Kanyana Hole

Kanyana Hole
Location of Kanyana Hole in Kerala
Location
CountryIndia
StateKerala
DistrictKasaragod district
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationPushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu
 • coordinates12.4667°N 75.3000°E
 • elevation350 m
MouthChandragiri River
 • location
Near Kanyana village, Kasaragod district
 • coordinates
12°28′00″N 75°15′00″E / 12.46667°N 75.25000°E / 12.46667; 75.25000
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length15 km (9.3 mi)
Basin size65 km2 (25 sq mi)

Kanyana Hole is a perennial stream and left-bank tributary of the Chandragiri River in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India.[1] It originates in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district, Karnataka, and flows approximately 15 km through hilly forests before joining the Chandragiri near Kanyana village.[2]

Course

Kanyana Hole drains a basin of about 65 km2, spanning the Western Ghats foothills near Manjeshwar.[3] It aids in irrigation for rubber and spice plantations in the mid-reaches.[4]

Ecology

The Kanyana Hole traverses evergreen forest zones of the Pushpagiri Sanctuary, with riparian habitats featuring bamboo and wild ginger species.[5] It supports aquatic biodiversity including endemic loaches and mahseer, vital for sanctuary ecosystems, with monsoon flows enhancing nutrient transport.[6] Protection efforts include buffer zone afforestation to prevent encroachment and soil erosion.[7]

References

  1. ^ "River System". Irrigation Design and Research Board, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  2. ^ "About District". Kasaragod District Administration. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  3. ^ "Kasaragod District Panchayat Profile" (PDF). Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Minor Irrigation Schemes". Irrigation Department, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  5. ^ "Mogral, Chandragiri and Chittari Rivers". Environmental Information System, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  6. ^ "Aquatic Ecosystems in Kerala". Kerala Forest Department, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Eco-Development Committees". Kerala Forest Department, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 2 November 2025.