Majokthefirst at 07:42, 10 March 2026

2026-03-10T07:42:13Z

New page

{{Short description|Region in Karnataka, India}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Malenadu
| other_name = Malnad
| image_skyline = File:Lush Green Forest of Maldenad.jpg
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Forests of Malenadu
| nickname =
| image_map = Malenaduup.jpg
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Malenadu region shown in green
| latd =
| latm =
| lats =
| latNS =
| longd =
| longm =
| longs =
| longEW =
| coordinates_display =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Seal of Karnataka.svg|Emblem of Karnataka}}[[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_name2 = Malenadu
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| seat_type = Taluka
| seat = Belagavi District [[Khanapur]] Uttara Kannada [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] [[Joida]] [[Dandeli]] [[Haliyal]] [[Yellapur]] [[Mundgod]] [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]] Shivamogga District [[Sagara, Karnataka|Sagara]] [[Hosanagara]] [[Thirthahalli]] [[Soraba]] [[Shivamogga]] Chikkamagaluru District [[Sringeri]] [[Kalasa]] [[Koppa, India|Koppa]] [[Narasimharajapura]] [[Mudigere]] Hassan District [[Sakleshpur]] Kodagu District [[Somwarpet]] [[Madikeri]] [[Virajpet]] [[Kushalanagar]] [[Ponnampet]] Dakshina Kannada [[Sullia]]
| parts_type = x
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total =
| population_as_of =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code =
| area_code =
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate =
| blank1_name_sec1 =
| blank1_info_sec1 =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kannada]]
| demographics1_title2 = Regional
| demographics1_info2 = [[Havyaka Kannada]] [[Kodava language|Kodava]] [[Tulu language|Tulu]] [[Konkani language|Konkani]] [[Arebhashe]]
| blank2_name_sec1 =
| blank2_info_sec1 =
| blank3_name_sec1 =
| blank3_info_sec1 =
| official_name =
| website =
}}

'''Malenadu''' (or Malnad) is a geographical region in the state of [[Karnataka]], [[India]]. It covers the western and eastern slopes of the [[Western Ghats]] mountain range and is roughly {{cvt|100|km}} in width. It includes the districts of [[Uttara Kannada]], [[Shivamogga]], [[Chikkamagaluru]], [[Udupi]], [[Belgaum|Belagavi]], [[Dakshina Kannada]], [[Hassan District|Hassan]], [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]]. The region experiences heavy annual rainfall of {{Convert|1000-3800|mm|in|abbr=off}}; most notably, the village of [[Agumbe]] in the region, receives the highest annual rainfall in Karnataka of {{Convert|10000|mm|in|abbr=off}}.

This region of the state experiences unique infrastructure challenges due to settlement patterns, sparse population, topography, dense forest, and numerous rivulets. Villages in the Malenadu are scattered throughout remote areas. To encourage development in the area, the Area Development Board was created in 1991 to implement necessary projects.{{citation needed|date=August 2025}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2019 |title=Economic Survey of Karnataka 2018-19; page 702 |url=https://karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/ESR%202018-19%20English.pdf |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Govt. of Karnataka}}</ref>

The districts initially covering the region were [[Shimoga|Shivamogga]], [[Chikmagalur|Chikkamagaluru]], [[Uttara Kannada]], [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]], and [[Hassan district|Hassan]]. [[Agumbe]], [[Chikmagalur district|Chikmagalur]], Yana, [[Dandeli]], [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], [[Yellapur]], and the historical region of [[Banavasi]] all belong to Malenadu.

