Karnataka’s rich natural beauty is famous throughout the country. Rivers like Kaveri, Krishna, Malaprabha and Tungabhadra are its lifeline. Ever since, the reign of the Mysore Empire, rulers have constructed dams to harness hydro energy and channel the river water for more productive purposes. The article takes you through different types of dams in Karnataka from historic to modern ones. It is a perfect read, if you are planning your picnic or just curious to learn more about dams.

Popularly known as Narayanapura dam, it is a prominent source of water in Northern Karnataka. The colossal structure brings in vibrancy as water gushes forth with unmeasurable energy. One gets to experience nature from a different perspective and is a popular tourist spot among locals. It is named after significant Kannada social reformer Basavanna, known for composing ‘Vachana’ in Kannada literature and ‘Sagara’ refers to the ocean. While in north Karnataka don’t forget to check out the dam!&nbsp;Location: Narayanapura, YadgirBest time to visit: November - February

Rakaskop reservoir is an underrated structure in Karnataka often eclipsed by major dams like Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) in Mandya and Tungabhadra dam in Bellary among others. This small dam in the middle of a local hamlet takes one to the grassroots level and helps explore Karnataka from a novel perspective. An insight into local legends and tales can be inferred by understanding the history and is surely a lovely place to visit.&nbsp;Location: Rakaskop, BelagaviBest time to visit: November - February

Hidkal, a tiny hamlet in Hukkeri is famous for its dam across the Ghataprabha river, a tributary of Krishna. The endless stretch of sapphire water dazzling in the evening sunlight makes it one of the best places in Belagavi. With a storage capacity of 51 TMC, the dam is the largest one in the district providing water for irrigation and power generation. The rich flora and fauna surrounding the reservoir draw tourists from all over Karnataka.Location: Hidkal, Hukkeri taluk, BelagaviBest time to visit: November - February

It is yet another noted dam in Belagavi built across the Malaprabha river, a tributary of Krishna. Renuka Devi Yellama is a presiding deity of Belagavi and so is the dam named to honour the goddess. One can often spot cattle grazing or birds flocking the place at twilight. The area near the dam is primarily dry and rocky similar to the district’s topography, except during the monsoons. It is also known as Naviluteertha reservoir, ‘navilu’ meaning peacock and ‘teertha’ is pure water.Location: Savadatti taluk, BelagaviBest time to visit: October - December

Another beautiful dam built on the Kali river! It is known for its scenic views of the Western ghats. As a part of the Kaiga nuclear project, the dam is of national importance. Though visitors are prohibited from entering the dam, the ambience of the place soothes our hearts. It’s a nice place to visit with family and friends for a weekend outing. As one moves further down the road, the backwaters of Kali gently wash the shores.&nbsp;Location: Kali bridge, Edapally - Panvel Highway, KarwarBest time to visit: February - June

Located on the outskirts of <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/city/Bangalore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Bengaluru</a> is a popular weekend getaway from Bengaluru. One can often spot Bengalureans biking to Nandi hills, Shivaganage or Manchanabale during weekends. Built across the Arkavati river, many adventurous activities like kayaking, and trekking are also conducted here. An observation installed near the dam provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills. Many resorts have also been opened so tourists can also add the place as a part of their Mandya-Mysore itinerary. It is a small escape from the city and is loved by everyone!Location: SH 85, BengaluruBest time to visit: March-May Suggested Read► <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/best-treks-near-bangalore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Top 15 Best Treks near Bangalore</a>

Gajanur is a peaceful rural area near the hills of the Western ghats. The dam is built across the Tunga river that flows in the village. Tunga is a main river of Karnataka along with Kaveri, Krishna, Bhima and others. Do you ever carve for solitude? Well, the Gajanur dam is the place to visit. Even though it isn’t as majestic as the Tungabhadra dam, its beauty lies in simplicity. It isn’t a tourist hotspot as well and is therefore the best place to visit if you want to know about villages in Karnataka.Location: Shivamogga, KarnatakaBest time to visit: Monsoons and Winter

Kabini is Karnataka’s best wildlife reserve and a paradise for wildlife photographers all over the country. The rich biodiversity of Kabini knows no bounds and the safaris are one of a kind experience. When in the reserve, one must not forget to visit the Kabini dam. Built across the Kabini river, it enriches the beauty of the place and caters to the irrigation of many villages. A view from the dam provides a panoramic view of the wild and is surely a thrilling hike.&nbsp;Location: Heggadadevanakote taluk, MysoreBest time to visit: April - December Suggested Read► <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/top-15-attractions-in-mysore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Top 15 Attractions in Mysore</a>

