Kalnad Hole

Kalnad Hole
Location of Kalnad Hole in Kerala
Location
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Kasaragod district
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Kalnad Hills, Kasaragod district
• coordinates	12.3833°N 75.1333°E
• elevation	180 m
Mouth	Chandragiri River
• location	Near Kalnad village, Hosdurg taluk
• coordinates	12°21′00″N75°05′00″E / 12.35000°N 75.08333°E / 12.35000; 75.08333
• elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Length	10 km (6.2 mi)
Basin size	42 km2 (16 sq mi)
Basin features
Cities	Kalnad

Kalnad Hole is a minor perennial stream and right-bank tributary of the Chandragiri River in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. ^[1] It originates in the low hills near Kalnad village and flows approximately 10 km through agricultural landscapes before joining the Chandragiri near Hosdurg taluk. ^[2]

Course

Kalnad Hole drains a small basin of about 42 km², covering parts of Badiadka and Kumbala panchayats. ^[3] It supports local irrigation via a minor check dam. ^[4]

Ecology

The Kalnad Hole flows through low-lying agricultural plains with riparian vegetation including coconut groves, bamboo thickets, and moist deciduous forests common in northern Kerala's Western Ghats foothills. ^[5] Aquatic life features native fish such as mahseer and carps, supporting small-scale fisheries, though seasonal monsoons can cause low oxygen levels and habitat stress. ^[6] Conservation focuses on riparian protection against agricultural runoff and erosion, through eco-development programs in the Chandragiri basin. ^[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.