Kanyana Hole


Kanyana Hole is a perennial stream and left-bank tributary of the Chandragiri River in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. 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.

Course

Kanyana Hole drains a basin of about 65 km2, spanning the Western Ghats foothills near Manjeshwar. It aids in irrigation for rubber and spice plantations in the mid-reaches.

Ecology

The Kanyana Hole traverses evergreen forest zones of the Pushpagiri Sanctuary, with riparian habitats featuring bamboo and wild ginger species. It supports aquatic biodiversity including endemic loaches and mahseer, vital for sanctuary ecosystems, with monsoon flows enhancing nutrient transport. Protection efforts include buffer zone afforestation to prevent encroachment and soil erosion.