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Tunga River

Tunga River

About:

The Tunga River is a sacred and scenic river flowing through the state of Karnataka, India. It originates in the Western Ghats, specifically from Gangamoola in the Chikmagalur district, and travels through lush forests, spiritual sites, and rich biodiversity areas. Known for its pure, pristine waters, the Tunga River holds a place of cultural and religious significance, especially for devotees in Karnataka.

The Tunga River is an important river flowing in the southern state of India, Karnataka. The river originates in the Western Ghats on a hill called Varaha Parvata. The birthplace of Tunga is called Gangamoola, which is a cave inside Varaha Parvatha. It is believed that Tunga River was born when Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu perforated the earth with his tusk.

Shringeri a town located in the Chikmagalur district on the banks of the Tunga River has several temples. The Sarada Temple and the Vidyasankara Temple are the most temples on the bank of the Tunga.

The birthplace of Tunga is called the Ganga Moola, a cave inside the Varaha Parvatha (mountain). With a length of about 147 km, it combines with the Bhadra River to form the Tungabhadra River. On the banks of the river, in Sringeri, lies the famous Shri Sharadha Madira. Gajanur (Tunga) is an s-shaped dam constructed over the river.

Location info:
The Tunga River originates from Gangamoola, near Kudremukh in the Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. It flows primarily through towns such as Sringeri, Thirthahalli, and Shivamogga, eventually merging with the Bhadra River at Koodli to form the Tungabhadra River.

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March-May): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 35°C. Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, as the area receives substantial monsoon rains that swell the river. The lush surroundings become vibrant, though travel can be challenging. Winter (October-February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it the best season for visitors.

History:
The Tunga River has a rich history and is closely tied to the cultural and religious fabric of Karnataka. Ancient temples, including the famous Sringeri Sharada Peetham established by Adi Shankaracharya, are situated along its banks. The river has been a spiritual haven and cultural landmark for centuries, symbolizing purity and sustenance for the region’s people.

Interesting things to do:
Temple Visits: The Tunga River is home to many significant temples, including Sringeri Sharada Peetham. These temples are ideal for spiritual reflection and learning about South Indian architecture.

River Bathing: In Sringeri, devotees often take a ritual bath in the Tunga River, believing it to be a purifying act. Fishing and Boating: Some areas along the Tunga River offer fishing and small boating experiences. Photography: The scenic landscapes, forested banks, and cultural sites along the river are perfect for photography, especially during monsoon and winter.

Interesting things to Visit:
Shringeri, on the banks of the Tunga, has several temples, the most important being the S'a-rada- temple and the Vidya-s'ankara temple.

Thirthahalli: A charming town on the banks of the Tunga, known for its ancient temples and serene riverside spots.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham: A renowned temple and cultural institution, this site is a center of learning and spirituality founded by Adi Shankaracharya.

Local Attractions in the City:- The city has a large spacious park called the Gandhi park where a toy train and an aquarium is housed. Nearby is the Kuvempu Rangamandira & Ambedkar Bhavan where frequent cultural programmes are held. The Shivappanaika palace provides a historical touch to the city. The old Tunga Bridge which is more than a 100 years old was commissioned and supervised by Bharat Ratna Sir M Vishveshwaraiah. Many more attractions attract tourits to the city.

Mobile range info:
The mobile network along the Tunga River is generally good in towns like Sringeri and Thirthahalli. However, as you move deeper into forested areas or higher altitudes, network coverage may become limited.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Shimoga (or Shivamogga) is the closest major railway station, around 75 km away.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 110 km from Sringeri.
Road Transport: The Tunga River is accessible by road from major cities in Karnataka. Regular bus services and taxis are available from cities like Mangalore, Udupi, and Shimoga to towns along the Tunga River.

Nearest Visiting places:
Chikmagalur: Known for coffee plantations and scenic viewpoints, Chikmagalur is a popular tourist spot within driving distance.

"Chibbalagude", Thirthahalli, The famous place for Siddivinayaka temple & Fish in tunga river, (like Shringeri). For all these places, one should find rooms in Shimoga or Sagar only, as other places are almost villages. "Shiva Statue" made of concrete is installed at Harakere, near Shivamogga looks good. "Sacred Heart Cathedral", the second biggest church in Asia, is situated in the center of the city.
Lion safari is 6 km from Shimoga. Safari drives are conducted in cage vans to get closer glimpse of wild animals.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol pumps are available in nearby towns such as Sringeri and Thirthahalli. It is recommended to fill up in these towns before exploring the surrounding areas, especially if you plan on visiting remote or forested locations.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Advaith Lancer, Sringeri

Sri Mutt Lodge, Sringeri (managed by the Sringeri Temple)

Jungle Lodges (Agumbe): Ideal for nature lovers

Things to carry:
Comfortable footwear for temple visits and walking. Raincoat or umbrella during monsoon season. Warm clothing in winter, especially if visiting Agumbe or Kudremukh areas. Personal essentials and any required medications. Camera and binoculars for scenic and wildlife viewing.

Tips & Suggestions:
Respect local customs and maintain silence in temple areas. Plan for occasional rain, especially if visiting during monsoon. Check road conditions during heavy rains as certain routes can become challenging. Be mindful of the environment, particularly around forested areas, and avoid littering.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Tourist Helpline (Karnataka):080-2235-2828
Local Police Station (Sringeri):+91-8265-250-233

Tunga River Nearest Attraction
Belavadi
It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it.....more
Sringeri
Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara .....more
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.....more
Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore.....more
Manikyadhara Waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.....more
Sirmane / Sirmane falls
Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri.....more
Bababudangiri Hills
Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka.....more
Gangamoola Hills
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons....more
Horanadu Hills
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.....more
Kemmannugundi Hills
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.....more
Kudremukh Hills
The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak.....more
Horanadu Temples
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. ....more
Shringeri Temples
Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra.....more
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest.....more
Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthodi Forest Reserve is one of the four main parts of the Bhadra Wild life Sanctuary, the other three being Tanikecoil, Lakkavalli and Hebbe.38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here.....more
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs.....more
Bhadra River
The Bhadra River is a river in Karnataka state in southern India.The Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats range, and flows east across the Deccan Plateau, joined by its tributaries the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.....more
Lakkavalli Dam
Lakkavalli is a small town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka state, southern India. Lakkavalli is the site of a dam across the Bhadra River; the dam is used for irrigation and power production.Lakkavalli is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Tarikere and 45 km from Shimoga.....more
Muthodi National Park
....more
Sootanabbi / Hanuman Gundi Falls
....more