There are 12 rivers in this district. The longest is Chandragiri (105 kms.) originating from Pattimala in Coorg and embraces the sea at Thalangara. The river assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta, is believed to have spent his last days as a sage.

The second longest river is Kariankod (64 kms.), across which a dam is being built at Kakkadavu. Shiriya (61 kms.), Uppala (50 kms.), Mogral (34 kms), Chitari (25 kms), Nileswar (47 kms), Kavayi (23 kms), Manjeswar (16 kms), Kumbala (11 kms), Bekkal (11 kms) and Kalanad (8 kms) are the other rivers.

These rivers provide ample irrigation facilities.