It is Coorg’s underrated gem! Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is Karnataka’s important tourism centre. Though most of the places in Coorg are much visited, it still has more to offer. Chiklihole reservoir is one such novel place. It is semicircular and creates a beautiful pattern as water flows down the dam. Tourists can walk up to the pier as the sun goes down the verdant valleys. It is quite an exotic moment, unlike anything you have experienced so far!Location: Coorg, KarnatakaBest time to visit: January - OctoberTimings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Experience the thrill of Coorg's breathtaking landscapes with our curated adventure activities, designed to ignite your sense of excitement and connection with nature! See Details here:

Lakya dam is a must-visit place if you love nature and solitude. It is important to note that it's a silt dam and does not fit into our conventional idea of a dam which may be disappointing. The speciality of the place is that its surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. Isn’t that amazing? They are primarily engulfed in white clouds throughout the day and one can’t find any sign of civilization from the vantage point.&nbsp;&nbsp;Location: <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/a-guide-to-kudremukh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Kudremukh</a>Best time to visit: January - OctoberTimings: 4:30 AM - 6:30 PM on weekdays, 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM on Sundays

It is built across the Tungabhadra river in Hospet in the Ballari district of Northern Karnataka. It is mainly a multipurpose river valley project and is the largest dam in Karnataka. The river Tungabhadra is highly revered by Kannadigas and due to its proximity to <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/a-guide-to-hampi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Hampi</a>, it has become a significant tourist attraction. Soaking in the evening sun from the Tungabhadra gardens is sheer joy! Apart from that, the government has organised music shows thereby enhancing the beauty of the place every evening.&nbsp;Location: Hospet, BellaryBest time to visit: During monsoons, between June and August

It is a medium-sized dam built across the Arkavati river in Ramanagara district of southern Karnataka. The beauty of a place can’t be experienced in mere words or displayed in photographs or paintings. Though unknown, the Maralwadi dam is a place worth visiting for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience. It is located close to village huts and one can interact with the locals to learn more about the dam’s history and significance.&nbsp;Location: Kanakapukara road, RamanagaraBest time to visit: January - OctoberTimings: 4:30 AM - 6:30 PM on weekdays, 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM on Sundays

The dam reminds us of one’s childhood as it is more of a fountain, as the water gently cascades on boulders before merging into a bigger pool. Ever imagined an ideal countryside with brooks and an endless expanse of hills? This place has got it all! It truly is a sight to behold. What makes the dam so good is the fact that it's still unexplored and one gets to see the beauty of the place than gawking at Instagram pictures.Location: Bhatkal, KarnatakaBest time to visit: Summer

It is yet another dam built on the Krishna river in northern Karnataka with picturesque surroundings. Gulbarga is a historical town with vibrant forts constructed in the Indo - Islamic architecture. The architecture of the dam provides a sharp contrast between the architecture that is followed today and in older days. When you are in Gulbarga don’t forget to visit the dam to spend alone time in nature. During the monsoons, one cherishes a beautiful moment as water gushes out with force amidst the verdant hills.Location: Aland taluk, GulbargaBest time to visit: September - December

Chitradurga is a beautiful historic district of Karnataka. Vani Vilasa Sagara is a much more popular dam than Bheemasamudra but that doesn't lessen its beauty in any way. Most of the time, the dam is a part of one’s Chitradurga itinerary. It is built across the Jinigi Halla river and is mainly used for irrigation. Much isn’t known about the dam which makes it a place worth visiting and learning more about its origin and importance.&nbsp;Location: Bheemasamudra dam, ChitradurgaBest time to visit: October - March

Ever imagined a dam in the depths of an impenetrable forest? No resorts or picnic spots but just greenery imposing on you from all directions yet peaceful and soothing. It is beyond one’s imagination but the Chakra dam in <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/things-to-do-at-shimoga" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Shimoga</a> is heaven on earth. The water from the dam flows into the Linganamakki reservoir and has a capacity of 3.75 TMC. Chakra dam was constructed in 1985 across the Chakra river and is among India’s most beautiful dams ever.Location: Chakranagar, Hosanagra ShimogaBest time to visit: June - July

It is a pristine old dam built across the Nugu river. The chief engineer was Sir M Vishweshwariah and the catchment area of the dam extends to the Kerala border. The trail leading up to the dam is perfect for evening strolls and since it was constructed in the late 1950s, it is massive as well. It is an ideal place to just relax and practise mindfulness. Visiting the dam with friends makes it even more special and personal as it's not crowded most of the time.Location: Beerwal, H D Kote, MysoreBest time to visit: March - September

