Varahi River Home > Karnataka > Attractions > Rivers And Lakes > Varahi River

Varahi River

Varahi River is one of the important rivers in the state of Karnataka and is named after Varaha, an incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu. The river has its origins in the Western Ghats and it ends in the Arabian Sea. It is also known as the Halady River.

Course

The source of Varahi River is 730 meters above sea level at Hebbagilu near a place named Agumbe. Famous as the Cherrapunji of Karnataka, it starts its journey from Shimoga district of Karnataka and is joined through its course by many small rivers and rivulets. The river runs a course of 25 km in its early stage and then hurtles down 455m to form the famous Kunchikal Falls. The water fall does not hit the bottom directly, but cascades and jumps through huge boulders and rocks. The flow of the falls has reduced significantly after a dam was constructed near Mani Village for the Varahi Hydro Electric Project. You can now see the Kunchikal Falls only during monsoon.

Rivers Flowing Into Varahi

Varahi River flows through many other rivers at various places in its course. These include the Sourparnika River, the Chakra River, the Kedaka River and the Kubja River. Varahi River finally flows into the expanse of Arabian Sea near Kundapura, which falls in the Udipi district.

The Mani Dam – A Major Source of Electricity

Across the Varahi River is the Mani Dam which uses water from the river to generate electricity. It is built by KPCL and has an underground electricity generating station.

The Kunchikal Falls is a popular tourist destination as it presents a mesmerizing sight of crystal clear water cascading down like a gigantic white snake down the mountains as the Varahi River swells and flows over during the monsoon.

How to Reach

By Road

Varahi River is in Shimoga district which is well-connected to popular cities and towns of the state by road. There are state transport and private buses plying from various parts of the state to Shimoga. The nearest bus depot is Udipi which is around 57 km from the place.

By Train

Udipi Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is about 57 km from Varahi.

By Air

Mangalore International Airport is the closest airport which is about 110 km away from Varahi.

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