One of the prominent rivers in Karnataka is the Sharavathi River, which originates in Karnataka and flows throughout the state. It is one of the few rivers in the India, which flows in the west direction. A large part of the river basin lies in the Western Ghats.

The source of the Sharavathi River is in Ambutheerta in the Thirthahalli taluk of Shimoga district. It empties into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar near Uttara Kannada district after flowing in the northwestern direction for about ninty-five kilometres. During its course, the Sharavathi River flows over even paths and gorges. This river falls to a depth of 253 metres forming the highest waterfalls in India, the Jog Falls. The total length of the river is one hundred and twenty eight kilometers and the major tributaries of the river are Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.

The river basin falls in two districts of Karnataka namely, Uttara Kannada and Shimoga. The upstream river basin extends to two taluks of Shimoga district, which are Hosanagara and Sagara. The entire area drainage basin has an area of 2985.66 square kilometers with upstream of 1988.99 square kilometers. The soils in the Sharavathi basin are mainly lateritic in origin and reddish to brownish in colour.

The Sharavathi Hydroelectric was constructed to generate hydroelectricity from the river water. There are three power generating station in this project. The Sharavathi Generating Station, the Linganamakki Dam Powerhouse and the Gerusoppa Dam Project.