Hyderabad, July 24 -- If you have had enough of the usual weekend drives to Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, or Nagarjuna Sagar around Hyderabad, it is time to look a little further south. This monsoon, all eyes are on the Kaveri River, which is roaring to life like never before. For the first time in 84 years, the KRS Dam near Mysore has released water ahead of schedule, turning the entire river trail into a spectacle of overflowing beauty. Waterfalls are in full force, and the air is heavy with the scent of rain and river.

Just by taking an overnight train or a short flight from Hyderabad, you can embark on this 3-day Kaveri trail that starts in Mysore and flows through Balamuri Falls, Shivanasamudra, Hogenakkal, and ends at Mettur Dam. Thi...