6 Most Important Rivers That Flow In Karnataka

Karnataka, the land of many important rivers, has hundreds of rivers with several tributaries, that have originated in the Western Ghats ranges and hill stations. The rivers in Karnataka are spread around 300 kms of coastline where they merge into the ocean. There are seven river systems in Karnataka, namely Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari, Palar, South Pennar, North Pennar, and west flowing rivers.

The rivers in Karnataka are vital for the tourism industry. The ancient temples built on the banks provide tourists a unique experience. A source of water for household and drinking purposes, Karnataka’s rivers are a source of hydropower and integral to agriculture.

# Kaveri

Situated in the district of Coorg, the river Kaveri or Cauvery is the largest river in Karnataka. Known to devout Hindus as Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the South), it is considered holy and sacred. The origin of the river is a famous pilgrimage spot Talakaveri which is nestled amidst the Brahmagiri Hills in Coorg. With a rocky bed and high banks under luxuriant vegetation, the river is also important for its irrigation canal projects. You can take a dip in the water at a few shallow and safe points along the river.

# Kabini

Originating at Wayanad in Kerala, the river Kabini is a tributary of Kaveri that flows eastward to join Kaveri at Tirumakudal Narsipur in Karnataka. Also called Kabani and Kapila, this river in Karnataka is situated at a distance of 220 kms from Bangalore and 80 kms from Mysore. It’s known for exhibiting one of the world’s largest congregations of Asiatic wild elephants; most of the elephants of the surrounding forests converge at Kabini during summer. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir formed by the river are rich in wildlife. Kabini is a great vacation destination for tourists to pitch their camps on its banks and enjoy lush greenery.

# Hemavathi

Originating from the Ballala Rayana Durga in the Chikmagalur district, Hemavati joins the river Kaveri near Krishnarajasagar and is one of the main tributaries of the river. Adding to the beauty of the Western Ghats, this is one of the rivers in Karnataka that flows through a distance of 245 kms. A number of resorts have developed near the river offering a variety of adventure activities such as banana boat rides, boating, swimming, and kayaking for adventure enthusiasts.

# Krishna

The second longest river in peninsular India, and the longest river in Karnataka, Krishna, formerly known as Kistna, originates in Maharashtra and passes through Karnataka. With a total course of about 800 miles (1,290 kms), this river in Karnataka flows east to Wai in Maharashtra and then in a south-eastern direction past Sangli to the border of Karnataka state. The Krishna has a large and highly fertile delta which provides water for irrigation.

# Tungabhadra

Tungabhadra is considered to be a sacred river, and is a chief tributary of Krishna formed in Shimoga by the union of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. Flowing east across the Deccan Plateau, the river joins the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. Having the advantage of a river, a host of irrigation canals and aqueducts were constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings. Playing a major role in forming the religious and political history of Hampi, the river, along with the hills, had formed the northern barrier of the capital. This river in Karnataka is also considered to have the sweetest water in the world.