Karnataka is home to seven critical river systems that are lifelines to the state Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, North Pennar, South Pennar, Palar, and all the west flowing rivers.
These rivers originate from the Western Ghats or the Deccan Plateau and are vital for the state's agriculture, hydroelectric projects, drinking water supply, and biodiversity. In addition to these major rivers, Karnataka also has numerous tributaries like Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, and Shimsha, further enriching its water resources and contributing to the state's ecological and economic systems.
|
River Name |
Origin |
Key Information |
|
Agrani River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Krishna River |
|
Amarja River |
Near Aland, Kalaburagi District |
Tributary of Bhima River |
|
Ballari Nala |
Ballari District |
Seasonal stream supporting local agriculture |
|
Belagavi Nala |
Belagavi District |
Local water source, supporting nearby agriculture |
|
Bhadra River |
Gangamoola Hills, Chikmagalur District |
Forms Tungabhadra River, supports Bhadra Reservoir and wildlife sanctuary |
|
Chakra River |
Western Ghats |
Flows into Linganamakki Reservoir, supports hydroelectric projects |
|
Chitravathi River |
Chikkaballapur District |
Tributary of Penna River |
|
Chulki Nala |
Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur District |
Seasonal river |
|
Dandavati |
Shimoga District |
Tributary of Varada River |
|
Dudhaganga |
Maharashtra |
Tributary of Krishna River |
|
Gangavalli River |
Western Ghats |
Supports local biodiversity and agriculture |
|
Ghataprabha River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Krishna River, supports Ghataprabha Reservoir |
|
Gundia River |
Western Ghats |
Supports eco-sensitive regions and biodiversity |
|
Gurupura River |
Western Ghats |
Important for Mangalore fisheries and port activities |
|
Hemavati River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Cauvery River, supports Hemavati Reservoir |
|
Hiranyakeshi River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Ghataprabha River |
|
Honnuhole |
Malnad Region, Karnataka |
Tributary of Cauvery River |
|
Kabini River |
Wayanad, Kerala |
Tributary of Cauvery River, supports Nagarhole National Park |
|
Kagna River |
Gulbarga District |
Tributary of Krishna River |
|
Kali River |
Diggi Village, Uttara Kannada District |
Supports Supa Dam and eco-tourism |
|
Karanja River |
Bidar District |
Tributary of Manjira River |
|
Kattinakere |
Local Origin, Karnataka |
Seasonal water source |
|
Kaveri (Cauvery) River |
Talakaveri, Coorg District |
Major river in Karnataka, supports agriculture, power generation, and cultural significance |
|
Kedaka River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Kumaradhara River |
|
Krishna River |
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra |
Major river in Karnataka, supports Almatti Dam and agricultural activities |
|
Kubja River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Varada River |
|
Kumaradhara River |
Western Ghats |
Important for coastal ecosystems |
|
Kumudvathi River |
Shivagange Hills, Karnataka |
Tributary of Arkavathi River |
|
Lakshmana Tirtha |
Brahmagiri Hills, Coorg |
Tributary of Cauvery River |
|
Malaprabha River |
Kanakumbi, Belagavi District |
Tributary of Krishna River, supports Malaprabha Reservoir |
|
Mandovi River |
Western Ghats |
Flows into Goa, supports agriculture and fishing |
|
Manjira River |
Maharashtra |
Tributary of Godavari River |
|
Markandeya (Eastern) |
Eastern Ghats |
Seasonal river in Karnataka |
|
Markandeya (Western) |
Western Ghats |
Supports regional biodiversity |
|
Netravati River |
Kudremukh, Chikmagalur District |
Key river for Mangalore, supports agriculture and fishing |
|
Palar River |
Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur District |
Tributary of Pennar River |
|
Panchagangavalli River |
Western Ghats |
Confluence of five rivers |
|
Papagni River |
Nandi Hills, Karnataka |
Tributary of Pennar River |
|
Penna River |
Nandi Hills, Karnataka |
Major river flowing into Andhra Pradesh |
|
Ponnaiyar River |
Nandi Hills, Karnataka |
Supports agriculture in Tamil Nadu |
|
