Ambuthirtha

Ambuthirtha is a culturally significant mountain 15 km away from the village of Thirthahalli, Shimoga District in the state of Karnataka, India. It serves as the source of the Sharavathi river, a vital lifeline of the region.

Etymology
The name "Ambuthirtha" refers to a part of Hindu mythology, referencing the god Rama's bow, also called Ambu. The mountain is also a site of a temple to Rama.

In Legend
According to ancient legend, Rama shot at the ground with his Ambu because his wife, Sita, was thirsty. When his arrow hit the ground, water poured out and quenched her thirst. Because the river originated with this event, the river is called "Sharavathi" as Shara translates to an arrow. A Shivalinga is installed at Ambuthirtha, under which the Sharavathi begins.

Geological Features
Sharavathi is one of Karnataka's crucial rivers, entirely originating and flowing within the state. It begins its journey at Ambuthirtha, specifically at a small pond atop the mountain. Remarkably, the water level in this pond remains constant throughout the year, sustained by the Sharavathi river flowing beneath it.

Hydroelectric Power Plants
The river has two hydroelectric plants built on it that supply electricity for much of Karnataka. The first plant, located 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 (ಹೊಸನಗರ ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ) and is a significant employer in the area. The company that runs the plants is "Ambuthirtha Power Private Limited," headquartered in Bengaluru.

Habitation
There is a temple to Rama on this mountain, accompanied by a small pond. The water level remains the same all year round due to the Sharavathi River; small creeks feed into the pond and help maintain the pond's equilibrium. Donations from the local population finance the temple's upkeep, as it's believed to be a sacred site.

Accessibility and Tips
Ambuthirtha is accessible by road, situated at varying distances from nearby towns and cities. The nearest airport is Bajpe Airport near Mangalore, followed by a scenic three-hour road journey to Ambuthirtha. For those traveling by train, Shimoga is the nearest railway station, with a subsequent one-hour road journey to reach the destination.

Visitors to Ambuthirtha can plan a day trip and explore nearby attractions such as Achakanya Falls, Tunga Bridge, Sri Rameshwara Temple, Kavaledurga Fort, and Kuppalli, the home of renowned Kannada playwright and poet Kuvempu.

Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Ambuthirtha is from October to April, offering pleasant weather conditions. Summers, particularly in April and May, can be uncomfortably hot, while monsoon seasons may impede travel due to inclement weather.