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Kabini Dam

Kabini, Karnataka, India
Kabini Dam is a massive structure built across the Kabini River, a major tributary of the Cauvery. Constructed in 1974, the dam serves as the primary source of water for irrigation and drinking for over 20 villages in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts. The dam creates a vast reservoir that is the heart of the Kabini tourism circuit. While the dam itself is an engineering feat, its impact on the surrounding landscape is what draws visitors. The huge expanse of water creates a microclimate that supports the lush forests of Nagarhole. Walking on the dam provides a panoramic view of the catchment area on one side and the sprawling plains on the other. The structure features several crest gates that, when opened during the monsoon, create a thunderous display of water. The gardens near the dam are a popular spot for local families to visit on weekends. It is also a site of historical importance, as the construction of the dam led to the relocation of several ancient villages, the ruins of which can still be seen during low water levels. The dam is also part of a small hydroelectric project, contributing to the region's power needs. Visitors can observe the intricate system of canals that carry water to distant fields. The area around the dam is often breezy and much cooler than the nearby towns. It is a place that highlights the intersection of human necessity and environmental preservation, as the reservoir has become a vital ecosystem for wildlife.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Engineering and Scenic Sightseeing
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fee: INR 10-20 (Variable)...
    Entry Fee: INR 10-20 (Variable)
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: August to October when the dam is full and the gates might be open. Evening for a cooler experience. ...
    Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: August to October when the dam is full and the gates might be open. Evening for a cooler experience.
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    Special Events:
    Independence Day: The dam is often illuminated with colorful lights.

    Kaveri Sankramana: Locals gather to offer prayers to the river in October. ...
    Independence Day: The dam is often illuminated with colorful lights.

    Kaveri Sankramana: Locals gather to offer prayers to the river in October.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    The Crest Gates: Best photographed when water is being discharged.

    The Reservoir Expanse: Use a wide-angle lens to show the "sea-like" appearance.

    The Garden Path: For family portraits with the dam in the b...
    The Crest Gates: Best photographed when water is being discharged.

    The Reservoir Expanse: Use a wide-angle lens to show the "sea-like" appearance.

    The Garden Path: For family portraits with the dam in the background.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Dam Walk: Walk across the top for a dual view of the water and the valley.

    Garden Visit: Enjoy the landscaped areas at the entrance.

    Photography: Capture the symmetry of the gates and the vastness of the water.

    Engineering Study: Observe the mechanism of the spillways and gates.

    Picnicking: The nearby areas are great for a family outing.

    Birding: The reservoir walls are often used by swifts and swallows.

    Local Food: Try fresh fish fry from stalls near the entrance.

    Sunset Viewing: The elevation of the dam provides a great vantage point for sunsets. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Massive Reservoir: One of the largest in Southern Karnataka.

    Irrigation Lifeline: Critical for the agriculture of the region.

    Bird Sanctuary: The backwaters created by the dam host over 250 species of birds...
    Massive Reservoir: One of the largest in Southern Karnataka.

    Irrigation Lifeline: Critical for the agriculture of the region.

    Bird Sanctuary: The backwaters created by the dam host over 250 species of birds.

    Monsoon Sight: The sight of the open gates in August is a major local attraction.
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    Architecture:
    Earthen and Masonry Hybrid: The dam is an earthen structure with a masonry spillway section. It reflects the mid-20th-century Indian irrigation engineering style.

    Dimensions: The dam has a length of 696 meters and a maximum height of 51 me...
    Earthen and Masonry Hybrid: The dam is an earthen structure with a masonry spillway section. It reflects the mid-20th-century Indian irrigation engineering style.

    Dimensions: The dam has a length of 696 meters and a maximum height of 51 meters above the river bed. The reservoir has a gross storage capacity of approximately 19. 52 TMC. The spillway has 4 radial gates for water discharge.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Mysore Airport (75 KM).

    By Train: Mysore Junction.

    By Road: Well-connected road from Mysore via H. D. Kote.

    By Local Transport: Frequent buses from Mysore to H. D....
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    Near Tourist Places:
    H. D. Kote (6 KM), Nagarhole (25 KM), Taraka Dam (15 KM), Mysore (75 KM), Nanjangud (55 KM), Gundlupet (60 KM), Bandipur (65 KM), Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (75 KM), Srirangapatna (90 KM), Somnathpur (110 KM)

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: Do not climb the railings; follow security instructions strictly.

    Packing: Carry an umbrella during monsoons; wear comfortable walking shoes.

    Connectivity: Good mobile signal as it is n...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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