शरावतीति विख्याता नदी झकति महा निधि ।।

सौन्दर्य शालिनी रम्या सर्व लोक प्रकाश का ।।

प्रकृते: प्रिय पुन्नीयं वृक्षलक्षस्य रक्षिणी ।।

कर्णाटकाख्यदेशस्य भूषा विजयतेतराम् ।।

The river known as Sharavati is a treasure to of power.

She is attractively beautiful and illuminates the whole world.

She is the dear daughter of Mother Nature and protects millions of trees.

She is a Jewel of the state of karnataka and shines victoriously

Poem by Khalil Gibran

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Ambuteertha
Achhakanye Falls
Ramachandrapura Matha
Karanagiri
Bidanur Kote

Devagange

Hebbige
Sihma Farms Nittur

Bekkodi

Hasirumakki
Saavehaklu
Hulikall Ghat

Hirebhaskara Dam

signadur
Talaguppa
Manmane
Kallu Sanka
Honnemaradu
Sharavathi Valley
Linganamakki Dam

Chain Gate

vattakki
Melina Huklu
Bidaruru
Vandanbail
Talakalale
Jog Falls
River Power
Kattalakana
Bangaramakki
Bangarakusuma
Nagarabasti
Kanoor Kote
Bhimeshwara
Haaduvalli, Chandragiri
Upponi
Haigunda
Gunavante
Maavinakurve
Honnavara
Colonel-Hill
Konkan railways
Sharavathi submerge
Basavarajadurga
Apsarakonda
Mirzan Fort
Ambuteertha (Birth Place)
Ambuteertha (Birth Place)

Banished to the forests for 14 long years, Lord Rama, Sita Devi & Lakshmana eventually reached this place. Sita was extremely thirsty, so Rama took out his bow and shot an arrow into the ground. A spring of sparkling, clear water emerged for Sita to quench her thirst. Ambuteertha, the source of water created by an arrow, came into existence.
Achhakanye Falls
Achhakanye Falls

The water is fresh and clean; as it flows over small rocks and pebbles, it acquires a white garb too. What else can you call it but Acchakanye, the pure virgin?
Ramachandrapura Matha
Ramachandrapura Matha

Sri Ramachandrapura Matha is located between Hosanagara and Nagara. The importance of this Math as a seat of Hindu religion spreads far & wide, and it owes allegiance to the Sharada Peetha, Sringeri. Situated on the left bank of Sharavathi, the entire place has acquired a serene atmosphere owing to the languid flow of the river Sharavati
Karanagiri
Karanagiri

Standalone a dry tree in the midst of plenty of water, copius rain, surrounded by forest and favourable ambience. Sometimes it happens in life too. Every thing is there and nothing comes to our help.

Bidanur Kote
Bidanur Kote

Heading out towards Kundapura in Udupi district from Hosanagara in Shimoga district, one comes across a serene little town called Nagara. The approach to the town is very picturesque, heralded by the majecstic sight of a sprawling fort now in ruins. It is called the Bidanuru Fort and dates back to the era of the Nayakas. Come monsoon, the landscape is swathed in green and is at its most inviting best.
Devagange
Devagange

The present-day Nagara town was the capital of Keladi Nayakas around 1640 AD. This place named Devaganga is located in Basavana Byaane, a suburb of Nagara, and it has links with the Nayaka period.
Hebbige
Hebbige

Cradled amongst the peaks of Western Ghats is the sleepy village of Nittur, at the foot of the famed Kodachadri hills. A trekkers' paradise, Kodachadri offers spectacular views of the sunrise & sunset. The footfalls though rarely bother Nittur, located some 40 km from Hosanagara town.
Simha Farms Nittur
Simha Farms Nittur

Simha Farms is a homestay located on the foothills of Kodachadri. It is a convenient place to stay when you are on the other side of Linganamakki Reservoir. About 35 km from Hosanagara, you will come across a unique bus shelter at a place called Madodi. A left turn off the main road passing through plantations of arecanut & cardamom takes you to Simha Farms.
Bekkodi
Bekkodi

In my endeavour to capture the beauty along the river Sharavathi, I have come across many places which I hadn't thought existed all these years. Nothing can beat Nature. Once when I was driving to reach the banks of river Sharavathi somewhere, I came across this landscape, around 25 km from Sagara. There was nothing to differentiate it from an artistic masterpiece, with the hills appearing like waves, and the sunlight that highlighted features at its whim.
Hasirumakki
Hasirumakki

Sharavathi has chosen some of the most picturesque landscapes to flow through! One such is Hasirumakki, some 25 km from Sagara. The road to Hasirumakki passes through forested areas and small, remote villages where time may appear to be standing still. At the destination, however, the scenario flipped and the vista opened up, marked by vast expanses of sand that announced that the river is closeby. And when you are beside a river, will the time stand still?!
Saavehaklu
Saavehaklu

Hulikall Ghat
Hulikall Ghat

Hulikal Ghat is one of the prominent ghat roads of Karnataka, connecting Shivamogga with Kundapura. Whether you approach from Tirthahalli or Nagara, you will first come across Mastikatte. When you travel on the ghat road for about 10 km from here, you will reach Hulikal Falls.

