Kanyana Hole

Kanyana Hole
Location of Kanyana Hole in Kerala
Location
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Kasaragod district
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu
• coordinates	12.4667°N 75.3000°E
• elevation	350 m
Mouth	Chandragiri River
• location	Near Kanyana village, Kasaragod district
• coordinates	12°28′00″N75°15′00″E / 12.46667°N 75.25000°E / 12.46667; 75.25000
• elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Length	15 km (9.3 mi)
Basin size	65 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]

Chandragiri River basin near Kanyana Hole's mouth, showing riparian landscape (Balanthode, Kasaragod)

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.