The RiverThe Sharavati is one of the most important rivers of Karnataka.

Originating at a height of 730m near Ambuthirtha, in Shimoga district, the Sharavati river flows in a north-west direction.

In its long, 132-km journey, entirely within Karnataka state, a major part of the river flows in the Western Ghats.

The Sharavathi is joined by several tributaries like : Nandiholay, Mavina holay, Haridravathi, Nagodiholay Etc.,

The Taming of Sharavati

The Sharavati Hydroelectric Project was planned to tap the electricity generating potential of the river. There are 3 power generating stations in this project.

The river has been dammed at 2 places, Linganamakki in Shimoga district and Gerusoppa in Uttara Kannada district.

Linganamakki dam is 2.4 Kms. in length and was constructed in the year 1964. It was designed to hold 4368 mil cubic mtrs of Water.

Gerusoppa dam project was completed in the year 2002. It's main purpose is to generate electricity.

Jog, Highest Water Fall of India

Jog Falls: The highest Water fall in India is formed by the Sharavati river at Jog.

It falls from a height of 293 mtrs. It has 4 different segments called: Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. The falls are mightiest when water is released from Linganamakki dam.

Along The River

The Sharavati river passes through many towns and villages. The upper part flows through Shimoga district and the lower through Uttara Kannada. In Shimoga, it passes through 2 important towns, Hosanagara and Sagara.

Ramachandrapura Mutt, and Ambuthirtha are some of the places located on the banks of Sharavati, which have religious significance for Hindus.

Honnemardu is an Island created by the back-waters of Linganamakki dam. This is a paradise for bird-watchers and water sport enthusiasts(see pic)

Honnavar an important town in the Uttara Kannada district is the place where the Sharavati meets the Arabian sea. At Bhatkal the Konkan Rail Bridge is built across the river (see pic)

The Industries

Many industries utilise the water of the river Sharavati.

Some of these most famous industries are : Vishweshwaraya Iron and Steel Limited and Mysore Paper Mills at Bhadravati.

The Light of KarnatakaThe Sharavati river is vital in the progress of Karnataka, helping us in agriculture, industrial growth, forestry, eco-tourism, and most importantly, generation of electricity.

The Taming of SharavatiThe Sharavathi Hydro Electric Project is today the backbone of Karnatakas power generating arsenal. The Sharavathi Generating Station with its 10 Units has an installed capacity of 1035 MW and the Linganamakki Dam Powerhouse with 2 units has an installed capacity of 55 MW. To further tap the potential of the Sharavathi river, KPCL has installed at the Gerusoppa Dam Project, four generating Units of 60 MW each, totaling to 240 MW.

The unique feature of the Sharavathi Project is the establishment of 1035 MW resource under one roof, with an annual yield of 5000 MU.The project has equipment from US, Canada, France, Japan and other specified markets