Tungabhadra River: Overview with Map & Dam

The Tungabhadra River is a significant peninsular river in southern India, stretching approximately 531 kilometers in length. It originates from the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, giving birth to the Tungabhadra River. It then flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before merging with the Krishna River.

The article details the Tungabhadra River’s origin from the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, its location on the map, the Tungabhadra Dam, and notable cities and waterfalls.

Tungabhadra River

Historically, the Tungabhadra River was known as Pampa, which underscores its ancient importance. In addition to its primary name, the river is sometimes referred to as the “Tunga-Bhadra” due to its dual origins.

Origin of Tungabhadra

Tungabhadra River is formed by the confluence of two rivers: Tunga and Bhadra. The Tunga River originates from the Western Ghats, near the village of Bhimgad in Karnataka, and the Bhadra River originates from the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The two rivers meet near the town of Koodli in Karnataka; from there, the combined river is known as the Tungabhadra River.

Course

The Tungabhadra River originates and flows primarily in a northwest direction. It covers a distance of approximately 531 kilometers through two Indian states:

• Karnataka
• Andhra Pradesh

The river then merges with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh, and from there, it becomes a part of the bigger Krishna River system, which finally flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Cities Along the Course of Tungabhadra River

Several cities and towns are located along the Tungabhadra River, some of them are:

• Hospet
• Hampi
• Koppal
• Bellary

Waterfalls

• Hampi Waterfalls
• Tungabhadra Dam Waterfalls

Tributaries

The River is fed by several important tributaries:

• Tunga River
• Bhadra River
• Varada River
• Hagari River

Dams

The Tungabhadra River is home to several significant dams and reservoirs, including:

• Tunga Anicut Dam
• Bhadra Dam
• Hemavathy Dam
• Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam

• Location: Near Hospet, Koppal district, Karnataka, India
• Type: Gravity dam
• Reservoir Level: 1,621.32 feet (just below its full capacity of 1,633 feet)
• Reservoir Capacity: 64.229 TMC (out of a total capacity of 105.788 TMC)

Conclusion

The Tungabhadra River, revered as sacred in Hinduism and mentioned in the Ramayana as Pampa, played a crucial role in the prosperity of the Vijayanagar Empire. The empire strategically established its capital, Hampi, along the river’s banks, leveraging its vital water source to fuel its growth and development.

Today, the river is also famous for its historic Virupaksha Temple, situated on its banks, further underscoring its cultural and religious importance. The Tungabhadra River’s role in supporting ancient civilizations and its continued spiritual significance highlight its profound impact on the region’s history and heritage.