Bhadra
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Overview
The Bhadra rises at Gangamoola in the Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. It flows north-east through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve.
At Kudli near Shivamogga it joins the Tunga, and the combined river is called the Tungabhadra, a major tributary of the Krishna. The Bhadra Dam at Lakkavalli irrigates a large area of central Karnataka.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve is known for the voluntary relocation of villages from its core area, often cited as a successful resettlement model.
Geography and key facts
- Headstream of the Tungabhadra (with the Tunga)
- Source: Gangamoola, Western Ghats, Karnataka
- Flows through Bhadra Tiger Reserve
- Bhadra Dam at Lakkavalli
Why it matters for UPSC
The Tunga and Bhadra meet at Kudli to form the Tungabhadra – a typical 'confluence' question.
Note for UPSC
Headstream of the Tungabhadra through Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
Prelims asks about tributaries, the states a river flows through, its basin and the projects on it, so trace the course on the map.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Bhadra yet.
Key facts
- Type
- River
- State / UT
- Karnataka
- River system
- Peninsular
- Basin
- Krishna
- Extent on map
- 13.2°–14.0°N, 75.2°–75.7°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Physical Features and Drainage of India (map lesson)
- Drainage Systems of India: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers (map lesson)