Time needed: Half day visit from Bangalore. Usually combined with other places to convert this to a full day visit.
Distance: Around 90 Kms. Easily drive-able. I saw a handful of buses too plying to this place from Kanakapura.
Directions: Google driving directions.
How to drive: Go to Kanakapura. Enquire about "Sangama Road" and take that. Sangama is at the dead end of that road, around 35Kms from Kanakapura. No confusion at all.
What to do: You can play in the waters at Sangama, but be careful about whirlpools. From Sangama, you need to cross Kaveri river on a theppa (a local boat, round in shape). These boats can topple, so respect the instructions given by the boat driver.
A tip: Irrespective of what the boat driver tells you, a little bit of water does get into the boat, so your trousers can get wet! Take stock of what you put in your hip pockets before getting into the boat.
There is a bus service from the other side of river to Mekedatu (5KMs). At Mekedatu one can enjoy the views of river Kaveri rushing through a narrow rocky place. It is not possible to touch the water here. It is dangerous to venture too far out on the rocks because there are no guard rails or any safety measures. People die regularly by falling into the river here. Government has put this friendly notice board and washed their hands off.
Road condition: Very good as of now. Even for motorcyclists. Bangalore to Kanakapura is an NH. From there on, it is an SH in very good condition.
Fuel: Fill up at Kanakapura. There is no fuel station beyond that. Hence you need enough fuel in your vehicle to cover around 70Kms round trip from Kanakapura.
Food: There is a brand new restaurant in Sangama, overlooking the river. Servers both veg and non-veg. Clean, but not necessarily tasty. Limited menu options. Very few options other than this restaurant. A lot of people carry their own food.
When to go: Preferably on weekends/holidays. Many of the facilities may not be working on other days. Choose a cloudy day as it can get really hot and uncomfortable on the rocks and sands of Mekedatu. If you are going there on a sunny day, plan to be there early in the morning (9AM) or late evening (5PM). Everything closes down when it gets dark, so don't be too late. The crowds here can be quite rough on the new year day. So avoid this day if you are planning to take your wife or girlfriend.
Cost: Car parking: RS. 50. Theppa across the river: Rs. 50 per head (to-and-fro). Theppa driver demands Rs. 10 tip either way. Bus ride from Sangama to Mekedatu: Rs. 40 for bus ride (to-and-fro). Veg lunch: Rs. 100 per head.
Finally, a video:
