Mekedatu Gorge

Mekedatu Gorge is a narrow river gorge on the Cauvery River near Kanakapura in Ramanagara District, Karnataka, about 90 km from Bengaluru. The name means 'goat's leap' in Kannada, referring to the narrowest point where the river gushes through a deep, rocky chasm. It is notable for its dramatic rock formations, forested surroundings, and the nearby Sangama confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers.

Visitors can expect a rugged natural landscape where the Cauvery River flows through a deep, narrow gorge flanked by steep rocky cliffs and forested hills. Access involves a walk from the parking area over uneven rocky terrain to viewpoints overlooking the gorge. The nearby Sangama area offers a shallow confluence point. There are no built structures inside the gorge itself; the experience is primarily sightseeing, photography and short nature walks in a natural, open-air setting.

The name Mekedatu translates to 'goat's leap' in Kannada, derived from a local legend that a goat chased by a tiger leapt across the narrowest point of the gorge to escape, giving the place its name.

The nearby Sangama, the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers, is considered sacred and visited by pilgrims for ritual bathing and prayers; the Cauvery River itself holds cultural importance in Karnataka.