Arkavathy River

About Arkavathy River

The river is used by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board to provide 135 million liters of drinking water per day to the city of Bangalore, or about 20% of all the city’s water.[1] The water is taken from two reservoirs built on the river, the Hesaraghatta (or Hesseraggatta) which was built in 1894 and the Tippagondanahalli Reservoir (or T G Halli), which was built in 1933.

Arkavathy River is a river, which originates at Nandi Hills of the district of Kolar. The Arkavathy River is also considered to be an offshoot of River Cauvery. After flowing through the rural districts of Bangalore and Kolar, River Arkavathy merges at the Kanakapura confluence. The catchment area of River Arkavathy is about 4351 square kilometers. Although the origin of the Arkavathy River is traced to the southern foot of the Nandi Hills, which is 3000 meters above the sea level, the real source of the river lies in the two series of about 26 tanks that join the Nagara Kere tank in the town of Doddaballapur. It is from here that the Arkavathy River flows as one though the rural district of the Bangalore city. The Arkavathy River flows through a deep gorge here. The total length of the Arkavathy River is 190 kilometers. The big and small tanks that is there on its flow amounts to 150 and 1084 respectively. Arkavathy River is the only sub-basin in the present times. This sub-basin is again divided in three parts, that is Rural, Peri-Urban and Urban areas.

Interesting things to Visit

Kolaramma Temple: This ‘L’ shaped temple has two shrines, one for Durga (Kolaramma) and the other for the Saptamatras. Both have a common vestibule. The Durga Shrine has a wagon-roof tower. The stucco figures in the Saptamatras shrine are unusually large. The temple is of Dravida Vimana Style, built in the Ganga Tradition (11 century AD). The Mahadwara has imposing pavilions in the inner side. The temple contains several Chola inscriptions, the earliest belonging to Mr. Yendeti (1012-1045 AD).

The crowning glory is the Karaga festival, which is celebrated in the town of Malur, about 30 miles away on the Bengalooru-Chennai highway. It throws a flood of light on the Thigala clan’s Draupadi worship ritual called the Karaga festival.

The Malur-based Karaga festival is celebrated over 13 days in the summer months, usually starting on the first Friday after the Ugadi New Year day.

Earlier this town was called Bowringpet. This is a Taluka place in Kolar District. It is a business town in Kolar District. It has a Railway Junction. Budikote Village (Hyder Ali’s Birth Place) is in this Taluk.

Nearest Visiting places

Kollur Mookambika Temple, an important seat of Shakti worship is located in very picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district. This sacred place is situated on the banks of river sauparnika and surrounded by thickly wooded hills and has a natural formation resembling the Sri Chakra. Kollur is one of the seven mukti places which were created by Parashurama. It is believed that rishis have performed penance on this holy place.

Location info

• **Address:**The origin of the Arkavathy River is traced to the southern foot of the Nandi Hills, which is 3000 meters above the sea level

• **District:**Chikkaballapur district.

• **Nearest City:**Kolar

• Best time to visit:

History of Arkavathy River

The river is used by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board to provide 135 million liters of drinking water per day to the city of Bangalore, or about 20% of all the city’s water. The water is taken from two reservoirs built on the river, the Hesaraghatta (or Hesseraggatta) which was built in 1894 and the Tippagondanahalli Reservoir (or T G Halli), which was built in 1933.

How to reach Arkavathy River

• Nearest Railway Station:

• Nearest Airport:

**Road Transport:**Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi. Kollur is a 2 hour drive from Udupi. On the National High 17, after around 7 Km from Kundapur, at Hemmady one has to take right deviation to reach Kollur. The nearest railhead is at Udupi.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Kolar

• **Nearest Hospital:**Kolar

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Arkavathy River

October to March is the best time for river visits — pleasant weather and moderate water levels. Post-monsoon (October-November) offers full river flow without the danger of floods. Monsoon (June-September) brings high water levels — rafting and boating may be restricted. Summer sees reduced flow in some rivers.

Timings & opening hours

River access is open 24 hours. However, water activities are recommended during daylight hours only (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the river bank is generally free. Some specific picnic spots or river resorts may charge entry fees. Coracle/boat rides: ₹200-₹500 per person depending on duration.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a visit to the river bank. A half-day or full-day trip can be planned including picnicking, boating, and exploring the riverside.

Safety tips

Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. Many rivers have unpredictable currents. Avoid swimming alone. During monsoon, stay well away from river banks as water levels can rise suddenly. Do not attempt to cross the river when water levels are high. Watch for slippery rocks.

Things to carry

Water bottles, snacks for a riverside picnic, camera, sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothing, and water shoes/sandals if planning to enter the water. Raincoat during monsoon season.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the river’s course — typically stations in the districts the river flows through. Nearest airport varies by location. The river is accessible by road from multiple points.

Things to do at Arkavathy River

Enjoy the scenic riverside views, have a picnic on the banks, take coracle or boat rides if available, watch birds and wildlife along the river, photograph the landscape, and visit nearby temples and dams.

Frequently asked questions

Is river rafting available? White-water rafting is available on certain rivers during the post-monsoon season (October-February). The Kali River and Sharavathi River are popular rafting destinations.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing regulations vary — check with local authorities. Some rivers have designated fishing areas with permits.

What safety precautions should I take? Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. During monsoon, water levels can rise suddenly. Never swim alone.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Rivers

Photo gallery of Arkavathy River

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Arkavathy River on popular travel photography sites and social media.