Chakra River

The river Chakra is a west flowing one which begins to the east of Kodachadri in Shimoga region. The river basin has a catchments area which is about 336 sq km. The main sub tributary of this river is called Kollur River. River Chakra is the major source of irrigation in Karnataka, a southern state of India and has a total length of fifty two kilometer. This river flows through the regions of Gungulli region and Kundapur region that are situated in West India. It then mergers with the Varahi River, Kubja River and Souparnika River and finally converges in the Arabian Sea.

Chakra nagar, a small town is situated along the shores of the river which has gained immense popularity since the river is present there. Chakra Dam can also be seen here. This dam was built several years back as a part of a power project, but it is not working now and one needs a special permission in order to visit the dam. Chakra nagar is on the way from Shimoga to Mangalore which goes via the route of Hosanagara to Nagara to Mastikatthe to chakranagar to Kundapuar.

The origin of this name dates back to the famous Kundeshvara temple which was constructed by Kundavarma. This temple is located in the surrounding area of another famous Panchagangavalli River. The region of Kundapur is referred to as the sun town. The name of Kundapur was resulted from the word Kunda the meaning of which is jasmine; this is due to the profusion of jasmine-trees seen in the area. Whereas some legend says, Kunda means pillar, and that it refers to the conventional method of building houses. Kunda also has another implication, which indicates to a higher place.

Until the 18th century, the area of Basrur was a significant town and later Kundapura was actually built. It is said that it was built predominantly when Britishers were ruling India. On three sides, the town of Kundapur is enveloped by water. The North is covered by the Panchagangavali river, the East is covered by the Kalaghar river, and the West is covered by the Kodi backwaters. If one moves further in the west direction, one can see vast expanse of Arabian Sea. Thus, only the south side is left as main linking land mass.

Course:

River Chakra crosses Gungulli and Kundapur regions. Both these regions are located in the Western part of India. Later it converges with Kubja, Varahi and Souparnika rivers. Finally, it joins the Arabian Sea.

Tributaries:

The main sub tributary of the Chakra River is called Kollur River. It is found in the district of Kollur. Kollur is a very small temple-town located about sixty kilometers from the Hosanagara Town and is about hundred and twenty kilometers away from Shimoga City in the Karnataka state. The Kollur village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats and is very famous for the Mookambika temple which is one of the Hindu pilgrim centers.

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