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Kaveri River

Kaveri River

About:

The Kaveri River, also known as Cauvery, is one of the major rivers in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Known for its cultural, religious, and economic significance, the river provides water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. The Kaveri is revered as a sacred river and holds an important place in Indian mythology and local folklore.

The origin of the River Kaveri is at the Talakaveri (Western Ghats) of Karnataka. River Kaveri originates in the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu. This place is called Talakaveri or the head of Kaveri. The river starts its journey from the small pond called as Kundike pond, the two tributaries known as Kanake and Sujyoti joins it later in the course. All these three rivers meets at the point called Bhagamandala. It lies at an altitude of 1350 meters and generally flows from the direction of south to the eastward direction. The river has an approximate length of 760 km. It flows in the state of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and finally merges into Bay of Bengal. The major tributaries of the river Kaveri include Shimsha river, Arkavathy river, Honnuhole river, Hemavati river, Lakshmana Tirtha river Kabini river, Bhavani river, Lokapavani river and the Amaravati river.

Location info:
The Kaveri River originates in the Western Ghats at Talakaveri in Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, winding its way through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before forming a delta and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Major cities along its course include Mysore, Srirangapatna, and Tiruchirappalli.

Climate/Weather:
Summer: (March to May) – Hot and humid along the plains, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. Monsoon: (June to September) – Receives moderate to heavy rainfall, especially in the Western Ghats, which helps replenish the river’s water levels. Winter: (November to February) – Cool and mild, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C, ideal for visiting.

History:
The Kaveri River has been central to the cultural and religious history of southern India. It is mentioned in ancient texts, epics, and local folklore. Various kingdoms, including the Cholas, Cheras, and Hoysalas, revered the Kaveri and developed extensive irrigation systems along its banks, contributing to agricultural prosperity in the region. The river has also inspired numerous poets, and its banks are home to many ancient temples and cultural sites.

Interesting things to do:
River Rafting and Coracle Rides: Enjoy thrilling rafting and serene coracle rides at various points, especially near Dubare and Hogenakkal. Fishing and Boating: Certain stretches of the Kaveri, like Dubare, are known for fishing and gentle boating experiences. Trekking and Bird Watching: The Kaveri basin, especially near Coorg, offers excellent trekking trails and bird-watching spots.

Interesting things to Visit:
Talakaveri Temple: Located at the origin of the river in Coorg, this is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. Shivanasamudra Falls: A stunning waterfall on the Kaveri River in Karnataka, known for its scenic views and hydroelectric power station. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, situated on an island in the Kaveri River. Hogenakkal Falls: Known as the “Niagara of India,” Hogenakkal offers breathtaking views and boat rides. Mekedatu: A scenic gorge on the Kaveri, ideal for a day trip and sightseeing.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity is available in most areas along the Kaveri River, but coverage may be patchy in remote sections, such as forested areas or near waterfalls.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)
Nearest Airport:Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)
Road Transport:The river is accessible from multiple cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with a network of state highways and buses facilitating travel.

Nearest Visiting places:
Coorg: Famous for coffee plantations, hills, and trekking. Mysore: Known for its historical monuments, Mysore Palace, and Chamundi Hills. Srirangapatna: A historic town with the Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Tiruchirappalli: Known for the Rockfort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol pumps are available along highways and near major cities like Mysore, Coorg, and Tiruchirappalli, providing easy access for travelers.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Coorg: Offers a variety of homestays, eco-resorts, and guesthouses near the river’s source. Mysore and Srirangapatna: Range of hotels, guesthouses, and heritage stays. Hogenakkal: Limited accommodations, primarily guesthouses and small lodges, are available for tourists.

Things to carry:
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Water bottle and snacks. Camera for capturing the scenic views. A small first-aid kit for emergencies.

Tips & Suggestions:
The best time to visit is during winter for a comfortable climate and clear views. Wear comfortable footwear, especially if trekking or visiting the falls. Exercise caution near waterfalls and rocky areas. Respect local customs at temples and pilgrimage sites. Inform others of your plans, especially if venturing into remote areas with limited mobile reception.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Control Room at Coorg : 100 or 08272-229333
Nearest Hospital:Government Hospital at Coorg : 08272-223445 / 223444

Kaveri River Nearest Attraction
Cauvery Nisargadama
This place is located in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka very close to Kushal Nagar. Nisargadhama is around 120 kms from Mysore and around 260 kms from Bangalore. Located 4 kms before Kushal Nagar (when driving from Mysore), it is a small and circular island formed by the branching of river Cauvery....more
Kabini WildLIfe Sanctuary
Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80 km away from Mysore and 205 km from Bangalore, and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarole National Park....more
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kodagu District covers an area of about 181 sq km. It is surrounded by evergreen and semi-green forests as well as shola grasslands....more
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries of India's Karnataka state. This sanctuary is located near Mandalpatty in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district and has some attractive scenery. Spread over 102 sq km, the sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats and has thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests....more
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Southern Karnataka state of South India. It is located in Kodagu district and is spread over 105 km2 and lies in the Western Ghats. This sanctuary is named after Talakaveri, the origin of the Cauvery River which lies on the eastern edge of the sanctuary....more
Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Nagarhole National Park, also known as 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park,' is located 94 km from Mysore in Karnataka in Southern India. It is spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two....more
Abbey Waterfall
Karnataka boasts of some scenic and exotic hill stations that are frequented by those seeking the green and serene. Among them one such location would be the Abbey falls. This waterfalls also known as the Abbi falls....more
Irpu / Iruppu Waterfall
Irpu falls (or Iruppu falls) is situated at outskirts of Brahmagiri mountain range of Kodagu district. The falls is formed by Lakshmana theertha river when it jumps down in two tiers from a height of 52 mtrs (approximately 170 ft). The Irpu Falls, also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls....more
Mallalli Waterfall
Mallalli falls is situated in the foots of pushpagiri hills. It in about 18 kms from somwarpet, the falls is 2 kms inside the main road. Mallalli Falls is situated in Coorg and is around 25 kms from Somwarpet and 260 kms from Bangalore....more
Nisargadhama Falls
Nisargadhama Falls in Karnataka is about 25km on the way to Madikeri from Bangalore. 2 kilometers from Kushalnagar, Nisargadhama is a beautiful island carved by the Cauvery. Karnataka's geographical topography is dominated by the Western Ghats that is the source of many rivers flowing though out the land....more
Lakshmana Tirtha River
The Lakshmana Tirtha is a river of India that has its origin in Kodagu district and flows eastward. It joins the Kaveri River in the Krishna Raja Sagara lake. Kodagu is a district of Karnataka State in Southern India. It is also known by its anglicised name of Coorg. It occupies about 4,100 square kilometers (1,580 mi2) of land in the Western Ghats of Southwestern Karnataka....more
Harangi Dam