Bangaluru is a hot and happening place with everything that one can ask for. But still sometimes you would like to go away with the monotony of a fast running city life and try to find a place that can revive you. So if you are looking for options for weekend unwinding place a little far from city but close to nature then let me help you. Just approximately hundred kilometers (100km) from Bangaluru located the beautiful Mekedatu which is a popular weekend destination among picnickers. This spot is emerged as a destination because of the River Kaveri that flows from here in a squeezed shape via a narrow gorge. There is another river here named Arkavathi that also flows in narrow deep shape but later merges into the Kaveri River and the point of their meet is called Sangam. At Sangam the width of the river is 150 feet. There are various points at the site where one can relax, enjoy and experience the gushing water of the Rivers. The Sangam point which is the meeting point of two rivers comes across first. The Arkavathi River seems tranquil while the Kaveri is in its full force and At Sangam they make magnificent sight. Here you can enjoy the cool and fresh waters. Though this point is safe for water activities but still one should be very careful keeping in mind the incidents happened around this area. The Kaveri River is very dangerous to swim or taking a dip as at many places it creates water whirlpools that can be fatal as you cannot make it out where are they because from surface it seems that the water is calm but it may not be so. It is recommended to enjoy the flow from a safe distance instead of trying to show your water skills here.There is boat ride facility available to take you to enjoy surroundings for panoramic views. These are called Coracles which are traditional round basket type boats. The well experienced boatman will take you to a round trip which means he can move the boat while making a circle so that you can enjoy the environs at 3600. No need to move your neck as the boat will do that job for you. They know the technique to turn the boat round while in speed. From Sangam you can head to Mekedatu which is five kilometers away. You can catch the KSRTDC buses available from the base if you do not have private vehicles. Mekedatu is important point to explore. Mekedatu is Kannada language word which means Goat’s leap. There are interesting stories behind this place. The river at Mekedatu is very narrow valley and it is said that a goat can leap it to reach the other side. But actually currently it is not that narrow but in past it used to be like that. Over a period of time due to erosion by Kaveri River it has become wide. The current width of the ravine here is just 10 meters. One mythological tale is attached with this place. It says that the goat that crossed the river Kaveri by one leap was Lord Shiva in disguise because on both the sides of the gorge on the rocky cliffs one can see the strange big holes in the shape of goat’s hooves. These foot prints are larger than the actual size but the shape resembles to the goat’s hooves perfectly. People believe that no ordinary goat can leave footprints on hard rocks except the divine power in the form of goat.The Kaveri River becomes so wild from here that many whirlpools can be witnessed at different places and even some you cannot notice. That is why it is said that it can be extremely dangerous if you step in the river at this point. Arkavathi River is much calmer to enjoy swimming or dips. The ferocious behavior of Kaveri can be watched by sitting on the rocks. There are no decent restaurants to serve you here. That is why it is better to take your lunch with you if you are visiting this place. Roads are ok but at some places very steep and blind turns are there. Be very careful while riding or driving your vehicle in Sangam zone because of lack of signboards. You can reach here from Bangaluru by taking the route of Kanakapura then take help from local people who can guide you.Caution: Be very careful at the Kaveri River side while exploring. Do not go near the cliff or in the water.Ruchi Mahajan