Tourist places › River & Lake
Honnemaradu
A backwater adventure hub on the Sharavathi reservoir, known for kayaking, coracle rides and camping
Honnemaradu sits on a wide arm of the Sharavathi backwaters, created by the Linganamakki Dam, and has built a reputation as the district's main spot for water-based adventure — kayaking, canoeing, coracle rides and camping are all organised here by local eco-groups and adventure clubs.
The setting is genuinely remote, with thick forest and hills on every side and only limited eateries nearby, so most visitors come on a pre-booked package with meals and a tent stay included rather than dropping in for the day.
Highlights
- Backwaters of the Sharavathi River, formed by the Linganamakki Dam — the name means "golden lake", after its sunrise and sunset colours
- Activities run by eco-groups and adventure clubs: kayaking, canoeing, coracle rides, swimming and camping
- Advance booking is required; there's no casual walk-in access
Getting there
Buses on the Thirthahalli to Sagara route get you to Sagara — Honnemaradu is a further ~28 km by local transport, and its water-sports packages need advance booking.