Hirebhaskara Dam
Hirebhaskara Dam

Though I had been to Signadooru Chowdeshwari temple quite often, I never came across Hirebhaskara dam. Hirebhaskara Dam is located near Holebaagilu village. The dam was constructed to store Sharavati river water and use of power generation. The entire dam area is under Bhadra reserve forest. Permission is required to see this submerged dam. From Holebagilu we need to enter Bhadra Reserve Forest gate and travel 3-4 kms to reach the dam.

Sigandur
Sigandur

Sigandur is a pilgrimage center located 42 km from Saagara town, surrounded by the backwaters of Sharavathi. The reigning deity here is Shree Devi Chowdeshwari, also called as Sigandooreshwari. One has to alight at Aranabailu and travel by ferry across the backwaters to reach Holebagilu on the other side; the Temple is located a short distance away. In fact, the ferry is the only means to carry everything including people, vehicles and materials across the river.
Talaguppa
Talaguppa

Talaguppa is a village in Sagara Taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka State, India. Located on National Highway 206, it is equidistant from Sagara and the famed Jog Falls. A railway terminal point in the heart of Malnad region, Talaguppa is a center for arecanut & paddy cultivation.
Manmane
Manmane

There are many small hamlets beside the highway with unique names and charms of their own. All you need to do is leave the highway and explore. Manmane is one such village, about 5 km from Talaguppa towards Jog. It belongs to Siddapura Taluk of Uttara Kannada district which spreads out to its north. It is surrounded by the talukas of Sagara on the southern side, Honnavara on the west and Soraba to the south. This lake is adjacent to the highway and a smaller road diverts into the village here. The adjacent Talavata village is home to Matthuga Homestay which is popular among travellers.
Kallu Sanka
Kallu Sanka

About 6-7 km from Talguppa towards Jog Falls is a small village called Malavalli to the left. Hidden from the main road is a naturally formed stone bridge nearby. It is difficult to establish whether the stream below connects up with Sharavathi; however, this is one of the naturally formed wonders in the basin.
Honnemaradu
Honnemaradu

Honnemaradu, which translates to 'Golden Sands' is a place located on the backwaters of Sharavathi. It is a popular tourist attraction.
Sharavathi Valley
Sharavathi Valley

About 26 km from Jog Falls while travelling towards Honnavara, we come across the Sharavathi View Point. This stretch has innumerable curves and bends passing though thick forests, with views of hillocks on either side whenever the woods give a respite. Here, you have a chance to pause and marvel at Nature.

Linganamakki Dam
Linganamakki Dam

The Linganamakki dam located in the Sagar taluk has a length of 2.7 km and was constructed across the Sharavati river in 1964. It was designed to store 4368 million cubic meter of water in an area of around 300 km2, The dam's height is 59 meters . The total capacity of the reservoir is 152 TMC (Thousand Million Cubicfeet). It has a catchment area of nearly 1,991.71 km2,
Chain Gate
Chain Gate

When Linganamakki Dam becomes brimful by August due to the peaking of monsoons, the gates are opened to let out excess water. This reaches Kargal village where the flow is bifurcated into 2 streams. Known variously as Chain Gate, China Gate and Kargal Dam, this feature directs water to flow simultaneously towards both the power stations downstream. Water flowing towards Talakalale enters the underground channel and disappears; the other stream rushes by gravity towards Seetha Katte en route Jog Falls.

Vattakki
Vattakki

Vattakki is another peaceful village further down the road from Melinahuklu on the banks of the backwaters of Talakalale Reservoir. However, the chosen option of travel is a boat, come rain or shine! The road was not in any great shape during my visit; more than that, sailing was a wonderful experience. Gliding along peacefully, one would cross countless islets while enjoying the cool breeze, watching birds fly hither & thither, or the sedate ripples on the water being sliced by the bow of the boat.

Melina Huklu
Melina Huklu

Huklu was one such place suggested by a friend who could provide no other details, except that it was a charming little place worth a visit when I happen to be in the vicinity. Besides, it is located on the backwaters of Sharavathi. So I decided to venture out on my own. From Bengaluru to Sagara and then on to Kargal, I continued further along the Bhatkal Road. I enquired at a small tea shop, continued for another 3 km, took a righ turn & then a left, and soon I was in a village called Melina Huklu.
Bidaruru
Bidaruru

Bidaruru is a small village downstream of the dam at Linganamakki. Water leaving the dam passes through an underground channel of about 4.3 km length by gravity which opens up at Bidaruru forming whirlpools along the flow.
Vandanbail
Vandanbail

