Originating from the Ballala Rayana Durga in the Chikmagalur district, the River Hemavathi adds to the beauty of the Western Ghats. The river flows through a distance of 245 kilometers before merging with the River Kaveri. It is considered one of the main tributaries of the Kaveri.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
The River Hemvathi’s Path
The origin of the Hemvathi River is at a height of about 1,219 meters. From here, the river flows through the Hassan district and the Mandya district before reaching Krishnarajasagara where it joins the Kaveri.
At Hassan, it is joined by the River Yagachi. The drainage area of the river is spread over an area of 5,410 Square kilometers
Activities Near River Hemvathi
A number of resorts have sprung up beside the river. These resorts offer a number of adventure activities such as boating, banana boat rides, kayaking, swimming and rope crossing over the river.
The Hemavathi Dam
In 1979, a dam was built across the River Hemavathi in the Hassan district. This masonry dam features earthen flanks and a central spillway. The dam was constructed above Gorur and downstream from its confluence with the Yagachi River.
The dam has a total height of 58 meters and a length of 4,692 meters. It impounds an 8,502-hectare reservoir that can store up to 37.1 tmcft of water. Water from this reservoir is used to irrigate over 6.5 acres of land in the Hassan, Mandya, and Tumkur districts.
The Shettihalli Rosary Church
Constructed in the 1860s by the French Missionaries, the Shettihalli Rosary Church was a magnificent example of Gothic architecture in India. However, it was submerged during the construction of the dam.
The ruins of the Church are now only visible during low tide in the summer. When the water levels are low, coracles or small boats are sometimes used to go inside the church for tourists to get a closer look.
Tourist attractions near the dam also include the Paravasudeva and Yoganarasimha Temples.