RIDGE POINT

If you are planning for an adventurous off-road experience to scenic Bisle Ghat, you can head to Mankanahalli village which has a ridge that divides water into the east-flowing river (Hemavati) towards the Bay of Bengal or west-flowing (Netravati) into the Arabian Sea. Rainfall on the ridge flow to various streams in the Ghat which than link up with rivers before ending their journey either in the Arabian Sea in the west or Bay of Bengal Bengal in the east.

Bisle Ghat, located in Hassan district in Sakleshpur of Karnataka, is famous for its lush green farmlands and one can also sight some rare birds there. Natural streams add to the beauty of the place and attract tourists in large numbers.

After reaching the destination at a ghat in Shakleshpur, you’ll find a stone slab laid on a concrete platform with mention of the ‘Arabian Sea’ and ‘Bay of Bengal.’ It is believed that the stone was laid down by the Britishers, and they indicate the direction of flow of waters into the seas.

Rainwater from these hills and mountains to the left flows into the Arabian Sea, whereas rainwater from the eastern side flows in the Bay of Bengal. It is said that this water eastward flowing water from this ridge also helps in irrigation and is a source of drinking water.

As per the authorities, the ridge point at Manakanahalli on the Bisile Ghat would decide the bifurcation of water flow between two seas. Reports say that from this ridge, the rainwater which flows towards the west joins the Kumaradhara River. It further joins the Netravati River and feeds into the Arabian Sea. On the other hand, water from the east joins the Netravati River and drains into the Bay of Bengal. 

On the way to Bisile Ghat at Mankanahalli, one can’t fail to notice the stone slab on a platform where it is engraved ‘Arabian Sea’ and ‘Bay of Bengal’ indicating the direction of flow of water between the two seas. British officers had decided that it was the ridge point at Mankanahalli on Bisile Ghat which would separate the flow of water between Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.  From this ridge, rain water flowing to the west joins River Kumaradhara, flowing through the pilgrim centre of Kukke Subramanaya and then  unites with River Netravathy before making it to Arabian Sea. Water flowing to the east links up with River Hemavathy, a tributary of River Cauvery, to culminate its journey in the Bay of Bengal after flowing through TN. Such ridge points are seen in the hilly regions of Western Ghats and determine water flow to rivers either flowing west or east. One such ridge point is at Kalasa in Mudigere where water flows separately to Sringeri and Mudigere. Similarly, water flowing from Pushpagiri Hills of Madikeri gets ‘split’ into two-one reaches River Cauvery and the other River Kumaradhara, said a Cauvery Neeravari Nigam official.  

The Bisle Ghat which also borders the Bisle reserve forest which has a wide variety of wildlife, flora, fauna, among others. King Cobra is also found in this region.  

Another feather in the cap

Professor Renee M Borges, the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore informed that the Bisle forest is home to ant-plants and has a new species of cuckoo wasp named after the Bisle forests (Braunsapis Bislensis).       

She further noted, “The new species was found in Bisle forest in the Western Ghats of India. The bees were collected from the stem domatia of the ant-plat, Humboldtia Brunosis.”  

When you will reach the Bisle village, you’ll find an amazing view of three mountain ranges – Yenikallu Betta, Pushpagiri, and Kumaraparvatha. After reaching the destination at a ghat in Shakleshpur, you’ll find a stone slab on a   platform, there you’ll find a stone laid on a concrete platform with mention of the ‘Arabian Sea’ and ‘Bay of Bengal’ on it. The engraved words are not symbolic, they actually represent and indicate the direction of the flow of water between the two seas. 

Booking outstation cab from RideAlly, is the best way to enjoy the trip to Hassan and be a part of the other scenic places around. Do check us out at Google or on RideAlly pages on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. You may connect to our 24/7 customer care on 080 4600 4600 / 97398 26789 or WhatsApp at 97398 26789 to avail the service.

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