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Lakkavalli Dam

Lakkavalli Dam

About:

Lakkavalli Dam, located on the Bhadra River, is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is an important dam for irrigation and also serves as a water reservoir, contributing significantly to agriculture in the region. The dam and its surroundings are known for their picturesque landscapes and serene environment, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers and photographers. The area around the dam is ideal for boating and fishing activities, adding to the charm of this hidden gem in Karnataka. The peaceful and unspoiled natural beauty makes it a great spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.


The dam is beautiful with full of water through out the year.The dam site is very picturesque.Like any other Dam site there are lots of forested islands with the hill ranges forming a beautiful backdrop.This place is equidistant from Bhadravathi as well as Shimoga.But the drive from Bhadravathis is very picturesque. The Twilight hour is the beat time to visit this area.One can capture amazing pictures.

Location info:
Address:Chikmagalur district,across the Bhadra River.
District: Chikmagalur district
Nearest City: Shimoga/Bhadravathi
Best time to visit: October to February

Climate/Weather of Lakkavalli Dam:
Summer (March to June): The weather is typically hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. It is advisable to visit in the early mornings or evenings during these months. Monsoon (July to September): The region experiences heavy rainfall, transforming the surrounding landscape into lush greenery, though the rains might make travel to the area a bit challenging. Winter (October to February): The best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The cool and pleasant weather makes outdoor activities more enjoyable.

History of Lakkavalli Dam:
The Lakkavalli Dam was constructed as a part of the Bhadra Reservoir Project, with the goal of providing irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. The dam is situated on the Bhadra River, which is known for its rich history and role in the development of agriculture in the region. The project was started in the early 1970s, and over the years, the dam has become a crucial source of water for the surrounding communities. Apart from its practical use, Lakkavalli Dam has also become a popular tourist spot due to its scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of water resources in the region's agricultural success.

Interesting things to do:
Boating: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the reservoir and admire the beautiful landscapes surrounding the dam. Fishing: The Bhadra River offers opportunities for fishing, making it a relaxing activity for visitors. Photography: The scenic beauty of the dam and surrounding nature makes it an excellent spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Nature Walks: Explore the natural surroundings with a peaceful walk around the dam. Wildlife Watching: The area around the dam is home to various species of birds and animals, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Interesting things to Visit:
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was started in 1951 as Jagara Valley Game Sanctuary covering an area of about 252 km. It was combined with the surrounding Lakkavalli forests in the year 1972 and given its present name of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It now spans an area of 492 km. It has two component areas Muthodi and Lakkavalli. Some of the wild animals found in this sanctuary are tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, spotted dear, monitor lizard, barking deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel. Some of the bird species found here are shama, Malabar whistling thrush, various species of bulbuls, woodpeckers, hornbills and pigeons, drongos and paradise flycatcher. The sanctuary has been recently adopted under a tiger-conservation project called 'Project Tiger' which is an initiative from the Indian Government. Best season to visit is from October to February.

Mobile range info:
Mobile coverage is generally available in the vicinity of the dam, especially with major network providers such as Airtel, Jio, and BSNL. However, network reception may be weaker in more remote or elevated areas of the surrounding terrain. It is advisable to check your network coverage before visiting.

How to reach Lakkavalli Dam?
Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore Railway station to Shimoga/Bhadravathi and Tarikere has a railway station
Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport.
Road Transport:18 Kms from Bhadravathi and Tarikere,KSRTC Volvo buses

Nearest Visiting places in Lakkavalli Dam:
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km): A protected sanctuary home to various wildlife species, including tigers and elephants. Jog Falls (80 km): Famous for its stunning waterfall, one of the tallest in India. Kudremukh National Park (100 km): A biodiverse national park with great trekking trails. Sakrebyle Elephant Camp (30 km): A camp where visitors can interact with elephants and watch them bathe and feed.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
There are several petrol pumps in Shimoga, around 25 km away, which is the nearest town with full facilities.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Lakkavalli Dam:

Shimoga: A range of accommodations are available in Shimoga, including budget hotels and mid-range stays such as Sri Matha Residency and Green View Resort. Chikmagalur: For a more nature-centric experience, consider resorts like The Serai Chikmagalur or Kudremukh Nature Camp. Lakkavalli: Limited accommodations are available directly near the dam, but nearby towns offer guesthouses and eco-friendly cottages.

Decent budget hotels in Bhadravathi

Things to carry:
Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the surroundings. Camera and binoculars for wildlife watching and photography. Sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Water bottle, snacks, and a first-aid kit for any emergencies. A map or GPS for navigation, especially if visiting remote areas.

Tips & Suggestions for Lakkavalli Dam:
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lakkavalli Dam is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant. Wildlife Watching: If you're interested in wildlife photography or bird watching, the early morning hours are the best time. Traveling in Monsoon: Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rainfall can lead to difficult travel conditions. Check Accessibility: Ensure that the roads to the dam are accessible, especially during the rainy season.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:101
Nearest Hospital:Hospital at Shimoga

Lakkavalli Dam Nearest Attraction
Belavadi
It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it.....more
Sringeri
Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara .....more
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.....more
Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore.....more
Manikyadhara Waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.....more
Sirmane / Sirmane falls
Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri.....more
Bababudangiri Hills
Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka.....more
Gangamoola Hills
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons....more
Horanadu Hills
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.....more
Kemmannugundi Hills
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.....more
Kudremukh Hills
The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak.....more
Horanadu Temples
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. ....more
Shringeri Temples
Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra.....more
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest.....more
Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthodi Forest Reserve is one of the four main parts of the Bhadra Wild life Sanctuary, the other three being Tanikecoil, Lakkavalli and Hebbe.38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here.....more
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs.....more
Bhadra River
The Bhadra River is a river in Karnataka state in southern India.The Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats range, and flows east across the Deccan Plateau, joined by its tributaries the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.....more
Tunga River
The Tunga River is a river in Karnataka state, southern India. The river is born in the Western Ghats on a hill known as Varaha Parvata at a place called Gangamoola. From here, the river flows through two districts in Karnataka - Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.....more
Muthodi National Park
....more
Sootanabbi / Hanuman Gundi Falls
....more