If you are looking for weekend getaways from Bangaluru city then you do not have lack of options as there are many serene and interesting places around that can change your mood and refresh you from within. Shivanasamudram is one such place to unwind you in the lap of nature. Another destination just nearby is Talakadu which a historic site which will make your day. Both the places are just 20 kilometres apart. Thus at one go you can have two different unforgettable experiences. Let me take you to these places that can be considered very good weekend getaway. Shivanasamudram is famous for its magnificent waterfalls. This place is also called Shimsha Falls. Just 150 kilometres from Bangaluru it is a popular picnic spot surrounded by serene nature and charming waterfalls. The two main falls that make Shivanasamudram are Gaganachukki and Bharachkki. These falls have emerged from the River Kaveri. They drop from aheight of ninety metres with a thundering sound. This place has the first Hydroelectric project of Karnataka. The Gaganachukki fall is very difficult to reach but the other one Bharachukki can be reached easily by climbing a number of rock steps. Get yourself all wet under the clean water of the fall or you may choose to leap in the pond created by the water of the fall at the bottom. The Gahganachukki fall is five kilometres away from Bharachukki fall. Just after monsoon time is the best time to visit the Shivanasamudram as the falls are in their full youth during monsoon and post monsoon.One can enjoy with family or friends on weekends here. You can track up to reach at a good height of the waterfall and sooth your eyes with the panoramic views of surroundings. It is better if you can bring snacks and drinking water with you as you may not find any standard restaurants here.Next destination is Talakadu with which a classical Indian story is connected. This historic religious town located at the banks of Kaveri River submerged in time is at a distance of 20 kilometres from Shivanasamudram. This strange village is said to be submerged into sand and once it had many Hindu temples with main deity Lord Shiva had vanished into sand. I am surprised to know that these holy shrines emerge from the sand once in a period of twelve years. The local people organise a fair every twelve years in order to honour Lord Shiva. In 2006 the fair was held. Hoysalas built many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Talakadu but now few of them can be seen. There is legend behind this sand town heard by locals here. It says that the town is cursed by a lady named Alamelamma who was the queen of the region during early sixteenth century.The city of Talakadu has seen many rulers over a period of time. They are as under:Gangas –> Cholas –> Hoysalas (king Vishnuvardhana) –> Vijayanagara –> Wodeyars of MaysoreThe story starts when greed comes into the picture. King of Mysore went against Talakadu and tried to take away the precious jewel of Alamelamma by using his army. But the destiny had something else for him. She escaped from the King’s army and went to the banks of river Kaveri. She threw the jewel into the river and jumped to death into the river. But before she jumped she said a curse to be true. It said “let Talakadu change to sand, let Malangi become a whirlpool, let Mysore Kings be heirless”. The curse became true. In later sixteenth century the vibrant city of Talakadu was buried under the sand. From seventeenth century the Mysore kings faced problems in having the rightful heirs.There is another folklore that tells about two hunters named Tala and Kadu after whom this place is named Talakadu. This place is excavated by Government and many discoveries are being done since then to find out the scientific reason of this place lost under the sand. It is a must visit place if you are curious to dig up the history of such an interesting historical event. No doubt this mysterious place will keep you engaged and thrilled throughout the time. Temples here are the architectural beauty with stamps of their creator. You won’t find any good restaurants but small snack stalls and accommodation are available. So plan your visit accordingly and carry your food with you. Best time to visit this place from November to February as the climate is pleasant during this time. Well built roads except some bad patches will help you reach the destination fast and comfortable. Follow the route as under:Bangaluru –> old Mysore Road –> Maddur –> Mallavalli –> Kollegal –> Shivanasamudram FallsRuchi Mahajan