Tunga River

About:

The Tunga River is a significant river located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. It originates in the stunning Western Ghats, specifically on a hill known as Varaha Parvata, at a place called Gangamoola. This site is of great spiritual importance, believed to be the birthplace of the river within a cave inside Varaha Parvatha.

Spanning approximately 147 kilometers, the Tunga flows through two important districts: Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District. It merges with the Bhadra River at Koodli, a small town near Shimoga City, and from this point, it is referred to as the Tungabhadra River. The Tungabhadra continues its journey eastward, eventually merging with the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh.

The Tunga River is well-known for the remarkable sweetness of its water, leading to the local saying, "Thunga panam Ganga snanum," which signifies the belief that drinking from the Tunga and bathing in the Ganga is highly auspicious.

A dam has been constructed across the Tunga River at Gajanur, while a larger dam is built on the Tungabhadra River at Hospet, both of which play crucial roles in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region.

Overall, the Tunga River is not only a vital water source but also holds significant cultural and ecological importance in Karnataka.

Other than the Chikmagalur and the Shimoga district, the river also flows through the district of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. There is a dam built across the Tunga River at Gajanur, a small village in Shimoga district of Karnataka. There is a larger dam built across the Tungabhadra River at Hospet.

Shringeri a town located in the Chikmagalur district on the banks of the Tunga River has several temples. The Sarada Temple and the Vidyasankara Temple are the most temples on the bank of the Tunga.

The birthplace of Tunga is called the Ganga Moola, a cave inside the Varaha Parvatha (mountain). With a length of about 147 km, it combines with the Bhadra River to form the Tungabhadra River. On the banks of the river, in Sringeri, lies the famous Shri Sharadha Madira. Gajanur (Tunga) is an s-shaped dam constructed over the river.

Location Info:

Climate/Weather:

The climate around the Tunga River is classified as tropical, characterized by three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.

History:

The Tunga River holds significant historical and cultural importance in Karnataka. It is believed to have been formed during ancient times, with local legends linking its origin to the mythical Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have pierced the earth with his tusk at Gangamoola.

Throughout history, the river has been revered in local folklore and religious practices. It has been associated with various temples and pilgrimage sites that line its banks, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The Tunga River has also been an essential source of water for agriculture and sustenance for the communities living in its vicinity.

During the medieval period, the Tunga River and its surrounding areas witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Western Chalukyas and the Hoysalas. These kingdoms contributed to the development of infrastructure around the river, including irrigation systems that enhanced agricultural productivity.

In more recent history, the river has continued to play a vital role in the region's economy and ecology. Dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the Tunga and its tributaries, facilitating irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply for nearby urban areas. The river remains a focal point for both cultural heritage and modern development in Karnataka.

Interesting Things to Do:

Visiting the Tunga River offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in local culture. Here are some interesting things to do:

Interesting Places to Visit:

The Tunga River and its surrounding areas are rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some interesting places to visit:

Mobile Range Information:

The mobile network coverage near the Tunga River varies by location:

• Strong 4G in Shimoga City.
• Intermittent coverage near Koodli and Gangamoola.
• Weaker signals in dense forests or during heavy rain.

• Consider BSNL for better rural coverage.
• Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity.

How to Reach:

Reaching the Tunga River is convenient via various modes of transportation:

Nearest Visiting places:

"Chibbalagude", Thirthahalli, The famous place for Siddivinayaka temple & Fish in tunga river, (like Shringeri). For all these places, one should find rooms in Shimoga or Sagar only, as other places are almost villages. "Shiva Statue" made of concrete is installed at Harakere, near Shivamogga looks good. "Sacred Heart Cathedral", the second biggest church in Asia, is situated in the center of the city.
Lion safari is 6 km from Shimoga. Safari drives are conducted in cage vans to get closer glimpse of wild animals.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

The nearest petrol pumps to the Tunga River are located in Shimoga City, approximately 10 km away. Here are a few options:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

When visiting the Tunga River area, there are several accommodation options available in and around Shimoga. Here are some recommendations:

Things to Carry:

When planning your visit to the Tunga River, it's essential to pack wisely. Here’s a list of items to consider bringing:

Tips & Suggestions:

To make the most of your visit to the Tunga River, consider the following tips and suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Numbers:

In case of emergencies or if you need assistance during your visit to the Tunga River area, here are some important contact numbers:

• City Hospital Shimoga: +91-8182-226-166
• Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences: +91-8182-229-003

• Shimoga Taxi Service: +91-9343-248-999
• City Cab Shimoga: +91-9986-178-888

Tunga River Nearest Attraction