route Taken:

Bengaluru → Malavalli → Kollegal → Gopinatham → Alambadi → Anchetty → Denkanikottai → Bengaluru

📝 Quick Tips:

• Start early to enjoy empty roads and catch the sunrise.

• Carry water and snacks, especially post-Kollegal where stops are fewer.

• Check local conditions before planning a coracle ride with bikes.

• Respect local customs and forests, and ride responsibly.

🌊 Why This Trail?

Because the wild Cauvery is more than just a river — it’s a living story of landscapes, legends, and less-traveled paths. If you’re looking for an adventure just a few hours from Bengaluru, this ride offers all the right thrills — with zero crowds and maximum soul.