The river Kaveri, also spelled as Cauvery, is a prominent river in the southern part of India. The origin of this river is at a place called Talakaveri in  Brahmagiri range of hills in ‘Western Ghats’ of peninsular India. It emerges at the height of about 1340 meters above mean sea level, flows southeasterly through the states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. It descends the ghats through many falls. It traverses a distance of about 765 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal through two major heads.

Course

The Kaveri river in its course passes through many changes in terms of water turbulence, river bed density or width span. The uppermost course is quite zigzag in nature. The river flows along a circuitous route on a rocky bed. The river is seen with high banks on either side. Eventually, it passes through a narrow gorge and takes a plunge of about 20-25 meters on the slopes. Beyond this point, the river becomes wide progressively. The width of 300 to 350 meters is seen along many stretches.
The Kaveri river proceeds further with the elegance of big river through next journey. The river bifurcates twice to meet again, creating beautiful islands. It again experiences a fall of about 100 meters, offering scenic beauty. The river’s turbulent water flow remains unabated as it passes through wild gorges. It passes past huge rocks and also touches a lake forming huge water body. The final leg of Kaveri’s journey is full of the braiding forming delta. Now, the river’s bed becomes sandy as it approaches its final destination to merge with sea water.

Tributaries

Kaveri river on its origin meets two tributaries namely Kanake and Sujyoti and moves forward. It meets other tributaries namely Shimsa, Hemavati, Arkavati, Honnuhole, Laxmana Tirtha, Kabini, Bhavani, Lokpavani, Amaravati during its course.

Kaveri Reservoirs

Kaveri enters Tamilnadu and has another fall, names as Hogenakal.  The waterfall provides scenic beauty. Further down the course, Mettur dam is built. This dam again serves the dual purpose of irrigation and generation of power, benefitting farmers and industries in equal measure. Kaveri river again bifurcates to form the town of ‘Srirangam’.  This place is holy for many devotees. Srirangam has become a pilgrimage place. Another notable of ‘Srirangam’ is the existence of the wall, believed to have been built some 1600 years ago by the local king, to save the township from the fury of the river. During further course the river winds its way to form a delta before pouring into the sea. The river has helped the irrigation in thousands of hectares of land in this Deltaic region. In the penultimate leg of the river’s journey, its bed becomes sandy and very wide.

Kaveri river also has a bird sanctuary in Karnataka near Srirangpatnam. A unique blend of water bodies and greenery has provided habitat for hundreds of birds. Tourists flock to this sanctuary for a glimpse of beautiful and elegant birds, chirping and singing in a peaceful environment. The serene surroundings are home to many rare species of birds. During winter, birds from remote locations from northern parts of India are seen in this sanctuary. Birds from Siberia are also sighted very often, making this place, a popular destination for bird watchers. The river is also supporting large wildlife along its banks in many places. Kaveri river has supported wildlife and birds through its flora and fauna. The river itself is home to many crocodiles, otters, some rare varieties of turtles. The wildlife has integrated the eco-system of the environment. The river has become a true lifeline, not only to human beings but also to wildlife on land or in water.

The existence of river Kaveri is proof of the Indian ethos, running through generations for thousands of years. The Indian value system has always accorded reverential status to all flora and fauna known to mankind to express gratitude. Indians have always believed that humankind exist and flourish only because other elements do exist and help others in continuing life. Hence river Kaveri is sacred to all.