The Kaveri or Cauveri is one of the major rivers flowing through Karnataka. As it descends from the Deccan plateau and makes its way to the Arabian sea, it forms a number of tributaries. The river Harangi is one such tributary.
The river Harangi emerges from the Western Ghats in the Madikeri/Coorg district. It meanders till it reaches the Somwarpet Taluk. The total length of this river is estimated to be around 50kms.
Water levels in this river are highest after the monsoons. The river is a picturesque site and a popular destination for picnics. Many people also choose to hike through the hills around the river.
The Haranagi Reservoir
Agriculture is an important occupation in this part of Karnataka. Hence, one of the major functions of rivers is to irrigate the lands nearby. This is a masonry dam built on the Mysore-Kodagu border.
Construction started in the 1970s. The dam stands at a distance of 36km from Coorg. It is 47m tall, has a central spillway and is flanked by earthen dams.
The Harangi reservoir was built across the Harangi river for this reason. The dam reservoir has a capacity of 8.5 tmcft water. Water from its reservoirs irrigates round 1.5 acres of land in Mysore and Hassan.
The reservoir usually fills up between the months of June and November and is emptied between December and May.
Other Things To See In The Coorg
Aside from a picnic by the sides of the Harangi river, there are plenty of places worth visiting in the Coorg. The coffee plantations in the district are a must see.
The Dubare forests and elephant camp are not too far away. At a distance of 13kms from the Harangi dam, stands India’ second largest monastery- the Namdroling Monastery. This is also known as the Golden Temple.