Madaga Lake is a large water reservoir that borders the taluks of Shikaripur and Hirekerur in Karnataka. Its history goes back to the Vijayanagar period. There is also a local folklore about the sacrifice of a woman named Kenchamma, who gave her life to bring water to the lake. I remembered this story because it was once a lesson in my school days.
Recently, while driving on the Ranebennur–Shirapur road, I decided to take a detour and visit the lake. The real reason was the seasonal waterfall which comes alive when the lake is full. Since it was peak monsoon, I was quite sure there would be plenty of water.
Google Maps showed us the way, and the last stretch was a mud road running along the lake. We stopped at one spot that offered a lovely view of the waters. A little further ahead, we parked where the road ended. From there, we could see water gushing out from the dam overflow point—it was a beautiful sight
But the real magic was still ahead. The water tumbled down the rocks, creating a full-fledged waterfall. The roar of the water echoed all around, and the sheer force of it was amazing to watch.
Authorities have put up a fence, as the cliff edge is indeed risky. But the undergrowth near the viewing area has been left unattended, making it hard to get a clear view of the falls. Getting a good look almost feels like pulling off a circus act.
Still, it was a refreshing little detour. I doubt the waterfall survives much beyond the monsoon, and like many such places, this one too suffers from poor upkeep, with trash lying around.
Leave a Reply