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Malenadu - Wikipedia Jump to content

Malenadu

Coordinates: 13°10′N 75°30′E / 13.167°N 75.500°E / 13.167; 75.500
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Malnad)

Malenadu
Malnad
Forests of Malenadu
Forests of Malenadu
Malenadu region shown in green
Malenadu region shown in green
Country India
StateKarnataka
RegionMalenadu
TalukaBelagavi District
Khanapur

Uttara Kannada
Sirsi
Joida
Dandeli
Haliyal
Yellapur
Mundgod
Siddapur

Shivamogga District
Sagara
Hosanagara
Soraba
Shikaripura

Bhadravati

Thirthahalli

Chikkamagaluru District
Sringeri
Kalasa
Koppa
Narasimharajapura
Mudigere

Hassan District
Sakleshpur
Arkalgud
Belur
Kodagu District
Somwarpet
Madikeri
Virajpet
Kushalanagar
Ponnampet

Dakshina Kannada
Sullia
Languages
 • OfficialKannada
 • RegionalHavyaka Kannada
Kodava
Tulu
Konkani
Arebhashe
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)

Malenadu (or Malnad) is a geographical region in the state of Karnataka, India. It covers the western and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats mountain range and is roughly 100 km (62 mi) in width. It includes the districts of Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, Belagavi, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu. The region experiences heavy annual rainfall of 1,000–3,800 millimetres (39–150 inches); most notably, the village of Agumbe in the region, receives the highest annual rainfall in Karnataka of 10,000 millimetres (390 inches).

This region of the state experiences unique infrastructure challenges due to settlement patterns, sparse population, topography, dense forest, and numerous rivulets. Villages in the Malenadu are scattered throughout remote areas. To encourage development in the area, the Area Development Board was created in 1991 to implement necessary projects.[citation needed][1]

The districts initially covering the region were Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, and Hassan. Agumbe, Chikmagalur, Yana, Dandeli, Sirsi, Yellapur, and the historical region of Banavasi all belong to Malenadu.

Etymology

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The origin of the term Malenadu is unclear, as the word Male in Kannada can have two different meanings depending on pronunciation. Malē (without the retroflex 'ḷ') means ‘mountain,’ and when combined with Nadu (‘land’), it gives the meaning ‘mountainous land,’ reflecting the region’s terrain. With the retroflex 'ḷ,' however, Maḷē means ‘rain,’ and thus Malenadu also suggests ‘rainy land,’ a fitting description of the region’s high rainfall.[2][3]

Constituencies

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Presently, the Development Board operates in part or all of 13 districts of the state, and comprises 65 Assembly constituencies and 61 taluks:

District Constituencies
Belagavi district Bailahongal, Belgaum, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Saudi
Chamarajnagar Chamarajnagar, Gundlupete, Kollegala, Hanuru
Chikmagalur Kadur, Koppa, Chikkamagalur, Mudigere, Narasimharajapur, Shringeri, Tarikere, Ajjampura
Dakshina Kannada Mangaluru, Puttur, Sulya, Bantwal, Belthangadi, Mudubidri, Kadaba
Davanagere Channagiri, Honnali, Nyamathi
Dharwad Kalaghatagi, Alnanavara
Hassan Alur, Arakalagud, Belur, Sakaleshpur
Haveri Hangal, Hirekerur, Rettihalli, Byadagi, Savanur, Shiggaon
Kodagu Madikeri, Somavarpet, Virajpet
Mysore Heggadadevana kote, Hunasur, Periyapattana, Sargur
Shivamogga Bhadravati, Shivamogga, Sagar, Soraba, Hosanagara, Thirthahalli, Shikaripura
Udupi Udupi, Kundapur, Karkala, Brahmavara, Kapu, Byndoor, Hebri
Uttara Kannada Ankola, Bhatkal, Haliyal, Honnavara, Karwar, Kumta, Mundagod, Siddapur, Sirsi, Joida, Yallapur, Dandeli

Climate and Geography

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Terrain

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True to its name Malenadu, the region is endowed with abundant hills and plenty of rainfall. The region comprises 13 districts spanning a broadly sub-coastal North-South axis, and is a prominent section of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are pivotal to the climate and seasons across India. The Sahyadri ranges (another name of the Western Ghats) block the rain-bearing South-West monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea, resulting in heavy rainfall along the western windward side and coastal Karnataka; and forming a rain shadow region on the eastern leeward side. Hills, heavy rainfall, rich sub-tropical forests and rivers flowing down the mountains are the defining geographical features. Temperatures in Malenadu remain moderate throughout the year. Summer temperatures remain within 35 °C (95 °F). Winters are mild and pleasant, while the monsoon months between June and September are a time of torrential rains, crossing 3,000 millimetres (120 in) in many stations.[4]

Mountain Ranges, Peaks and Waterfalls

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Malnad has some of the highest mountain peaks in Karnataka. Mullayyanagiri located in the Chandra Drona ranges of the Western Ghats of Chikmagalur Taluk at a height of 1,925 metres (6,316 ft), is the highest peak in Karnataka. Kodachadri, Kodagu (Coorg) are hill-stations in the region. Kemmannugundi, Kudremukh with distinctive horse-face shape, Kalhattagiri, Rudragiri, and Devarammannagudda[5] are other significant mountain peaks also known for their scenic treks across high grasslands.