== Etymology ==
The origin of the term Malenadu is unclear, as the word ''Male'' in Kannada can have two different meanings depending on pronunciation. Malē (without the [[Voiced retroflex lateral approximant|retroflex 'ḷ']]) means ‘mountain,’ and when combined with Nadu (‘land’), it gives the meaning ‘mountainous land,’ reflecting the region’s terrain. With the retroflex 'ḷ', however, Maḷē means ‘rain,’ and thus Malenadu also suggests ‘rainy land,’ a fitting description of the region’s high rainfall.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Figure A2.b. Share of male teachers and male graduates at upper secondary level, general programmes (2014) |url=https://doi.org/10.1787/888933396728 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=doi.org |doi=10.1787/888933396728 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Malenadu in Karnataka – The Rain-Fed Heartland of the Western Ghats |url=https://malenadu.com/karnataka |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=malenadu.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Constituencies ==
Presently, the Development Board operates in part or all of 13 districts of the state, and comprises 65 Assembly constituencies and 61 [[taluks]]:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! District !! Constituencies
|-
| [[Belagavi district]]|| Bailahongal, Belgaum, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Saudi
|-
| [[Chamarajanagar district|Chamarajnagar]] || [[Chamarajanagar|Chamarajnagar]], [[Gundlupet|Gundlupete]], [[Kollegal|Kollegala]], [[Hanur Assembly constituency|Hanuru]]
|-
| [[Chikmagalur district|Chikmagalur]]|| Kadur, Koppa, [[Chikmagalur|Chikkamagalur]], Mudigere, Narasimharajapur, Shringeri, Tarikere, Ajjampura
|-
| [[Dakshina Kannada]]|| Mangaluru, Puttur, Sulya, Bantwal, Belthangadi, Mudubidri, Kadaba
|-
| [[Davanagere district|Davanagere]]|| Channagiri, Honnali, Nyamathi
|-
| [[Dharwad district|Dharwad]]|| Kalaghatagi, Alnanavara
|-
| [[Hassan district|Hassan]]|| Alur, Arakalagud, Belur, Sakaleshpur
|-
| [[Haveri district|Haveri]]|| Hangal, Hirekerur, Rettihalli, Byadagi, Savanur, Shiggaon
|-
| [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]]|| Madikeri, Somavarpet, Virajpet
|-
| [[Mysore district|Mysore]]|| Heggadadevana kote, Hunasur, Periyapattana, Sargur
|-
| [[Shimoga district|Shivamogga]]|| Bhadravati, Shivamogga, Sagar, Soraba, Hosanagara, Thirthahalli, Shikaripura
|-
| [[Udupi district|Udupi]]|| Udupi, Kundapur, Karkala, Brahmavara, Kapu, Byndoor, Hebri
|-
| [[Uttara Kannada]] || Ankola, Bhatkal, Haliyal, Honnavara, Karwar, Kumta, Mundagod, Siddapur, Sirsi, Joida, Yallapur, Dandeli
|}

==Climate and Geography==

=== Terrain ===
True to its name Malenadu, the region is endowed with abundant hills and plenty of rainfall. The region comprises 13 districts spanning a broadly sub-coastal North-South axis, and is a prominent section of the [[Western Ghats]]. The Western Ghats are pivotal to the climate and seasons across India. The [[Sahyadri]] ranges (another name of the Western Ghats) block the rain-bearing South-West [[monsoon]] winds from the [[Arabian Sea]], resulting in heavy rainfall along the western [[Windward and leeward|windward]] side and [[coastal Karnataka]]; and forming a [[rain shadow]] region on the eastern [[leeward]] side. Hills, heavy rainfall, rich sub-tropical forests and rivers flowing down the mountains are the defining geographical features. Temperatures in Malenadu remain moderate throughout the year. Summer temperatures remain within {{Convert|35|C|F}}. Winters are mild and pleasant, while the monsoon months between June and September are a time of torrential rains, crossing {{Convert|3000|mm|in}} in many stations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malenadu natural produce |url=https://malenadu.com/karnataka |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Malenadu Natural Producer Company website}}</ref>

=== Mountain Ranges, Peaks and Waterfalls ===
Malnad has some of the highest mountain peaks in Karnataka. [[Mullayyanagiri]] located in the [[Baba Budangiri|Chandra Drona]] ranges of the [[Western Ghats]] of [[Chikkamagaluru|Chikmagalur]] Taluk at a height of 1,925 metres (6,316 ft), is the highest peak in [[Karnataka]]. [[Kodachadri]], [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]] ([[Coorg]]) are hill-stations in the region. [[Kemmangundi|Kemmannugundi]], [[Kudremukha|Kudremukh]] with distinctive horse-face shape, [[Kalhattigiri Falls|Kalhattagiri]], Rudragiri, and Devarammannagudda<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trekking in Malnad Region in the Western Ghats of Karnataka |url=https://www.travelmalnad.com/Blog/trekking-in-malnad-region-in-the-western-ghats-of-karnataka |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Travel Malnad}}</ref> are other significant mountain peaks also known for their scenic treks across high grasslands.