Built across Kali river, the dam is a major hydroelectric power station in Karawar. Though visitors are not allowed inside the premises, it makes for a memorable ride. It is a nice place to visit in Karwar along with the Kadra dam built on the same river. It helps us perceive the sheer expanse of the Kali river and its never-ending charm. A long bike ride to the dam with friends is a core memory that one will cherish for a lifetime!&nbsp;Location: Yellapura, UttarakannadaBest time to visit: Monsoon

From KRS to Tungabhadra, a dam is a testimony to the infrastructural development of a state. As we have come across dams from all parts of <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/state/Karnataka" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Karnataka</a>, it's truly wondrous how they function so efficiently and serve the needs of big metropolitan cities like Bengaluru. Karnataka also houses lesser-known dams like Nugu in Mysore, Chakra in Shivmoga and Chiklihole in Coorg that is so alluring and aesthetic that one can’t get enough of their beauty. As the tagline says, Karnataka is truly ‘One state and many worlds’!

The most popular dam in southern Karnataka, KRS is synonymous with the river Kaveri. Sir M Visweshwariah, one of India’s greatest civil engineers was the chief architect and his professionalism in the dam’s construction is cherished even today. The reservoir is a lifeline to all of Mysore and Bangalore and is the main source of irrigation in Mandya and Mysore which makes it remarkable. During the Gowri festival, the Chief Minister of Karnataka offers ‘Bagina’ to the river as a symbol of reverence and love.Location: Mandya, KarnatakaBest time to visit: July - OctoberTimings: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM Suggested Read►<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/things-to-do-at-mysore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);"> Top 13 Things to do at Mysore</a>

Built across the Krishna river, the dam is nestled in Almatti, a small hamlet in Bijapur. Officially known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam, it is an important hydroelectric project in Northern Karnataka. Water scarcity in the northern districts of Karnataka led to the formulation of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) which was inaugurated by India’s former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964. Narayanapura dam along with Almatti and several canals has been a boon to Bijapur, Raichur, Yadgiri and surrounding areas.Location: Almatti, Nidgundi, BijapurBest time to visit: December- FebruaryTimings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Hemavati is a tributary of the river Kaveri that flows through Hassan and Mandya. The water gushes through six gates erected on the reservoir and flows through different canals across villages. A garden is situated right next to the dam and is a popular picnic spot. Prominent Kannada writer Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar hails from Goruru, the village where the dam is located which makes it a place worth visiting in Hassan. Nature lovers and bird watchers could pay a visit to the dam in the early morning to spot different species.Location: Goruru, HassanBest time to visit: August - OctoberTimings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PMEntry Fees: No fees

The beauty of Bhadra is just mesmerising! The Bhadra river, a tributary of Tungabhadra that flows through Chikkamagalur gives its name to the dam as well as the wildlife sanctuary. Yet again, Sri M Visweshwariah was the chief engineer and the length of the dam measures up to 1 km. The wildlife near the dam is protected by the government. It provides a perfect escape from the city and is a must-add place to your itinerary while touring Chikkamagalur.Location: Chikkamagaluru, KarnatakaBest time to visit: JuneTimings: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PMEntry Fees: No entry fee Suggested Read►<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/waterfalls-in-chikmagalur" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);"> Top 14 Waterfalls in Chikmagalur</a>

It is a major hydroelectric power project in Uttar Kannada district. Situated amidst the rolling hills of Dandeli, the powerhouses of the dam generates 542 million units of electricity. The river Kali that originates in Uttar Kannada is a life saver as it not only provides water for irrigation, drinking and electricity generation. It is also an embodiment of strength and beauty. As it is located near Dandeli, tourists usually visit the place on the way.&nbsp;Location: Jodia taluk, Uttara KannadaBest time to visit: JuneTimings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMEntry Fees: No entry fee

Chitradurga abounds with history! The bravery of Onake Obavva or the architectural precision of Vani Vilasa Sagara which is Karnataks’s oldest dam. The dam is a labour of love of queen Kempananjammanni Devi of Mysore who had to mortgage her jewellery to lend financial assistance for construction. Built across the Vedavati river, it is mainly used for irrigation across the nearby districts. It is an underrated dam in Karnataka though the government has introduced water sports and other activities to increase its popularity.Location: Hiriyur, ChitradurgaBest time to visit: June

Sharavati river reminds us of the majestic jog falls. But one often forgets the beautiful backwaters that spread across several villages best known for their biodiversity. The dam is unexplored and makes a perfect spot for adventure sports like kayaking or one can just cherish the beauty of Shivamogga in all its rawness. Next time you visit Jog falls don't miss out on visiting the dam. It’s an adventure you won't forget!Location: Linganamakki, Sagara, ShivamoggaBest time to visit: September - December

25 Most Popular Dams in Karnataka to Make Your Day-Out Fun-Filled

India > Karnataka

8 Apr 2026

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