Tunga River

About Tunga River

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.

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.

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.

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

Location info

Address: The Tunga River originates in the Western Ghats on a hill known as Varaha Parvata, specifically at a place called Gangamoola. From here, it flows through two districts in Karnataka: Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.

• Districts: Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.

• Nearest City: Shimoga City.

Best Time to Visit: January to December, with peak visiting times during the post-monsoon season (September to November) when the surroundings are lush and vibrant.

• Geographical Coordinates: 13.3160° N, 75.5092° E

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:

• 1. Indian Oil Petrol Pump: Located near the Shimoga Railway Station, offering reliable fuel services.

• 2. HP Petrol Pump: Situated on NH 48, this pump is convenient for travelers heading towards the Tunga River.

• 3. Bharat Petroleum Pump: Another option located in Shimoga, providing good accessibility for visitors.

• Note: It is advisable to fill your tank in Shimoga before heading to more remote areas, as fuel availability may be limited in smaller towns.

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.

Best time to visit Tunga River

Post-monsoon (October-December) offers the fullest water flow. October to March provides pleasant weather for riverside activities. Summer (April-May) has reduced flow. Monsoon (June-September) is spectacular but swimming and boating are dangerous.

Timings & opening hours

Accessible throughout the day. Best viewed during daylight hours. Monsoon season brings fullest flow but requires caution near the banks.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee for river access. Specific riverbank parks or viewpoints may charge nominal fees. Boating and water sports operators have their own charges.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour at a specific viewpoint. 2-3 hours for riverside walks and photography. Half a day for boating or river-based activities.

Safety tips

Do not swim in unknown river sections — currents can be deceptively strong. Avoid riverbanks during heavy rain or when water levels are rising. Never cross flooded rivers. Be cautious on slippery rocks near the water. Follow local advice about crocodile presence in certain river stretches.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the district through which the river flows. Nearest airport varies by river location. KSRTC buses connect riverside towns and villages.

Things to visit & highlights

Riverbanks and ghats, temples and shrines along the river, bridges with scenic views, dams and anicuts, sandbars, and confluence points (sangam) where rivers meet.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is swimming in Tunga River safe? A: Swimming is not recommended in most sections due to currents. Stick to shallow, known-safe areas. Q: Is fishing allowed? A: Fishing with a permit is allowed in certain sections. Check local regulations. Q: What is the best time to visit? A: October to March offers pleasant weather and good water flow.

Photo gallery of Tunga River

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