Apart from the well-known Jog Falls (Gersoppa), Mallalli Falls in the Pushpagiri range, Mookanamane Falls (or Mookana Mane Falls) near Sakleshpur, Abbey Falls near Madikeri in Coorg, Chelavara Falls (also called Embepare): near the Tadiandamol Peak, Irupu Falls in the Brahmagiri range, Unchalli Falls, (or Lushington Falls, or Keppa Joga) near Sirsi, the spectacular 200 ft Magod Falls near Yallapur, Devaragundi Falls near Thodikana, Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls) and the Hebbe Falls in Chikmagalur, and Kapilatirtha are some of the other known and visited waterfalls in Malnad.

Rivers and Groundwater

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The dense forests and hill ranges of Malenadu region are vital for water security, serving as natural sponges, absorbing the monsoon precipitation, and for months beyond the season, steadily feeding major rivers like the Sharavathi, Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravathi, which support hydroelectric power projects and provide irrigation and drinking water across Karnataka.

Rainfall

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The Western Ghats acts as the rain barrier during south-west monsoon season. This region is one of the wettest regions in the world, with some rainfall measurements of over 7,000 mm (280 in).

Malenadu rainfall records (2010–2017)[6][7][8][9]
Rank Hobli / Village District Taluk Year Rainfall (mm) Elevation (metres)
1 Amagaon Belgaum district Khanapur 2010 10,068 785
2 Mundrote Kodagu district Madikeri 2011 9,974 585
3 Hulikal Shimoga district Hosanagara 2013 9,383 614
4 Agumbe Shimoga district Thirthahalli 2013 8,770 643
5 Kokalli / Kakalli

(Sirsi Taluk)

Uttara Kannada Sirsi 2014 8,746 780
Malenadu villages with highest rainfall
Year Rainfall (mm)[10]
Hulikal Agumbe Amagaon Talacauvery[11] Kokalli[12][13] Nilkund Castle Rock
2017 5,700 6,311 4,733 5,859 3,130 4,981 5,560
2016 5,721 6,449 4,705 5,430 2,682 4,655 4,968
2015 6,035 5,518 4,013 5,319 2,730 4,367 3,667
2014 7,907 7,917 5,580 7,844 8,746 6,710 5,956
2013 9,383 8,770 8,440 8,628 4,464 7,082 3,667
2012 8,409 6,933 5,987 5,722 5,036 5,398 6,165
2011 8,523 7,921 9,368 6,855 4,437 6,593 7,083
2010 7,717 6,929 10,068 6,794 4,002
2009 8,357 7,982
2008 7,115 7,199
2007 9,038 8,255
2006 8,656 8,457

Biodiversity

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Abundant water, favourable soil and climate conditions, and limited human interaction have endowed the Malnad region with rich biodiversity comprising hundreds of endemic species of flora and fauna. The natural habitats of the region such as the Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary play a crucial role in the conservation of several endangered species. These protected areas are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, hornbills, king cobras, as well as countless other plant species. New species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,[14] insects, plants,[15] lichens[16] and fungi[17] keep getting discovered by field biology researchers. It is not without reason that the Western Ghats is among the eight hottest of biodiversity hotspots in the world.[18]

Responding to the urgency of conservation of endangered riverine fish species like mahseer, haragi, gar, beril, setnai barb, glassy fish and killifish, the Karnataka Biodiversity Board in 2020 recommended setting up fish sanctuaries, or matsyadhamas in numerous riverbeds in Malnad.[19]

Anthropogenic Threats and Challenges

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Like everywhere else on Earth, climate change is causing noticeable and erratic variations in rainfall and temperature patterns in Malenadu. Apart from the now unavoidable climatic uncertainties, the Malnad region faces major short-term and long-term anthropogenic threats despite, or perhaps due to, its rich natural wealth.

Agricultural Practices

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Organised agriculture is known to be practised on land parcels reclaimed from forest clearings for a thousand years.[20] Recent inclination towards intensive plantations, overuse of chemical inputs in farming and monocropping have led to degradation of soil, loss of fertility as well as a far-reaching negative impact on local agro-biodiversity and food-webs.

