Vedavathi River

About Vedavathi River

There is a famous temple devoted to Shri Anjaneya, on the banks of the Vedavathi, at Kellodu, Hosadurga Taluk. Hosdurga is a panchayat town in Chitradurga district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Vani Vilasa Saagara reservoir is constructed across river Vedavathi and dates back to a century. Suvarnamukhi is a tributary that is called the confluences with Vedavathi at Koodalahalli, Hiriyur Taluk. It is considered to be a `Punya Bhumi` or `Sacred Land` by the locals.

The River then flows down to the Southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh where the river is called the `Hagari`. The river has a cultural importance with the people along the zone of the Hagari that depends completely on the river for most of their requirements. The Vedavathi is a tributary to the Tungabhadra, and merges with the Tungabhadra near Mantralaya.

The Vani Vilasa Saagara reservoir constructed across river Vedavathi dates back a century. The Vedavathi is a tributary to the Tungabhadra, and joins the Tungabhadra near Mantralaya.

About :Chitradurga :Chitradurga district is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldrug. The district was practically ruled by all the well known dynasties that ruled Karnataka.

History

Chitradurga features bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in unimaginable shapes. It is known as the “stone fortress” (Kallina Kote). The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant’s playground, with boulders thrown around, forming silhouettes against the sky. According to a story in the Epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating giant named Hidimbasura lived on the Chitradurga hill and was a source of terror to everyone around. When the Pandavas came with their mother Kunti in the course of their exile, Bhima had a duel with Hidimba. Hidimba was slain by Bhima and peace returned to the area. Legend has it the boulders were part of the arsenal used during that duel. In fact, the boulders on which major part of the city rests belong to the oldest rock formation in the country.

Timmana Nayaka a chieften under the Vijayanagar empire rose to the rank of governor of Chitradurga as a reward for his excellence in military achievements, from the Vijayanagara ruler. This was the beginning of the rule of the Nayakas of Chitradurga. His son Obana Nayaka is known by the name Madakari Nayaka 1588 CE. Madakari Nayaka’s son Kasturi Rangappa 1602 succeeded him and consolidated the kingdom to rule peacefully. As he had no heirs to succeed him, his adopted son, the apparent heir was enthroned but was killed in few months by the Dalavayis.

Chikkanna Nayaka 1676, the brother of Madakari Nayaka II sat on the throne, and his brother succeeded him with the title Madakari Nayaka III in 1686. The unwillingness of Dalawayis to accept Madakari Nayaka III’s rule gave an opportunity to one of their distant relatives, Bharamappa Nayaka to ascend the throne in 1689. He is known as dthe greatest of the Nayaka rulers. Somehow, the subjects of Chitradurga did not experience a good reign of the successive rulers as they ruled on the throne for very brief periods. The Hiri Madakari Nayaka IV 1721, Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II 1748, Madakari Nayaka V 1758 ruled this area but there is not much to mention of their rule.

Interesting things to Visit

Bhageerata Peeta is a famous pilgrim center for Sagara Uppara Community situated at Bramha Vidyanagara near by Hosadurga town. Here the Matt is headed by Sri Sri Sri Purushothamanada Puri Mahaswamiji. The Matt is running various educational institutions, conducting Mass Marriage programme and cultural activities for poor and downtrodden societies.

“Dasharatha Rameshwara” is the famous holy place in this Taluk.This place is known as “ VAJRA “.The saint Shravana was killed by Dasharatha Maharaj in Ramayana.As a mark of repentance, King Dasharatha installed and worshipped a “ Shiva Linga “ with his son RAMA, which is therefore called as “DASHATRATHA RAMESHWARA”. This place is in between the beauty of nature.

“Sri Kanchi Varada Raja Swamy” The Deity of varadadri mountains Shri.Varadaraj swamy (the god of boons)

Nearest Visiting places

Chitradurga Fort is renowned for its Kallina Kote / Ukinna kote / Elu Suttina kote which was built in parts by the Palegar Nayakas, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. It comprises a series of seven enclosure walls in Kannada. Eighteen ancient temples can be found inside the fort. This seemingly impregnable fort has 19 gateways, 38 posterior entrances, a palace, a mosque, granaries, oil pits, four secret entrances and water tanks. The rulers of this fort built 2000 watch towers to guard and have a better look at enimies movement all the time

Location info

**Address:**It rises from the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Karnataka. Two rivers, the Veda and Avathi, arise in the eastern part of the Sahyadri Hill range, flow east, and join concert near Pura to form the Vedavathi.

• **District:**Chitradurga district

• **Nearest City:**Kellodu

• Best time to visit: April - November

Climate & weather

It has a normally dry climate, with low rain fall. During winter (November - February) night temperature may come down up to 18 degrees.

Things to do at Vedavathi River

During the festival season the procession statute of varadharaj swamy is brought here and a huge number of devotees gather here. On this occasion the deity is decorated with “odamavu”. Oadamavu is the leaves of the kind of trees. These leaves remain for fresh for three days and spread good aroma all over. If these leaves are taken away from the god they get dried and thise is a miracle.

How to reach Vedavathi River

**Nearest Railway Station:**Chitradurga is also accessible by train. There is a daily service to Bangalore and weekly services to Mumbai. Proposed link between Chitradurga and Tumkur can reduce the travel time to Bangalore by half.

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

**Road Transport:**Hiryur is situated along National Highway 4. Hiriyur is located 160 km north of Bangalore. All the buses from Bangalore going towards Hubli, Belgaum, Davanagere, Bellary pass through Hiriyur.
Accessible by road, this fortress lies on the outskirts of what is Chitradurga today. City of Chitradurga is located at the junction of NH-4 (Bangalore-Pune National Highway) and NH-13 (Sollapur-Mangalore National Highway).

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Kellodu

• **Nearest Hospital:**Kellodu

• 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.

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 Vedavathi 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.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). For riverside picnics, carry a mat, food, and extra water. If visiting during monsoon, carry rain gear. Binoculars for birdwatching along the river.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is swimming in Vedavathi 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.

Quick facts

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

Photo gallery of Vedavathi River

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