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Hidkal Dam

Hidkal Dam

About:

Hidkal Dam, also known as Raja Lakhamagouda Dam, is an expansive irrigation dam located in the Belgaum district of Karnataka, constructed across the Ghataprabha River. This earth-fill dam is one of the largest in the state and holds a significant role in providing water for agriculture, making it a crucial lifeline for the surrounding farming communities. Built amidst serene natural surroundings, the Hidkal Dam offers a perfect blend of functionality and scenic beauty. The dam's reservoir, spanning across a large area, creates a picturesque backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset, drawing nature lovers, photographers, and families for picnics. The monsoon season enhances its charm as water levels rise and overflow, creating stunning views and attracting even more visitors. The dam is not only popular for its beauty and recreational appeal but also plays an essential role in local water management, aiding the region in tackling water scarcity during dry spells. The area around the dam has become a local hub for relaxation and recreational activities like picnicking, photography, and seasonal boating, making Hidkal Dam an enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.



Location info:
Address:Hidkal Village, Belgaum District, Karnataka, India
District: Belgaum District
Best time to visit: Rainy season

Climate/Weather of Hidkal Dam:
Best Time to Visit: October to February when temperatures are cooler. Summer: Can reach up to 38°C, making it hot for outdoor activities. Monsoon: Moderate to heavy rainfall from June to September, filling the dam and enhancing the natural beauty. Winter: Pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, ideal for visits.

History of Hidkal Dam:
Hidkal Dam, constructed in 1977, stands as a testimony to Karnataka’s efforts to strengthen agriculture and improve the lives of farmers in the region. Named after Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai, a well-known philanthropist whose contributions to the region were extensive, the dam was envisioned to tackle the frequent water shortages in Belgaum and neighboring districts. Its construction was part of a larger initiative to build infrastructure that would support agricultural productivity, thereby fostering rural prosperity. Initially, the dam project faced challenges with funding and land acquisition, but the importance of the project led to quick resolution efforts by the government. Today, the dam provides vital water resources to thousands of acres of farmland, directly impacting the livelihood of numerous local farmers who grow crops such as sugarcane, cotton, and wheat. Beyond its utility, the dam has also evolved into a tourist attraction, gaining recognition for its tranquil environment and panoramic views. During its construction, it was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the state, symbolizing the shift towards modernization in rural water management. The dam has witnessed significant events, from severe droughts where it proved to be a crucial water source, to heavy monsoons that tested its capacity, showcasing its resilience and importance.

Interesting things to do:
Boating: Seasonal boating is available, allowing visitors to enjoy the vast reservoir up close. Photography: The scenic landscapes around the dam are perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Picnicking: The area surrounding the dam is ideal for picnics, particularly during cooler months. Bird Watching: The dam attracts a variety of bird species, especially during migratory seasons.

Interesting things to Visit:

Reservoir Views: Stunning panoramic views of the reservoir, especially during monsoon.


KAMALA BASTI: Within the walls of the fort is the late Chalukya style, of which the Kamala Basti with Neminatha idol in black stone should not be missed. The masterpiece here is the "Mukhamantapa" with a well executed lotus on its ceiling. Coming out after your sojourn at the fort, you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit.


ST. MARY'S CHURCH: Of the churches, the st. Mary's church awes one with its imposing gothic stone structure built in 1869. Light filters through the gorgeous stained glass windows and doors to enhance the fine Biblical drawings on the walls. You could take time to visit the St. Xavier's church ( the oldest ), st. Anthony's church, the cathedral of Our Lady and Methodist church.

Mobile range info:
Good mobile network connectivity for most major service providers, although some areas around the dam may have patchy signals due to the terrain. For uninterrupted communication, it's recommended to use networks with strong coverage in rural Karnataka, like BSNL and Jio, which often have the best reception. Mobile data may slow down at peak times, but overall, most major carriers offer reliable service here.

How to reach Hidkal Dam?
Nearest Railway Station:Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay(via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.
Nearest Airport:Sambra Airport which is 10Kms from Belgaum City
Road Transport: Bangalore (502 Kms), Bombay (550 Kms),Panji-Goa (150 Kms)

Nearest Visiting places in Hidkal Dam:
  • Kapileshwara Temple
  • Bhartinand swamiji math, Inchal
  • Sogal Someshwar Temple in Bailhongal taluk
  • Kittur
  • Shri Renuka Yellamma Temple, near Saundatti
  • Hidkal Dam
  • Vajrapoha Falls

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The nearest petrol pumps are located in Belgaum and nearby towns along the route to Hidkal Dam.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Hidkal Dam:
Hotel Sanman Deluxe
Hotel Sanman Deluxe is a business hotel located at Belgaum (Karnataka, India) at 1.5 kms from Station and Bus Depot and 15 kms from Airport.

Things to carry:
Drinking water and snacks for a comfortable trip. Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. A camera or binoculars for sightseeing and photography. Rain gear, such as an umbrella or raincoat, during monsoon season..

Tips & Suggestions for Hidkal Dam:
Best visited during early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid visiting during heavy monsoon rains to prevent waterlogging-related inconveniences. Be cautious near the water and follow local guidelines if boating is available.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:Many hospitals in Belgaum itself.

Hidkal Dam Nearest Attraction
Shri Yellamma Devi Fair
This fair is held at Yellamma temple that is situated in Saundatti area of Belgaum district. Yelamma devi is worshipped in this holy sanctum. The temple is situated on the top of the hill that is known as Yellammagudda.The fairs are held many times amidst October and February, yet the celebration is at peak on the day of Margasira.....more
The Godachi Fair
The Godachi fair is held at Godachi village in Ramdurg Taluk of Karnataka. It is held in the month of Kartik This fair is held in the honour of Shri Veerabhadra and it is organized by the government of Karnataka.Organized by the government of Karnataka, this fair takes place at the Godachi village in Ramdurg Taluk of Karnataka.....more
Devarayana durga temple
Devarayan Durga is a rocky hill station situated in the midst of picturesque scenery at an altitude of 3940 feet, about nine miles east of Tumkur town of Karnataka State of India. It is 65 km from Bangalore, India, by road on Tumkur road There are 3 elevations and seven gates leading to the top.....more
Ghataprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
This is located in Belgaum district and is spread over 20.78 km2. This sanctuary is known for migratory birds like demoiselle crane and European white stork.Belgaum district is a district in the state of Karnataka, India. The city of Belgaum is the district headquarters. By the 2001 Census of India, it had a population of 4,214,505 of which 24.03% were urban.....more
Gokak falls
The Gokak Falls is a waterfall located on the Ghataprabha river in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The waterfall is six kilometers away from Gokak, a nearby town.After a long winding course, Ghataprabha river takes a leap of 52 metres over the sand-stone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge of the rugged valley.....more
Varapoha Falls
Varapoha Falls is situated in the Belgaum District of Karnataka, India in the hilly surroundings of the Jamboti forest. This fall is on the Mandovi river, the water of the river falls from a height of about 150 feets. It is one of the few less known & most spectacular fall of the Western Ghats, which is still unspoiled and not choked.....more