The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world.Gaganachukki on the left is a large horsetail waterfall and Bharachukki on the right is a jagged crashing cascading waterfall. With the onset of the monsoon season, the Sivasamudram waterfall runs amok with enormous energy and the Cauvery River tumbles headlong in a wonderful cascade, sending up dense clouds of mist.

At Talacauvery in the Western Ghats of Kodagu district River Cauvery emerges and meanders to join the Rivers Harangi, Hemavathi, Lakshmana Thirtha and Kapila. Before venturing into Tamil Nadu, Cauvery leaves behind many splendid waterfalls and among them is Shivasamudram Falls.Cauvery breaks into two branches at Shivasamudram thus creating the picturesque island. The two branches form separate falls, the Gagana Chukki or the western falls and Bhara Chukki or the eastern falls.As the 90 meter Cauvery plunges into the gorge into a spate, breaking into a cloud of misty foam. Tourists love to view the thundering waterfalls when the river Kabini floods along with Cauvery during the months of July and August.