Mangalore is located at the backwaters of the rivers Netravati and Gurpur. Netravati is one of the principle rivers of Mangalore that originates at Gangamoola at Samse.
Legends believe that towards the beginning of the last century, Netravati was called Buntwal. Netravati river at Mangalore was known as Buntwal due to the location of Buntwal, an important city, on its bank. Moreover, the river Netravati of Mangalore also finds reference in the 'Gazetteer of Southern India' which was published in 1855.
According to the 'Gazetteer of Southern India', the river Buntwal, presently known as Netravati, contained an apparent breadth of approximately 200 yards. The river-bed of Nevtravati was encumbered by mainly horneblend rock. The river-bed of Netravati basically contains small garnets and spangles of mica. Sientes are also found in the bed of the river Netravati at Mangalore. The Gazetteer also mentions that the river Buntwal was navigable for many miles. But navigation in the river was only restricted to small country boats.
Last Updated on 21 September 2011