Krishna River

About:

Krishna river originates in the western ghats near Mahabaleshwar at an elevation of about 1,300 meter, in the state of Maharashtra in central India. It is one of the longest rivers in India. The Krishna river is around 1,290 km in length. It flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before merging in the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh. The principle tributaries of the Krishna River includes Koyna, Bhima, Mallaprabha, Ghataprabha, Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi, Tungabhadra and Dudhganga rivers. The river basin is approximately 200 meter deep. Krishna river is the oldest river in India.

Leaving Mahabaleshwar behind, the Krishna takes the form of the Dhom lake in Panchgani, a popular hill station just 17 km from Mahabaleshwar. Crisscrossing its way through Wai, Narsobachi and Wadi (near Kolhapur) in Maharashtra, the river enters Karnataka at Kurundwad, 60 km from Kolhapur. In Karnataka, the river passes through the Belgaum, Bijapur and Gulbarga districts, covering a total distance of 220 km.

The Krishna enters Andhra Pradesh near Deosugur in Raichur district and meanders through Mehbubnagar, Kurnool, Guntur and Krishna districts. The river merges into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi.
Two dams, Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar (also written as Nagarjunasagar) are constructed across the Krishna River. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is world’s tallest masonry dam (124 meters).

Most part of this river basin comprises undulating country except the western border which is formed by an unbroken line of ranges of the Western Ghats. The important soil types found in the basin are black soils, red soils, laterite and lateritic soils, alluvium, mixed soils, red and black soils and saline and alkaline soils.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

The legendary source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Mahabaleswar. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Shiva and Brahma themselves. An interesting thing to notice is that 4 other rivers come out from the cow (bull's) mouth apart from the Krishna river and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna. The rivers are Koyana, Venna(Veni), Savitri and Gayatri.

River Krishna is sacred among the Hindus in India. The river is named on the name of the Lord Krishna. It is believed that by taking the ritual dip in its water can purify all the past sins of the human beings. The river is referred to as the Krishnaveni mata among the Hindus. There are many pilgrimage centers on the banks of the River Krishna including Mallikarjuna temple (Srisailam), Amareshwara Swamy temple (Amaravati), Dattadeva temple, Sangameshwara Shiva temple, Ramling temple and Durga Malleshwara temple (Vijyawada). The center of attraction is the Krishna Pushkaram fair which is held one in twelve years on the banks of the Krishna river.

The delta of the river is one the most fertile regions in India and was the home to ancient Satavahana and Ikshvaku kings. However, the traditional source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Mahabaleshwar. According to a legend, it is considered that the Krishna River is Lord Vishnu himself as a result of a curse on the trimurtis by Savitri. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Shiva and Brahma themselves. An interesting thing to notice is that 4 other rivers, viz: Koyana, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri, come out from the bull`s mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna.

Interesting things to do:

Venna Lake:
The lake is spread over 25 acres is a great attraction for tourists. The lake offers boating and fishing facilities. Boating on the Venna Lake is a pleasure one and are excellent and you can spend couple of hours just relaxing by the lake.

Shopping:

Mahabaleshwar is known for the different kinds of berries it produces, such as strawberries, gooseberries and raspberries. So, don't miss buying these fresh fruits and also their jams, preserves and marmalades. Apart from these, the leather goods and tribal trinkets of this place are very popular. These exotic pieces can be bought for friends as souvenirs or gifts.

Interesting things to Visit:

Srisailam Sanctuary:
It is the main attraction that covers an area of 3568 sq kms.
The sanctuary is home to a large number of animals, which include tiger, leopard, deer, sloth bear, jungle cat, spotted dear, hyena, bonnet macaque and pangolin. Srisailam Dam is another attraction. The dam is built on the Krishna River and is 512 km in length. The down waters Srisailam dam is home to a variety of crocodiles. The local government supports a breeding program which has been highly successful.

Bhramaramba Mallikharjunaswamy Temple:
It is another important landmark in Srisailam. The temple is perched atop a hill on the south bank of the Krishna. Sikhareswara Swamy Temple is also a popular temple in Srisailam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Krishna Temple:
Old Mahabaleshwar nestles around the source of the Holy Krishna River, with a temple dedicated to Krishna' locally known as "Panchgana" meaning "Five Rivers" i.e. Krishna, Konya, Yenna, Gayatri and Savitri. The earliest shrines here date back to pre historic period, but this Krishna temple in its present form is attributed to Singhan, a Yadav King ruling from Devagiri in the 13th century. It was later restored first by Chandra Rao then Jaoli in the late 16th century and later by the Great Maharatha Shivaji himself in 1635, then by Sahu (1670-1709) and lastly by the 19th century banker Parashuram Angal.

Hanuman Mandir:
Another temple worth visiting is the "Hanuman Mandir" which is not far from the "Krishna Temple". This temple is said to be the resting-place of the saint and mystic Rama Dassa in 1635. Then there is the Sri Rama Temple" and "Mahabal Temple", Lord Shiva is worshipped here not in the form of a carved Lingam but as a natural rock.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Wilson Point:
Also known as Sunrise point. It is the nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.

Bombay Point:
It is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best.

Connaught Peak And Hunter Point:
Connaught Peak and Hunter Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak.

Elphinston, Marjorie And Savitri Points:
On the way to Arthur's Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan Valley, which are some 500m below the level of the Koyna Valley. The ravine between these points is the rise of Savitri River, which rushes down 700m straight from here. Elphinston Point is a Favorite picnic spot discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830 is named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston.

Arthur's Point:
Arthur's Point, named after Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar's most famous point overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief tossed down, sailing attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!

Babington Point:
This point offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's waterfall. Helen's point takes one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.

Lodwick Point:
Named after a General who reached this point in 1824. He was the first European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the top of the promontory has been erected in his memory. Beyond Lodwick Point is the extreme end of the mountain range known as Elephant's Head. It is only 12 feet to the Koyna Valley below. From Lodwick's point, the overhanging cliff looks like an elephant's head and trunk, and hence the name.

Kate's Point:
Kate's Point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road gives a commanding view of the Krishna Valley. Near Kate's point is the Echo Point, which, true to its name, echoes the words of the speaker

Arthur's Seat:
Arthur's Seat is known as Queen of all points. It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more fascinating to know that Arthur's seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of Kokan & Desh, two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If one go by the steps one will come across a spring known as Tiger's Spring, which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri. Immediately below the seat is window point. One has to go deep by steps to reach the window point.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Anarkali
Kasam Sajan Road, District - Satara
Mahabaleshwar-412806 India

Hotel Shreyas
Opposite Bus Stand
Mahabaleshwar-412806 India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

1.Bhandari Hospital,64, Laxmi Nagar,Koregaon,Dist-Satara, Satara, Maharashtra
2.Krishna Charitable Trust Hospital,Satara, Maharashtra.