Seetha River |
Western Ghats |
Important for coastal ecology |
|
Shambhavi River |
Western Ghats |
Supports fisheries and agriculture in coastal Karnataka |
|
Sharavati River |
Ambutheertha, Shimoga District |
Famous for Jog Falls, supports hydropower projects |
|
Shimsha River |
Devarayanadurga Hills, Tumkur District |
Tributary of Cauvery River |
|
Souparnika River |
Western Ghats |
Known for religious significance at Kollur |
|
Suvarnavathi River |
Chamarajanagar District |
Tributary of Cauvery River |
|
Tunga River |
Gangamoola Hills, Chikmagalur District |
Forms Tungabhadra River, supports agriculture and water supply |
|
Tungabhadra River |
Confluence of Tunga and Bhadra Rivers |
Major tributary of Krishna River, supports Tungabhadra Reservoir |
|
Varada River |
Shimoga District |
Tributary of Tungabhadra River |
|
Varahi River |
Western Ghats |
Supports hydropower generation |
|
Vedavathi River |
Bababudangiri Hills, Karnataka |
Tributary of Tungabhadra River |
|
Vrishabhavathi River |
Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Heavily polluted, urban river |
|
Yagachi River |
Western Ghats |
Tributary of Hemavati River |
Karnataka is blessed with several rivers that are not just water sources but also lifelines for its people, culture, and economy. Here is a detailed and simplified explanation of the top 10 rivers in Karnataka:
Origin: Talakaveri, Coorg District
Significance: Often called the "Ganga of the South," Cauvery is deeply revered. It irrigates vast agricultural lands, supports drinking water needs, and generates hydroelectric power. Towns like Srirangapatna and Mysuru thrive along its banks, and it’s home to the famous Shivanasamudra Falls. The Cauvery is a part of daily life, cultural practices, and festivals in Karnataka.
Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Significance: Flowing through northern Karnataka, Krishna is a lifeline for agriculture in the dry regions. It supports major irrigation projects like the Almatti Dam and is crucial for the region's economy. Towns along its banks see rich traditions and dependence on this mighty river.
Origin: Confluence of Tunga and Bhadra Rivers, Gangamoola Hills
Significance: The Tungabhadra River is central to Karnataka's history and culture. Flowing past the ancient city of Hampi, it nourishes agriculture and generates hydroelectric power. Its dam is vital for irrigation, and its waters sustain many lives.
Origin: Ambutheertha, Shimoga District
Significance: Known for the spectacular Jog Falls, Sharavathi is also a powerhouse, literally, as it generates electricity through the Linganamakki Dam. It is a source of pride for Karnataka and attracts countless tourists. Locals often cherish memories of picnics by its serene banks.
Origin: Wayanad, Kerala
Significance: The Kabini River is a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts, as it nourishes the Nagarhole National Park. Its waters are crucial for the surrounding agriculture, and the Kabini Reservoir is a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Origin: Kudremukh, Chikmagalur District
Significance: Flowing through Mangalore, the Netravati supports fishing and agriculture in the coastal belt. It is a source of drinking water for the city and holds a special place in the lives of the people, especially during the monsoon when it swells with life.
Origin: Diggi Village, Uttara Kannada District
Significance: The Kali River is known for its pristine beauty and eco-tourism potential. It supports the Supa Dam for power generation and is a hub for adventure activities like white-water rafting. The river is a lifeline for the forests and villages of the region.
Origin: Western Ghats
Significance: A tributary of the Cauvery, Hemavati plays a crucial role in irrigation and drinking water supply. The Hemavati Reservoir at Gorur is a picturesque spot, and its waters support the livelihoods of farmers in the southern districts.
Origin: Kanakumbi, Belagavi District
Significance: This river is a vital tributary of the Krishna River. It supports agriculture in the semi-arid regions of Karnataka through the Malaprabha Dam. Its waters are cherished by farmers and communities dependent on its flow.
