Sharavathi is a river with its origin at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga district. Sharavathi river also tumbles down the cliff to form the enticing Jog Falls.
A dam was constructed over this river to meet the power requirement of Karnataka state, which resulted in some of the forest areas to submerge. The construction of the dam thus resulted in forming 125 islands within the reservoir with the forests intact.
The islands and the entire river basin has evergreen to semi-evergreen forest along with moist deciduous type of forests along with scrub savannah, grasslands, marshy areas. Plantation of acacia, cash crops like areca and rubber are cultivated in this region.
The length of Sharavathi River is 128 Kms and the river basin covers 2,985 square kilometers. Sharavathi River meets the Arabian Sea at Honnavara.
It is believed that Lord Rama broke the bow in a competition set by Sita’s father at this place. Lord Rama married Sita.
Tributaries of Sharavathi are Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole. Sharavathi River is the only major river to originate in Karnataka and meet the sea in Karnataka itself. The River basin is present in Uttara Kannada and Shimoga district in Karnataka.
Sharavathi River has been used extensively to generate hydroelectricity to meet the requirements of Karnataka. There are three hydroelectricity generating station and they are, Sharavathi, Linganamakki and Gerusoppa.
The backwater of the Sharavati River is a favorite among visitors for water sports like, canoeing, kayaking and wind surfing. The backwater also offers many exotic sightings for birders.
Places of interest:
Gerusoppa Dam
Sharavathi Generating Station
Linganamakki Dam
Jog Falls
Sharavathi River Valley View
Honnemaradu / Backwaters of Sharavathi River
Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
Honnavara Estuary
Honnavara Beach
Apsarakonda Waterfalls
Dabbe falls
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Hills and valleys
Situated: Shimoga District
Distance: 350 Km from Bangalore, 165 Km from Hubli, 200 Km from Mangalore, 20 Km from Sagar
Transport: Well connected by road, enjoyable in your own vehicle
Facilities: Nil, staying option available in Linganamakki reservoir or in Jog Falls
