Ambuteertha

Ambuteertha is 10 Kms from Thirthahalli on Hosanagara road. Ambuteertha is the place where river Sharavathi originates. Ambutheertha lies 16 Km to the North of Thirthahalli and is the birth-place of river Sharavati. Distance from Shimoga to Ambutheertha in 69 Km. The river flows towards North-west and plunges into the world famous 'Jog falls', (900 ft) before joining the Arabian Sea. 2 Km from Ambutheerha, one can find the Accha kanya falls, where Sharavathi falls 6.1 meters in preparation before Jog falls.

According to ancient legend, the god Rama shot at the ground with his Ambu (translates to bow & arrow) because his wife, Sita, was thirsty (translates to Thirtha). When his arrow hit the ground, water poured out and quenched her thirst. Because the river, according to the legend, originated with this event, the river is called "Sharavathi" as "Shara" translates to arrow.

Hydroelectric Power Plants

The river has two Hydroelectric plants built on it that supply electricity for much of the state of Karnataka. The first plant, which is upstream, is known as the Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Station. The second plant, closer to the bottom of the mountain, is the Shavarathi Valley Project. The nearest city is called Hosanagara and is a major employer in the area. The company that runs the plants is "Ambuthirtha Power Private Limited", headquartered in Bangalore.

There is a temple to the god Rama on this mountain, accompanied by a small pond. The water level in this pond remains the same all year round due to the Sharavathi river which originates underneath it. Small creeks feed into the pond as well and help maintain the ponds equilibrium. The water level remains the same regardless of the type of season, rainy or dry. The temple's upkeep is financed by donations of the local population as it is believed to be a sacred site.

Thirthahalli
Kavishila Museum
Kavaledurga Bhuvanagiri Fort

How to Reach Ambuteertha, Thirthahalli

By road: Thirthahalli is at a distance of about 62 km. from the district headquarters, Shimoga. From Shimoga, one has to take the National Highway NH-13 (Thirthahalli road) to reach Thirthahalli. From Bangalore, one has to take the National Highway NH-206 to reach Shimoga and then take the above mentioned route. The total distance from Bangalore to Thirthahalli is around 330 km. From Mangalore, one can take NH-13 to reach Thirthahalli. The distance from Mangalore to Thirthahalli is around 146 km.There are numerous mini-buses from Udupi to Thirthahalli. From Udupi railway station 86 km to Thirthahalli.

By rail: The nearest railway station is in Shimoga. Numerous trains run from Bangalore and Mysore to Shimoga.

By air: The nearest airport is in Mangalore International Airport.