Waterways define the geography, agriculture, and power generation of Karnataka.
* **Rivers:** The Kaveri (Cauvery) is the cultural and agricultural lifeline of southern Karnataka. The Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers nourish the northern plains. The Sharavathi and Kali rivers flow westwards through the Ghats. * **Waterfalls:** Jog Falls (created by the Sharavathi River) is one of India's highest and most spectacular plunge waterfalls. Other notable falls include Shivanasamudra, Abbey Falls, and Iruppu Falls. * **Lakes & Reservoirs:** Major dams like Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), Tungabhadra Dam, and Almatti Dam create massive reservoirs. Bengaluru was historically a city of hundreds of interconnected lakes (such as Ulsoor, Sankey Tank, and Bellandur, though urban pressure has impacted many). * **Coastline:** A 300 km coastline along the Arabian Sea provides beautiful estuaries, backwaters (like those in Honnavar), and beaches.