The most beautiful valley award in the Western Ghats without doubt goes to Sharavathi River valley. This valley is rich in bio-diversity and is nestled in the central Western Ghats of Shimoga district. An ecological wonder, this place has attracted many scientist and naturalists to study the various flora and fauna endemic to this place. There are many species of animals and plants, which are endemic in this region.
The hills all around the Sharavathi River valley is covered with evergreen forests and the Sharavathi river snaking through the forests reflecting the color of the forests and the sky is a scene to behold. Due to heavy rains in this region many waterfalls tumbles down from the hills to join the river in the valley.
A view point strategically located to give a bird’s eye view of the valley on the national highway between Honnavara and Sagara is a delight to birders and we were lucky to spot 3 Great Horn Bills and a Yellow-Browed Bulbul.
Click on the above image to enlarge and spot Great Horn Bill. How many did you spot?
If we could spot these in 30 minutes of our stop over at the view point, I can just imagine the number of exotic creatures that can be spotted if we had spent the whole day in and around the view point.
There is every chance of spotting the near extinct Lion tailed Macaque.
Too much of tourism is not a preferred activity in this region as it might wipe out the native species and might introduce other dominant speicies like crows, cats, and dogs which might prey on the young ones of the native species.
Places of interest:
Gerusoppa Dam
Sharavathi Generating Station
Linganamakki Dam
Jog Falls
Sharavathi River
Honnemaradu / Backwaters of Sharavathi River
Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
Honnavara Estuary
Honnavara Beach
Apsarakonda Waterfalls
Dabbe falls
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Valley
Situated: Sagar Taluk, Shimoga District
Distance: 350 Km from Bangalore, 165 Km from Hubli, 200 Km from Mangalore, 20 Km from Sagar
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilites: Nil, for staying options Sagar is a better option
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