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Vani Vilas Sagar

Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

About:

Vani Vilas Sagar, also known as Mari Kanive, is one of the oldest dams in Karnataka, located near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district. Constructed across the River Vedavathi, Vani Vilas Sagar was built in the early 20th century and is a marvel of engineering from the pre-independence era. The dam, commissioned in 1907, was named after the mother of the Mysore Maharaja, Vani Vilasa Sannidhana. It was one of the first dams in Karnataka to use modern hydraulic engineering and was built to irrigate agricultural land in the region, addressing water shortages. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, Vani Vilas Sagar is a popular spot for those who love nature, history, and engineering. With two striking towers on either side of the dam, the structure stands out with its unique architectural design. The reservoir created by the dam provides water for irrigation and serves as a vital source for nearby areas. Besides its functional role, Vani Vilas Sagar has become a favored destination for picnics, photography, and sightseeing, attracting tourists who wish to explore the serene environment and the grand structure of the dam. It serves as a testament to the visionary engineering and resource management of the time and remains a crucial water source to this day.

Location info:
Address:32 km from Chitradurga
District: Chitradurga district
Nearest City: Hiriyur
Best time to visit: October to January

Climate/Weather of Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir:
Best Time to Visit: October to March, when temperatures are moderate. Summer: Hot, reaching 35-40°C, making outdoor activities uncomfortable. Monsoon: The area receives rainfall between June and September, creating lush surroundings and filling the reservoir.

History of Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir:
The construction of Vani Vilas Sagar, or Mari Kanive Dam, dates back to the early 20th century and reflects the foresight of the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Named after his mother, Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, the dam was built to combat water scarcity and support the agricultural economy in Chitradurga and nearby regions. The dam’s design was overseen by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most esteemed engineers. Using a blend of indigenous techniques and imported hydraulic equipment, Vani Vilas Sagar was engineered with remarkable precision and durability, incorporating twin towers and a distinctive architectural design that stands out even today. The construction was a challenging endeavor, involving significant manpower, logistical planning, and resources. However, the dam transformed the region by providing a reliable water source, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Over the decades, the dam has continued to play an essential role in irrigation and water storage. It symbolizes the royal commitment to public welfare, sustainable resource management, and visionary infrastructure. Today, the dam is celebrated not only for its functional significance but also for its architectural elegance and historical legacy. The age-old structure has weathered the test of time, enduring as a proud symbol of Karnataka's rich engineering heritage and dedication to environmental stewardship.

Interesting things to do:
Doddahottrangappa Hill has a Ranganathaswamy temple on top of a hillock which is a trekkers paradise.

Interesting things to Visit:

Dam Walk: Take a walk on the dam to view the river and landscape.

Brahmagiri Village Capture the scenic views, especially during monsoon when the area is lush.

Chandravalli Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site where painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana Empire and prehistoric times were discovered. The rock inscription of King Mayurasharma dated 450 A.D. found here gave historians much information about Karnataka's first Kannada kingdom.

HiriyurHiriyur situated on the right bank of Vedavathi River is famous for its Tirumalleshawara temple. The temple has impressive lofty gopura and the ceiling of the main hall is painted with scenes from the Shivapurana and Ramayana.

The fortified town was built by the Kadamba dynasty. This place is also famous for textiles, particularly sarees known as Molakalmuru Sarees.

Neerthadi

Neerthadi is famous for Ranganathaswamy Temple built in Vijayanagar style.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity is available but may vary in strength due to the remote location. Carriers such as BSNL, Jio, and Airtel generally provide stable networks, but signal quality may be weaker around the reservoir area. It's advisable to carry a power bank as network strength can be inconsistent in some areas of the dam.

How to reach Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir?
Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore to Chitradurga
Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport/Mangalore Airport.
Road Transport:NH-4 Bangalore-Pune National Highway

Nearest Visiting places in Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir:
  • Twin Towers of the Dam
  • Nearby Hillocks
  • Aadumalleshwara
  • Ankali Mutt
  • Brahmagiri
  • Ashoka Siddapura
  • Bruhanmutt
  • Dasaratha Rameshwara

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Several petrol pumps are available in Hiriyur, about 20 km from the dam, along NH4 and within the town, providing convenient refueling options.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir:
Hiriyur: Offers budget lodges and mid-range hotels suitable for overnight stays. Chitradurga: A larger selection of hotels and guesthouses, including mid-range to premium options, about 60 km from the dam.

Things to carry:
Drinking water and light snacks. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). A camera for photography. Comfortable footwear for exploring. Binoculars for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Tips & Suggestions for Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir:
Visit during early morning or late afternoon for pleasant temperatures. Avoid peak summer as it can get very hot in the region. Exercise caution near the water and edges of the dam. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:Hospitals at the Chitradurga.

Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir and Dam Nearest Attraction
Chitradurga Historical
Chitradurga: Located at a Distance of 202 kms. northwest of Bangalore, in the heart of the Deccan Plateau, Chitradurga is recognised as the land of valour and chivalry. The district headquarters town, Chitradurga owes its name to "Chitrakaladurga", or "Picteresque Castle".....more
Vedavathi River
The Vedavathi is a river in India. It rises from the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before joining the Tungabhadra. The Vedavathi is also called the Hagari in parts of Andhra Pradesh.....more
Mari Kanive Dam
Mari Kanive is a dam near Hiriyur Taluk, Chitradurga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the oldest dam in the state.The dam was built by the Mysore Maharajas pre-independence across the river Vedavathi.....more