Development Projects

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Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project is a 10,240 crore (US$1.2 billion) infrastructure initiative proposed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), claimed to generate 2,000 MW of clean energy by storing and releasing water between two existing reservoirs to balance grid loads. The project critically threatens the region's biodiversity, especially the habitat of the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Karnataka government’s move to proceed with the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project without securing full environmental and forest clearances has prompted strong opposition from environmentalists and local communities.[21] It is alleged by litigant individuals and organisations that the project has progressed without the requisite consent from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change and National Wildlife Board, and that the acquisition of lands necessary for the project remains unresolved.[22] Mapping Malnad, a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organisation, published an elaborate citizen research report[23] on the project, claiming that the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project by KPCL is progressing based on inadequate, misleading, and flawed data, raising serious concerns such as the underreporting of forest land diversion and potential ecological impacts.[24]

As much as large-scale road and energy infrastructure projects, the growing number of casual visitors, tourists in or near ecologically fragile regions such as pristine waterfalls, deep forests and mountainous grasslands is exerting a strain on the delicate ecology of the region. State supported encouragement to tourism[25] is often limited by dangerous terrain,[26] inadequate infrastructure like roads, bridges, lack of safety measures and waste management. There are simultaneous efforts and calls by individuals and environment organisations for caution and restraint.[27] A social media content creator met with a fatal fall in the Western Ghats in July 2024.[28] While some incidents make their way to the news,[29] many more accidents go unreported due to the remote location of most waterfalls.

Development Projects in Malnad Region

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References

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  1. ^ "Economic Survey of Karnataka 2018-19; page 702" (PDF). Govt. of Karnataka. February 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ "Figure A2.b. Share of male teachers and male graduates at upper secondary level, general programmes (2014)". doi.org. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Malenadu in Karnataka – The Rain-Fed Heartland of the Western Ghats". malenadu.com. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Malenadu natural produce". Malenadu Natural Producer Company website. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Trekking in Malnad Region in the Western Ghats of Karnataka". Travel Malnad. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Kokalli (Ajjimane)" (PDF). DES Karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  7. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Amagaon" (PDF). DES Karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  8. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Mundrote" (PDF). DES Karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  9. ^ "Rainfall Statistics for Agumbe and Hulikal" (PDF). DES karnataka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  10. ^ Hulikal in Shimoga district is wettest in State from TheHindu.com accessed 23 March 2013
  11. ^ Amagaon received over 10,000 mm annual rainfall twice between 2006 and 2010. The exact amount of rainfall is not available. See Amagaon is now Cherrapunji of South from DeccanHerald.com (accessed 23 March 2013).
  12. ^ "Govt of Karnataka Rainfall Statistics (Kokalli)" (PDF). DES. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  13. ^ "Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka". DES Karnataka. Archived from the original on 26 November 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  14. ^ T V, Padma (18 March 2019). "New Frog Species Discovered In Biodiversity-Rich Western Ghats". Mongabay India. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  15. ^ Page, Navendu (15 February 2016). "New Plant Species Discovered In Western Ghats". Nature India. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  16. ^ "New Lichen species reveals ancient symbiosis in the Western Ghats". Dept of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. 18 July 2025. Retrieved 15 September 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ "Unveiling Hidden Diversity in Aspergillus Section Nigri by Indian scientists: Introducing two new species from the Western Ghats, India". PIB Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 15 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ "Western Ghats". UNESCO - World Heritage Conservation. Retrieved 15 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ "Karnataka Biodiversity Board Recommends 15 More Locations On Rivers In Malnad As Matsyadhamas". Coastal Digest. 13 December 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ "Agriculture in Karnataka". Govt. Of Karnataka Official Website. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ Sutar, Asmita (July 2025). "Sharavathi pumped storage project stirs debate over ecological impacts in Karnataka". Land Conflict Watch. Retrieved 15 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ Coovercolly, Indresh (8 March 2024). "Concerns raised over rushed tender process for Rs 8,005 crore Sharavathi pumped storage project in Karnataka". Down To Earth. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  23. ^ Gowda, Nirmala (19 May 2025). "Western Ghats Is NOT a Power Plant". Mapping Malnad. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  24. ^ Prasher, Garima (20 May 2025). "Western Ghats under direct threat from Sharavathi project: Report". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 15 September 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ^ "Malnad Region Tour Package". Tourism Dept of Tourism. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ "Heavy Rain Causes Floods, Landslides, Accidents in Malnad Region". The Times Of India. 15 June 2025. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ "Mookanamane Waterfalls: Hidden amidst pristine forests of Malnad, Karnataka". Be On The Road - a traveller from India.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ^ Zargar, Arshad R. (18 July 2024). "Social media content creator Aanvi Kamdar dies in fall at India's poplar Kumbhe waterfall". CBS News. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ "Water Fall Accidents". NDTV. Retrieved 14 September 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

13°10′N 75°30′E / 13.167°N 75.500°E / 13.167; 75.500