Major Rivers & Waterfalls
Karnataka, blessed with the Western Ghats and a lush landscape, is home to some of South India’s most iconic rivers and majestic waterfalls. These natural water bodies are not just scenic attractions, but they also hold ecological, cultural, and economic significance.
Major Rivers of Karnataka
1. Krishna River
- Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (flows through northern Karnataka)
- Major cities: Raichur, Bagalkot, Yadgir
- Tributaries: Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra
- Importance: Lifeline for irrigation in North Karnataka
2. Cauvery (Kaveri) River
- Origin: Talakaveri, Kodagu district (Western Ghats)
- Flows through: Mysuru, Mandya, and parts of Tamil Nadu
- Tributaries: Kabini, Hemavati, Arkavati
- Sacred river, crucial for agriculture and hydroelectricity
3. Tungabhadra River
- Formed by the confluence of Tunga & Bhadra rivers
- Major sites: Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies on its banks
- Historical and religious significance
4. Sharavathi River
- Flows through Shimoga district
- Known for: Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India
5. Netravati River
- Originates in the Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru district
- Passes through Mangaluru and joins the Arabian Sea
- Vital for coastal Karnataka
6. Kabini River
- Tributary of Cauvery, popular for wildlife tourism
- The Kabini Reservoir is a major tourist spot
Famous Waterfalls in Karnataka
1. Jog Falls (Shimoga)
- Height: ~830 feet (second highest plunge waterfall in India)
- River: Sharavathi
- Best time to visit: July to September (monsoon)
- Nearby: Linganamakki Dam, Honnemaradu
2. Abbey Falls (Coorg)
- Nestled in coffee plantations near Madikeri
- River: A tributary of the Cauvery
- Surrounded by lush Western Ghats and spice estates
3. Gokak Falls (Belgaum)
- River: Ghataprabha
- Resembles a mini Niagara Falls, with red sandstone cliffs
4. Shivanasamudra Falls (Mandya)
- River: Cauvery splits into Gaganachukki and Bharachukki
- One of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia
- A scenic weekend getaway from Bengaluru
5. Unchalli Falls (Uttara Kannada)
- Also known as Lushington Falls
- River: Aghanashini
- Hidden gem in dense forest, perfect for nature lovers
6. Sathodi Falls (Yellapur)
- River: Kali (nearby)
- Known as the “Mini-Niagara of Karnataka,” set in evergreen forest
7. Iruppu Falls (Kodagu)
- River: Lakshmana Tirtha
- Pilgrimage site near Rameshwara temple, ideal for treks and monsoon visits
8. Hebbe Falls (Chikkamagaluru)
- In the coffee estates of Kemmanagundi hills
- Falls into two stages – Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls)
Ecotourism & Conservation Note
- Most rivers originate in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Waterfalls are seasonal and best visited during or just after monsoons.
- Karnataka Tourism promotes eco-tourism with jungle lodges, nature camps, and guided treks.
