We motorcyclists seem to enjoy winding mountain roads, steep gradients, forested roads, dirt tracks, gorgeous views and river crossings. And that is why the Western Ghats is such a hot favorite with all motorcycle lovers. Throw into a mix a hanging bridge and you have a dream motorcycling destination in the Western Ghats. One such motorcyclist’s delight is the Shivapura hanging bridge.
Tucked deep in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka lies a remote, yet absolutely gorgeous piece of nature. The mighty river Kali flows here and its waters swell amidst the mountains and forms the Kodasalli reservoir. Straddling these waters lies a cable suspension bridge that is referred to as the Shivapura hanging bridge. This bridge was built to improve connectivity to the villages of Shivapura, Ulavi and others in the Joida taluk. Prior to building the bridge, access was difficult to these villages and they had to take a 125 km roundabout route to reach Yellapur. After building the bridge the distance has changed to 25 kms.
Connecting Yellapur with Anshi National Park, the Shivapura bridge is surrounded by some of the most pristine untouched forests of Karnataka. King Cobras, Black Panthers, Leopards, Tigers and other wild animals roam these forests in plenty. Hornbills, racket-tailed drongos, paradise flycatchers and other exotic birds too can be seen here. The bridge is about 234 metres long and 1.50 metres wide (which is enough for a motorcycle to pass) and can be reached from both the Ulavi and the Yellapur side.
The easier access is from Yellapur and the distance is about 25 kms, most of which are proper dirt tracks that wind through dense jungle. These dirt tracks can seriously test the mettle of you and your motorcycle. Do ensure that you have good tires, brakes and lights and enough fuel, water and emergency snacks to tide over tough circumstances.
The route is straightforward. Head north from Yellapur, turn left at the Yellapur – Sathodi falls route. Keep following the signboards that lead you to Sathodi Falls. About 22 kms after you leave the highway, the dirt track changes to a solid concrete road. Just ahead of this change lies a signboard. Here, if you head straight, you find Sathoddi falls and if you turn right, you find Shivapura hanging bridge in about a kilometre.
You can either visit Shivapura hanging bridge and return to Yellapur or you can have this bridge as part of your forest route to Anshi National Park, Dandeli and/or Goa. Sunrise and Sunset time is best to make great photographs. Don’t miss out on the beautiful Sathodi jungle waterfall, just 3 kms away. Don’t litter in this pristine environment and do ensure that you don’t overspeed or do anything stupid on this hanging bridge.
Shivapura hanging bridge is not just a suspension bridge, but a bridge that is surrounded by a beautiful water body, lush forests with rich wildlife and an amazing dirt access, which makes it an absolute delight for all motorcycle lovers. I absolutely loved the bridge and all its surroundings and wouldn’t hesitate a bit to recommend it to you with both thumbs up.
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