Tungabhadra River is a holy river that starts in the state of Karnataka and then moves to the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Then, it joins the Krishna River on the border of Andhra Pradesh. The river has a historical importance as the name of the river is mentioned in Ramayana and is called as Pampa. The river is formed by the merger of rivers Tunga and Bhadra and flows in the eastern side of the Western Ghats. Chikmangalur is the originating point if the river and joins the Arabian Sea near Mangalore. Many holy places and temples are seen along the river. There are many temples around the river that are of significant importance. The Tunga Mools temple is the birth place of the Tungabhadra River. Shringeri is on the bank of the river and is known for the Shringeri Sharda Math which was started by the famous Adi Shankaracharya.

Tungabhadra is one of the major rivers of the Indian peninsula and is located on the southern bank. Hampi is located on the river’s path and the river takes a number of twists and turns before joining the Arabian Sea. The river has been a major part of the south and has contributed a lot in the political and historical presence of Hampi. Tungabhadra River flows in the northwest direction and ends in the Bay of Bengal.

Tungabhadra dam is constructed across the dam and is one of the most important reservoirs of the river. The dam takes care of all needs like the irrigation, water supply, electricity, and helps control flooding.

Course

Tungabhadra is formed by the union of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra which are located in the Western Ghats. Tunga and Bhadra meet at Kudali and then become Tungabhadra. The Tunga and Bhadra rivers rise in Gangamoola. They originate from Chikmagalur and along with Netravati, it joins the Arabian Sea near Mangalore. Tungabhadra wanders through the plains and at Gondimalla, it mingles with river Krishna. Many holy places are located all along the river.

Tributaries

Tunga River, Varada River and the Kumudvati River are the tributaries in the left and Bhadra River, Handri River and the Vedavathi River are on the right of the river.

Tungabhadra Reservoir

Tungabhadra Dam is one of the biggest reservoirs of the river and is located near Hospet. The dam is useful for many purposes and serves the nearby areas in many things. When the constructed of the dam started, the dam was a joint project of Hyderabad and Madras presidency, but later in the year 1953 the dam was completed, it became the joint project between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Tungabhadra dam was designed by Dr. Thirumalai Iyengar.  The dam provides electricity, water for irrigation and flood control for the state. There are three main canals that generate electricity and the power generated is distributed in the Andhra Pradesh state. The present functioning of the Tungabhadra project supplies water to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There are two power houses and in accordance with each other they have made rules for the maintenance and safety measures of the dams and spillway.