Origin: Western Ghats
Significance: Another tributary of the Krishna River, the Ghataprabha is famous for the Gokak Falls, a stunning waterfall that attracts tourists. The river is crucial for irrigation in northern Karnataka and is a source of pride for the region's residents.
|
East-Flowing Rivers |
West-Flowing Rivers |
|
Agrani River |
Chakra River |
|
Amarja River |
Dandavati River |
|
Ballari Nala |
Dudhaganga River |
|
Belagavi Nala |
Gangavalli River |
|
Bhadra River |
Gundia River |
|
Chitravathi River |
Gurupura River |
|
Chulki Nala |
Hiranyakeshi River |
|
Ghataprabha River |
Kali River |
|
Hemavati River |
Kedaka River |
|
Honnuhole |
Kumaradhara River |
|
Kabini River |
Mandovi River |
|
Kagna River |
Markandeya River (Western) |
|
Kaveri (Cauvery) River |
Netravati River |
|
Krishna River |
Panchagangavalli River |
|
Kubja River |
Seetha River |
|
Kumudvathi River |
Shambhavi River |
|
Lakshmana Tirtha River |
Sharavati River |
|
Malaprabha River |
Souparnika River |
|
Manjira River |
Varada River |
|
Markandeya River (Eastern) |
Varahi River |
|
Papagni River |
|
|
Penna River |
|
|
Ponnaiyar River |
|
|
Shimsha River |
|
|
Suvarnavathi River |
|
|
Tunga River |
|
|
Tungabhadra River |
|
|
Vedavathi River |
|
|
Vrishabhavathi River |
|
|
Yagachi River |
|
Aspect |
East-Flowing Rivers |
West-Flowing Rivers |
|
Flow Direction |
Towards the Bay of Bengal |
Towards the Arabian Sea |
|
Origin |
Mostly from the Western Ghats or Deccan Plateau |
Primarily from the Western Ghats |
|
Length |
Generally longer and cover extensive areas |
Shorter and confined to coastal and hilly regions |
|
Usage |
Primarily used for agriculture, irrigation, and drinking water supply |
Hydropower generation, eco-tourism, and fishing |
|
Notable Rivers |
Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha |
Sharavathi, Kali, Netravati, Seetha, Gurupura |
|
Rain Dependency |
Less rain-dependent; supported by tributaries and reservoirs |
Highly rain-dependent due to shorter catchment areas |
|
Economic Contribution |
Key for agriculture and large irrigation projects |
Supports tourism, fishing, and localized water needs |
|
Biodiversity |
Comparatively less biodiversity-rich |
High biodiversity due to flowing through Western Ghats |
|
Major Tributaries |
Kabini, Hemavati, Arkavathi, Malaprabha |
Chakra, Varahi, Shambhavi, Souparnika |
|
Dams and Hydropower |
Large dams like Almatti, Bhadra, Tungabhadra |
Smaller but significant hydropower projects like Linganamakki and Supa Dam |
|
Cultural Significance |
Often associated with rituals and religious practices |
Limited cultural association compared to east-flowing rivers |
The Cauvery River is the largest river in Karnataka in terms of its cultural, agricultural, and economic significance, originating from Talakaveri in the Coorg district, while the Kali River, originating from Diggi village in Uttara Kannada, is the smallest prominent river, known for its role in hydropower generation and eco-tourism.
The Panchaganga Sangama in Karnataka, near Kudalasangama, is where five rivers converge. These rivers are the Krishna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra, and Bhima. This confluence is of great historical and spiritual significance.
The Aghanashini River is unique as it flows entirely within Karnataka, originating in the Western Ghats and emptying into the Arabian Sea.
The Aghanashini River is considered the purest river in Karnataka because it remains largely untouched by industrial pollution and retains its natural ecological balance.
The Belagavi district is known for its five rivers: Krishna, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Hiranyakeshi, and Markandeya. These rivers are crucial for agriculture and water supply in the region.
The Cauvery River is called the Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the South) because of its cultural and religious significance, similar to the Ganges in North India. It is revered as a sacred river and plays a vital role in agriculture and rituals in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The Cauvery River is considered the holiest river in Karnataka. It is worshipped as a goddess and celebrated during the annual Cauvery Sankramana festival.
The Tungabhadra River is formed by the confluence of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, which meet at Kudli in Karnataka.
Several rivers originate in Karnataka, including the Cauvery River (at Talakaveri in Kodagu district) and the Sharavathi River (in the Western Ghats).
The Hemavathi River is often referred to as the river of tears because of its fluctuating flow, which causes distress to farmers dependent on it for irrigation, especially during dry spells.
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