Vadanbyle is a small village on the banks of Talakalale Balancing Reservoir and houses the water intake point for power generation. As a result, written permission from KPTCL at Jog Township will be required to reach here. It is about 14 km from Jog Falls, and the famous Jain temple for Goddess Padmavathi is located about a kilometre beyond the checkpost. Buses ply from Sagar and Jog Falls at limited frequency.
Talakalale
Talakalale

It is a tricky business to track accurately the flow of Sharavathi, especially when you are at site. (Imagine... What if Sharavathi was a major river? How many times would I have chased the wild goose?!) The reservoirs further complicate the issue; water would seem to be flowing in from everywhere, and staying there. The dynamics of flowing water is completely lost here, overtaken by tranquility! I am speaking about the Talakalale Balancing Reservoir which receives water from Linganamakki Dam through an underground tunnel of about 4.3 km length, that opens out at Bidaruru, just off Kargal - Bhatkal road. This Reservoir feeds the Mahatma Gandhi Power Project at Jog Falls. These parts are off limits for the general public due to security reasons.
Jog Falls
Jog Falls

It is a treat to watch Sharavathi rushing down to a depth of 830 ft at Jog Falls in 4 different cascades called as RAJA, RANI, ROCKET & ROARER, based on their style of falling. It is called 'Jogada Gundi' in Kannada, which means the pit of Joga, referring to the muddy pool of water below, perhaps implying that your viewing is complete only when your eyes can take in all the 4 streams and the bottom in one sweeping view.
River Power Station
River Power Station

Kattalakana
Kattalakana

Bangaramakki
Bangaramakki

Bangarakusuma
Bangarakusuma

Nagarabasti
Nagarabasti

About 2 km away from Bangaramakki, you will come across Nagarabasti village, which was a prominent religious center during Saluva rule. Many basadis were built in and around this place though very few have survived the onslaught of time. One would find it an exciting experience to unravel the influence of Jains on the commerce and administration of this region as well as their links with the Vijayanagara Empire, as there are stone tablets and other records to vouch for the same.
Kanoor Kote
Kanoor Kote

My friend Raju & I were sitting down and ticking off the places we'd already visited, over breakfast one day, when a stranger overheard us and suggested a few more. The fort at Kaanooru was one of them. Excited, we hurriedly put together a few basics and left Sagara. After travelling about 64 km we reached a place called Hosagadde beyond Kaanooru village and went looking for a senior resident who could guide us to the fort hidden deep inside the forests.
Bhimeshwara
Bhimeshwara

Legend says that Bheemasena, the second Pandava, built this temple when they reached here during their banishment, Arjuna used his mastery in archery to open up beside the temple a perennial stream of water that is now called the Sarala river, and Yudhishtira consecrated the temple on Shivarathri.
Haaduvalli, Chandragiri
Haaduvalli, Chandragiri

Reaching Chandragiri basadi involves an arduous trek of 3 km through rocky hillside that is covered by weeds and plants. Though steps have been provided to climb the hill and other amenities like a dining hall, kitchen & rest rooms have been created near the basadi, everything is in a state of disrepair and hence cannot be used.
Upponi
Upponi

About 38 km from Jog Falls heading towards Honnavar lies the village of Upponi on the left bank of Sharavathi. A village like any other till the bridge was built.
Haigunda
Haigunda

As NH 69 snakes along between Jog Falls and Honnavara, a few small villages appear to the left, sandwiched between the road and the river. At one such place called Allanki, there is a turn to the left which takes us to an island called Haigunda formed by Sharavathi. It is about 42 km from Jog and 20 km from Honnavara.
Gunavante
Gunavante

Gunavanthe is a small but picturesque village that hugs the National Highway 66, about 8 km south of Sharavathi as she approaches the sea at Honnavara. It is the birthplace of the renowned Yakshagana artiste, Keremane Sri Shambhu Hegde.

Mavinkurave
Mavinkurave

Colonel Hil
Colonel Hil

This is the monument of Colonel Hill who fought against the ‘Pepper Queen’ Rani Chennabhyradevi. He died fighting near the Jog Falls, and his body was brought down to Honnavara and buried at this place by his men.

Konkan Railways
Konkan Railways

Sharavathi Submerge
Sharavathi Submerge

Basavarajadurga
Basavarajadurga

Apsarakonda
Apsarakonda

Apsarakonda, the pool for Apsaras, if you want to believe the locals. They didn't say you'll turn into one, though! They just said angels used to come by for a dip at night. We don't even know whether angels ever need a bath!! Anyways, this place is just too idyllic to let go which means, the first thing you'll do is to strip as much as you can and simply wade in. Mind you, it's perennial.

Mirzan Fort
Mirzan Fort

Mirjan fort could be entered from 4 sides, with wide stairs leading the visitor inside the double-walled structure. It also had secret passages and a U-shaped moat filled with water fed by the channel as features of defence. Some of the bigger turrets on the bastions could be restored around 2000 AD. The rest is still in ruins and is believed to comprise more entrances, royal and other living quarters, a darbar hall and storage-cum-trading points for spices.