Bengaluru, (IANS) Schools and colleges remained shut on Thursday across Kodagu district in south-west Karnataka as heavy rains inundated towns and villages.

"The administration has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges after heavy rains lashed the region on Wednesday," said an official from Madikeri, about 270 km from Bengaluru.

With the monsoon intensifying in coastal and south interior areas of the state, the Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala where river Cauvery originates was overflowing with rain water.

"An arterial road between Madikeri and Talacauvery remained cut off owing to inundation and flooding of the Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri road has blocked plying of vehicles," the official added.

Widespread and heavy rains in the state's central (Malnad) region have turned rivers and streams in Shivamogga district into a spate.

Copious rains in the catchment areas of the coastal region and the Western Ghats have also raised water levels in dams and reservoirs for storage and hydel power.

A vigourous monsoon in south interior and its active momentum in coastal areas brought heavy to very heavy rains, with Kollur, Gerusoppa and Bhagamandala recording a whopping 25 cm each rainfall.

According to the state met office, heavy to very heavy rains are likely to pound several coastal and south interior areas.