Sharavathi river origins at Amubuthirtha in Shimoga district. The river tumbles down a cliff to form the enticing Jog Falls. To meet the power requirements of the Karnataka state, a dam was constructed over this river. This resulted in some of the forest areas to submerge. Thus, the dam resulted in forming around 125 islands within the periphery of the reservoir, with all the forests safe.

These islands and the complete Sharavathi River basin are full of semi-evergreen to evergreen forests along with the moist deciduous type of forests with grassland, scrub savannah, and marshy areas. The region cultivates cash crops like rubber and areca and plantation of acacia.

According to mythology, people believe that at this place, Lord Rama broke the bow in a task during Sita Swayamvar. And hence Lord Rama marries Devi Sita.

The backwaters of the Sharavathi River are a favorite and famous tourist spot for water activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing. This is also a perfect place for bird watching.