Apart from the well-known [[Jog Falls]] ([[Gersoppa Falls|Gersoppa]]), [[Mallalli Falls|Mallalli]] Falls in the [[Pushpagiri (mountain)|Pushpagiri]] range, Mookanamane Falls (or Mookana Mane Falls) near [[Sakleshpur]], [[Abbey Falls]] near [[Madikeri]] in [[Coorg]], [[Chelavara Falls]] (also called Embepare): near the [[Tadiandamol]] Peak, [[Irupu Falls]] in the [[Brahmagiri (Karnataka)|Brahmagiri]] range, [[Unchalli Falls]], (or [[Unchalli Falls|Lushington]] Falls, or [[Keppa Joga]]) near [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], the spectacular 200 ft [[Magod Falls]] near [[Yallapur]], [[Devaragundi]] Falls near [[Thodikana]], Jhari Falls ([[Buttermilk Falls (Karnataka)|Buttermilk Falls]]) and the Hebbe Falls in [[Chikmagalur district|Chikmagalur]], and Kapilatirtha are some of the other known and visited waterfalls in Malnad.

=== Rivers and Groundwater ===
The dense forests and hill ranges of Malenadu region are vital for [[water security]], serving as natural sponges, absorbing the monsoon precipitation, and for months beyond the season, steadily feeding major rivers like the [[Sharavati|Sharavathi]], [[Tungabhadra River|Tunga]], [[Tungabhadra River|Bhadra]], and [[Netravati River|Netravathi]], which support [[Hydroelectric power in India|hydroelectric]] power projects and provide irrigation and drinking water across Karnataka.

=== Rainfall ===
The Western Ghats acts as the rain barrier during south-west monsoon season. This region is one of the wettest regions in the world, with some rainfall measurements of over {{Convert|7000|mm|in|abbr=on}}.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Malenadu rainfall records (2010–2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainfall Statistics for Kokalli (Ajjimane) |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |website=DES Karnataka |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311130816/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainfall Statistics for Amagaon |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf |website=DES Karnataka |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=17 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030241/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainfall Statistics for Mundrote |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20rainfall%20%202011.pdf |website=DES Karnataka |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130053/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20rainfall%20%202011.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainfall Statistics for Agumbe and Hulikal |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%202013.pdf |website=DES karnataka |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224014057/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%202013.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
!Rank
!Hobli / Village
!District
!Taluk
!Year
!Rainfall (mm)
!Elevation (metres)
|-
|1
|[[Amagaon]]
|[[Belgaum district]]
|[[Khanapur]]
|2010
|10,068
|785
|-
|2
|Mundrote
|[[Kodagu district]]
|[[Madikeri]]
|2011
|9,974
|585
|-
|3
|[[Hulikal]]
|[[Shimoga district]]
|[[Hosanagara]]
|2013
|9,383
|614
|-
|4
|[[Agumbe]]
|[[Shimoga district]]
|[[Thirthahalli]]
|2013
|8,770
|643
|-
|5
|Kokalli / Kakalli
([[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi Taluk]])
|[[Uttara Kannada]]
|[[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]]
|2014
|8,746
|780
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Malenadu villages with highest rainfall
! rowspan="2" |Year
! colspan="7" |Rainfall (mm)<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article2607630.ece Hulikal in Shimoga district is wettest in State] from ''TheHindu.com'' accessed 23 March 2013</ref>
|-
! '''[[Hulikal]]'''
! [[Agumbe]]
! [[Amagaon]]
! [[Talacauvery]]<ref>Amagaon received over 10,000 mm annual rainfall twice between 2006 and 2010. The exact amount of rainfall is not available. See [http://www.deccanherald.com/pages.php?id=271493 Amagaon is now Cherrapunji of South] from ''DeccanHerald.com'' (accessed 23 March 2013).</ref>
![[Kokalli, Karnataka|Kokalli]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt of Karnataka Rainfall Statistics (Kokalli) |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |website=DES |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=11 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311130816/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/ |website=DES Karnataka |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-date=26 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126191613/http://des.kar.nic.in/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
![[Nilkund]]
![[Castle Rock, Karnataka|Castle Rock]]
|-
| 2017
| 5,700
| 6,311
| 4,733
| 5,859
| 3,130
| 4,981
| 5,560
|-
| 2016
| 5,721
| 6,449
| 4,705
| 5,430
| 2,682
| 4,655
| 4,968
|-
| 2015
| 6,035
| 5,518
| 4,013
| 5,319
| 2,730
| 4,367
| 3,667
|-
| 2014
| 7,907
| 7,917
| 5,580
| 7,844
| 8,746
| 6,710
| 5,956
|-
| 2013
| 9,383
| 8,770
| 8,440
| 8,628
| 4,464
| 7,082
| 3,667
|-
| 2012
| 8,409
| 6,933
| 5,987
| 5,722
| 5,036
| 5,398
| 6,165
|-
| 2011
| 8,523
| 7,921
| 9,368
| 6,855
| 4,437
| 6,593
| 7,083
|-
| 2010
| 7,717
| 6,929
| 10,068
| 6,794
| 4,002
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
| 2009
| 8,357
| 7,982
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
| 2008
| 7,115
| 7,199
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
| 2007
| 9,038
| 8,255
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
| 2006
| 8,656
| 8,457
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|}

