Sharavathi River flows entirely in the state of Karnataka and is one of the major river basins that lie in the Western Ghats. The well known and very famous Jog falls originate from the Sharavathi River and are the second largest waterfalls in India. The river is home to a much rare variety of flora and fauna. The river originates from Ambuteertha which is located in Shimoga and has a historical importance. It is said that Ambuteertha is the place where Lord Ram broke the bow to win Sita in a Swayamvar. The length of Sharavathi is 128 km and it merges with the Arabian Sea in the Uttara Kannada district.

Course

Sharavathi River when originates from Ambuteertha and tumbles down from the cliffs to form the Jog falls, it makes a magnificent view. The Sharavathi River falls from the height of 253 meters to form this breathtaking waterfall. The river flows in the westward direction and flows entirely in one state, i.e. Karnataka. The basin of the river covers two districts namely Uttara Kannada and Shimoga.

Tributaries

The main tributaries of the Sharavathi River are Haridravathi, Hikunji, Hurlihole, Nandihole, Mavinahole and Yennehole.

Sharavathi Reservoirs

Linganamakki dam on the Sharavathi River is situated in the Sagara Taluka. The dam was made to store 4368 million cubic meter water and the height of the dam is 1819 feet and the reservoir’s capacity is 152 Thousand Million cubic feet. The water in the dam is mainly received from the rains or the nearby reservoirs. These nearby reservoirs are linked through a canal with the dam. There is a Honnemaradu island that has formed on the Linganamakki dam and is famous for a lot of water sports. Windsurfing, kayaking, swimming and canoeing are some of them.

Gerusoppa dam is built on the Sharavathi River and is located in the Uttara Kannada district.  The dam is the powerhouse of the state and there are four turbines that generate units. The river has three main hydroelectric projects which include the Gerusoppa dam. The other two are the Sharavathi generating station and the Linganamakki dam powerhouse station.