Sharavathy backwaters

Originating at Ambuthirtha in Theerthahalli taluk, Shimoga district, river Sharavathy flows north-west for about 80 km. Then she takes the big plunge at Jog falls to enter North Canara district and flow towards Gerusoppa, from where she enters the Arabian Sea through a delta formed at Honnavar. The short and swift course with the dramatic plunge at Joga, has made this river well suited for damming. A series of dams have been built on this river, some older ones like the Hirebhaskar dam stand submerged today. However, the Linganamakki dam, one of the larger dams in Karnataka, used for hydro-electric power generation, has created a large body of backwaters referred to as the Sharavathy backwaters. About 80 km in length and about 15 km wide in some sections, the backwaters have submerged large tracts of evergreen forests and many settlements. They are dotted with small islands (in actual, the hill tops, before they were submerged). The waters are deep, but mostly very clean. As one drives through the Sharavathy valley, the backwaters peep out at turns and bends, making the landscape picturesque. Some adventure outfits (like the ones located at Honnemardu or Nandigodu or Muppane) offer life jackets which could be used to take a dip in the water. The waters are refreshing and so worth a swim! An ancient looking launch at Holebagilu to cross the backwaters is a quintessential experience.