== Biodiversity ==
Abundant water, favourable soil and climate conditions, and limited human interaction have endowed the Malnad region with rich [[biodiversity]] comprising hundreds of endemic species of [[flora]] and [[fauna]]. The natural habitats of the region such as the [[Kudremukh National Park]], [[Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary]], and [[Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary]] play a crucial role in the conservation of several endangered species. These protected areas are home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, hornbills, king cobras, as well as countless other plant species. New species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,<ref>{{Cite web |last=T V |first=Padma |date=18 March 2019 |title=New Frog Species Discovered In Biodiversity-Rich Western Ghats |url=https://india.mongabay.com/2019/03/new-frog-species-discovered-in-biodiversity-rich-western-ghats/ |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=Mongabay India}}</ref> insects, [[Plant|plants]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Page |first=Navendu |date=15 February 2016 |title=New Plant Species Discovered In Western Ghats |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nindia.2016.23 |access-date=15 September 2025 |journal=Nature India |doi=10.1038/nindia.2016.23 }}</ref> lichens<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 July 2025 |title=New Lichen species reveals ancient symbiosis in the Western Ghats |url=https://dst.gov.in/new-lichen-species-reveals-ancient-symbiosis-western-ghats |access-date=15 September 2025 |work=Dept of Science and Technology, Govt. of India}}</ref> and fungi<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 September 2025 |title=Unveiling Hidden Diversity in Aspergillus Section Nigri by Indian scientists: Introducing two new species from the Western Ghats, India |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2165308#:~:text=Researchers%20from%20the%20MACS%2DAgharkar,dhakephalkarii%20and%20Aspergillus%20patriciawiltshireae%2C%20and |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=PIB Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India}}</ref> keep getting discovered by field biology researchers. It is not without reason that the Western Ghats is among the eight ''hottest of [[Biodiversity hotspot|biodiversity hotspots]]'' in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Ghats |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/ |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=UNESCO - World Heritage Conservation}}</ref>

Responding to the urgency of conservation of endangered riverine fish species like ''[[mahseer]]'', ''haragi'', ''gar'', ''beril'', ''setnai barb'', glassy fish and [[killifish]], the Karnataka Biodiversity Board in 2020 recommended setting up fish [[sanctuaries]], or ''matsyadhamas'' in numerous riverbeds in Malnad.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 December 2020 |title=Karnataka Biodiversity Board Recommends 15 More Locations On Rivers In Malnad As Matsyadhamas |url=https://www.coastaldigest.com/news/karnataka-biodiversity-board-recommends-15-more-locations-rivers-malnad-matsyadhamas |access-date=14 September 2025 |work=Coastal Digest}}</ref>

== [[Human impact on the environment|Anthropogenic Threats]] and Challenges ==
Like everywhere else on Earth, [[climate change]] is causing noticeable and erratic variations in rainfall and temperature patterns in Malenadu. Apart from the now unavoidable climatic uncertainties, the Malnad region faces major short-term and long-term anthropogenic threats despite, or perhaps due to, its rich natural wealth.

=== Agricultural Practices ===
Organised agriculture is known to be practised on land parcels reclaimed from forest clearings for a thousand years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2021 |title=Agriculture in Karnataka |url=https://karnataka.gov.in/new-page/Agriculture/en |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Govt. Of Karnataka Official Website}}</ref> Recent inclination towards intensive plantations, overuse of chemical inputs in farming and [[monocropping]] have led to degradation of soil, loss of fertility as well as a far-reaching negative impact on local [[Agrobiodiversity|agro-biodiversity]] and [[Food web|food-webs]].

