Masthikatte

Etymology

In local tradition, Masthikatte means "a place where woman (may be widow) sacrifised herself" or a place where suttee or Sati was practiceed. Masthi means "Maha Sati" or revered lady. There is a spot near three road junction which is identified as "Masthikatte".

Activity

Masthikatte came into existence in the 1980s when the Karnataka Power Corporation built a township for its employees working on the Varahi Hydroelectric Project. It can be called a gated community, surrounded by the thick forests of the Western Ghats. The town has a number of amenities including a Post Office, Bank, and Medical facilities which were all provided by the Karnataka Power Corporation.

Transportation

Masthikatte is well connected to the towns of Shimoga, Hosanagara, Thirthahalli, Kundapura, and Udupi on the State Highway.

Rainfall

Masthikatte receives heavy rainfall and receives equal amount or more rainfall (in some seasons) than Agumbe, which has record of heaviest rain fall in Karnataka.

Flora and Fauna

As the village is located in the midst of dense forests belonging to Western Ghats, a World Heritage site, variety of flora and fauna occur around Masthikatte.

Varahi Backwaters

Backwaters of the Varahi River dam exist in the low lying areas some 3 kilometers away, near the village of Hulikal

Kunchikal Falls

The Kunchikal Falls in the Western Ghats area, created by Varahi River, are located 5 Kilometers away from Masthikatte. At 1,493 feet,(455 metres) the falls are dubbed as Highest in India. Damming at Mani for the Hydroelectric plant has greatly reduced the flow of the waterfalls, however.

Chandikamba Temple, Hulikal

Deep inside the forest, on state highway, small temple complex belonging to Chandikamba Temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Masthikatte.