Varahi River |
About: |
| Varahi River is a river flowing through Western Ghats to Basrur, Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. Varahi is a west flowing river which takes its birth in the Western Ghats at Hebbagilu, near Agumbe in Shimoga District. This river has a total length of 66 km and a catchment area of about 759 sq km. It joins with the Souparnika River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and after a long journey, the Varahi River finally meets the Arabian Sea near Kundapura. There is a dam across Varahi river constructed for producing of electricity. Dam has been constructed near Yadur. Many places surrounding the area have been covered by water due to this.The powerful river, after 25 km, falls 455 m in cascades to form the lush Kunchikal falls. The major attraction of the Varahi River is the river rafting which is conducted throughout the year except during the monsoon season (June-Aug). The Sankaranarayana temple is situated on the banks of the Varahi River.
There is under ground electricity generating station built by KPCL using water from this river near Siddapura in Udupi district. About Simoga:Shimoga is locally called as Shiva-mogga. The name shimoga is derived from the term Shiva-Mukha, literally meaning "Face of Shiva". Shimoga District is a part of naturally rich Malnad (Malenaadu) region of Karnataka. Shimoga is a true picture of nature's bounty-landscapes dotted with waterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddy fields make for picturesque locales. Shimoga is 273 kms southwest of Bangalore. Shimoga district is bounded by the districts of Chikmagalur to the southeast, Davanagere to the east, Haveri to the northeast, Udupi to the southwest, and North Canara (Uttara Kannada) to the northwest. Shimoga district is also known as the Rice Bowl of Karnataka state. Shimoga district consists of seven taluks namely Shimoga, Sagara, Thirthahalli, Hosanagara, Bhadravathi, Shikaripur and Soraba. The rivers Sharavathi, Varada, Tungabhadra and Kumudavathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region. The Sharavathi Hydel Project and Varahi Project provide a substantial portion of Karnataka's power needs. |
Location info: |
| Address:Varahi River is a river flowing through Western Ghats to Basrur, Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. Varahi is a west flowing river which takes its birth in the Western Ghats at Hebbagilu, near Agumbe in Shimoga District. |
| District:Shimoga District |
| Nearest City:Hebbagilu |
| Best time to visit: Throughout the year except during the monsoon season (June-Aug). |
Climate/Weather: |
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History: |
| Shimoga was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysals, Vijayanagar Kings, Keladi Nayakas and Mysore Maharajas. Shimoga got an independent identity under the Keladi Nayakas in the 16th century. It reached its pinnacle during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka in 16th century. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Rafting in Varahi river is on at Anejari Nisarga Dama near Kollur. Rafting in Varahi river starts from Hosangady to New Bridge covering 24 kms or from Hosangady to Hole Shankaranarayan covering 18 kms. Here rafting can be done throughout the year. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
| # Kundeswara temple is within the town, with big arches. Kundapura town is surrounded on three sides by water / back water - and as such one can find good scenes of water and coconut trees all around. The boat point to Gangolli is one such beautiful place, with vast area of back waters of Haladi river, which joins Arabian Sea nearby. From this point, the range of Western Ghats at a distance of 20 km, including highest peak Kodachadri is a beautiful sight. The three-sides- water- town concept of Kundapur is not exploited to develop tourism industry in this area. There are good number of lodges in this town and well connected by Highway to Mumbai, it has good potential to develop as a scenic place. # Sri Vinayaka (Ganesh) Temple at Anegudde, between Kota and Koteshwar towns. (5 k.m. from Kundapura) The area where the temple stands is called Kumbhashi. Among the several temples in Kumbhashi Anegudde, Sri Vinayaka Temple is the oldest, and it is also the most popular in this region. This Ganesh temple is on a small hillock, giving the name Anegudde, "Ane" meaning elephant and "Gudde" meaning a hillock (in kannada). # Basrur - Many temples are located here on the southern banks of the river Varahi. History says Basrur is main and center place of Kundapura Taluk and it has several historical structures. # Uppinakudru - Uppinakudru or salt island is located at 6Km towards north of Kundapura which is a taluk headquarters in Udupi District (Karnataka , India) . # Hoovinakere - It is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya. |
Mobile range info: |
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How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Kundapur is also connected by Konkan Railway which runs through Mumbai, Mangalore. Kundapur Railway station is about 4 km from town. |
| Nearest Airport:The nearest air port is Mangalore Situated around 100 km from kundapur. |
| Road Transport:Kundapur is well connected by Road to Parts of the country. There are buses to Kundapura from Udupi - the bus service is very hot and moving. One can also see Saligrama, Brahmavara while going to Kundapura from Udupi. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
| 1. Jog Falls 2. Agumbe: Agumbe attracts tourists during the summer and winter season because of its unforgettable glorious sunset. Agumbe is also known as the "Chirapunji" of South India because this place receives the highest rainfall in South India. 3. Kodachadri: This is the highest peak in Shimoga District. Kodachadri is around 120 kms from Shimoga this beautiful hill station is nestled in the Western Ghats. The famous Kollur is 12 Kms away from Kodachadri. 4. Achakanya Falls: 10 Kms from Thirthahalli on the way to Hosanagar near Aralsuruli you can find river Sharavathi takes a spectacular leap here to form this wonderfull falls. 5. Tunga Dam: 10 Kms from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli, you can find a place called Gajanur. The Tunga dam is situated here. A ideal picnic spot for the people around. (Presently the dam is closed for general public as the dam height is being increased and construction work is going on. 6. Koodli: 16 Kms away from Shimoga. 7. Linganmakki Dam: Linganmakki dam is about 6 Kms from Jog falls this dam is constructed across river Sharavathi. The height of the Linganmakki dam is 1819 ft above sea level. Linganmakki dam is the main feeder reservoir for the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Power unit. 8. Shivappa Naik Palace: This palace is situated on the banks of river tunga in the busy lanes of Shimoga city. This palace was built by Shivappa naik of Keladi in 16th century. A good architectual piece built with rose wood. The palace is equipped with museum which has several interesting and rare archaeological collections of stone carvings and antiques of Keladi period. 9. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi Bird Sanctuaries, Tyarekoppa Lion Safari and Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp are not to be missed. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| Hebbagilu |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| Apart from several private agents who organise rafting, Jungle Lodges and Resorts is state government body which organises rafting in the region. With around 350 kms from Bangalore and very close to Mangalore, these rafting sites in Karantaka are quite popular. |
Things to carry: |
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Tips & Suggestions: |
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Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:Hebbagilu |
| Nearest Hospital:Hebbagilu |
| Society/Community Phone Number |
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahi_River
http://www.india9.com/i9show/Varahi-River-51648.htm
http://www.karnatakavision.com/shimoga.php
http://india-travel.co.in/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=66
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundapur |
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