=== Development Projects ===
[[Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project]] is a {{INRConvert|10240|c|lk=on|year=2025}} infrastructure initiative proposed by the [[Karnataka Power Corporation Limited]] (KPCL), claimed to generate 2,000 MW of [[renewable energy]] by storing and releasing water between two existing reservoirs to balance grid loads. The project critically threatens the region's biodiversity, especially the habitat of the endangered [[Lion-tailed macaque|Lion-Tailed Macaque]]. The Karnataka government’s move to proceed with the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project without securing full environmental and forest clearances has prompted strong opposition from environmentalists and local communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutar |first=Asmita |date=July 2025 |title=Sharavathi pumped storage project stirs debate over ecological impacts in Karnataka |url=https://www.landconflictwatch.org/conflicts/environmentalists-raise-concerns-over-sharavathi-pumped-storage-project-in-karnataka# |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=Land Conflict Watch}}</ref> It is alleged by litigant individuals and organisations that the project has progressed without the requisite consent from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change and National Wildlife Board, and that the acquisition of lands necessary for the project remains unresolved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coovercolly |first=Indresh |date=8 March 2024 |title=Concerns raised over rushed tender process for Rs 8,005 crore Sharavathi pumped storage project in Karnataka |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/concerns-raised-over-rushed-tender-process-for-rs-8-005-crore-sharavathi-pumped-storage-project-in-karnataka-94891 |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=Down To Earth}}</ref> [https://mappingmalnad.com/ Mapping Malnad], a Bengaluru-based [[Non-governmental organisations in India|non-governmental organisation]], published an elaborate citizen research report<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gowda |first=Nirmala |date=19 May 2025 |title=Western Ghats Is NOT a Power Plant |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HnSJEx5lVL7PaOpIw4aw6TJna_NpOVQF/view |access-date=15 September 2025 |website=Mapping Malnad}}</ref> on the project, claiming that the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project by KPCL is progressing based on inadequate, misleading, and flawed data, raising serious concerns such as the underreporting of forest land diversion and potential ecological impacts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prasher |first=Garima |date=20 May 2025 |title=Western Ghats under direct threat from Sharavathi project: Report |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/western-ghats-under-direct-threat-from-sharavathi-project-report/articleshow/121280040.cms |access-date=15 September 2025 |work=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref>

=== [[Overtourism]] ===
As much as large-scale road and energy infrastructure projects, the growing number of casual visitors, tourists in or near [[Ecologically Fragile Area|ecologically fragile]] regions such as pristine waterfalls, deep forests and mountainous grasslands is exerting a strain on the delicate ecology of the region. State supported encouragement to tourism<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malnad Region Tour Package |url=https://karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/malnad-region-tour-package |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=Tourism Dept of Tourism}}</ref> is often limited by dangerous terrain,<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2025 |title=Heavy Rain Causes Floods, Landslides, Accidents in Malnad Region |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/heavy-rain-causes-floods-landslides-accidents-in-malnad-region/articleshow/121866635.cms |access-date=14 September 2025 |work=The Times Of India}}</ref> inadequate infrastructure like roads, bridges, lack of safety measures and waste management. There are simultaneous efforts and calls by individuals and environment organisations for caution and restraint.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mookanamane Waterfalls: Hidden amidst pristine forests of Malnad, Karnataka |url=https://www.beontheroad.com/2019/07/mookanamane-waterfalls-hidden-amidst-pristine-forests-malnad-karnataka.html |website=Be On The Road - a traveller from India}}</ref> A social media content creator met with a fatal fall in the Western Ghats in July 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zargar |first=Arshad R. |date=18 July 2024 |title=Social media content creator Aanvi Kamdar dies in fall at India's poplar Kumbhe waterfall |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aanvi-kamdar-india-instagram-creator-dies-accident-kumbhe-waterfall/ |access-date=14 September 2025 |work=CBS News}}</ref> While some incidents make their way to the news,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Water Fall Accidents |url=https://www.ndtv.com/topic/waterfall-accident |access-date=14 September 2025 |website=NDTV}}</ref> many more accidents go unreported due to the remote location of most waterfalls.

=== Development Projects in Malnad Region ===

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Western Ghats}}

{{coord|13|10|N|75|30|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=title}}

[[Category:Regions of Karnataka]]

Malenadu - Revision history

Majokthefirst at 07:42, 10 March 2026