Kabini Reservoir
The Kabini Reservoir, also known as the Kabini Dam, is an imposing structure built across the Kabini River near the village of Beechanahalli. Completed in 1974, the dam serves as a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking for over 20 villages in the region. The reservoir is massive, with a catchment area that stretches deep into the Western Ghats. This dam is particularly famous because it separates the Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks. During the summer months, as the water level recedes, the exposed dry bed becomes a vast grassland that attracts the largest congregation of Asiatic Elephants in the world. This phenomenon is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts globally. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, with a masonry spillway and an earthen section that blends into the surrounding hills. Standing on the dam wall, one can see the vast expanse of water on one side and the lush forest on the other. It is a popular spot for photography, especially during the monsoon when the gates are opened to release the excess water. The sight of the gushing water is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The reservoir also supports a large population of crocodiles and diverse fish species. It has played a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tourists often visit the dam as part of their Kabini circuit, enjoying the breeze and the panoramic views. The area near Hosaholalu provides a quieter perspective of the reservoir, away from the main tourist hubs. It is a place where man-made engineering meets the raw power of nature:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Engineering, Scenic, PicnicEntry Fees:
Entry to the dam viewpoint is usually free for individuals.
Vehicle Entry: A small parking fee of INR 50 might be applicable for private cars.
Photography: Professional filming requires special permission from the Irrigation Depart...Entry to the dam viewpoint is usually free for individuals.
Vehicle Entry: A small parking fee of INR 50 might be applicable for private cars.
Photography: Professional filming requires special permission from the Irrigation Department:Timing:
Regular Timings: The dam area is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for visitors.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon at 4:00 PM is the best time as the heat reduces and the lighting becomes perfect for photos:...Regular Timings: The dam area is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for visitors.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon at 4:00 PM is the best time as the heat reduces and the lighting becomes perfect for photos:Special Events:
The Bagina ceremony is a major event held when the reservoir reaches its maximum capacity.
Ritual: Government officials and locals offer flowers and traditional items to the river goddess.
Month: Usually happens in August or Septem...The Bagina ceremony is a major event held when the reservoir reaches its maximum capacity.
Ritual: Government officials and locals offer flowers and traditional items to the river goddess.
Month: Usually happens in August or September depending on the monsoon:Best Photo Spots:
Spillway Gates: The best spot to capture the sheer power of the water during the monsoon.
Reservoir Horizon: A great spot for sunset silhouette photography.
Downstream View: Capture the river as it winds it...Spillway Gates: The best spot to capture the sheer power of the water during the monsoon.
Reservoir Horizon: A great spot for sunset silhouette photography.
Downstream View: Capture the river as it winds its way through the green valleys below.
Dam Road: The long, straight road on the dam wall provides a great perspective for architectural shots:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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The reservoir area offers several ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Dam Walk: Walk along the designated pedestrian areas to see the engineering detail and the river flow.
Panoramic Photography: Use the height of the dam wall to take wide-angle shots of the forest and water.
Bird Watching: The reservoir attracts Painted Storks, Spoonbills, and Open-billed Storks.
Coracle Rides: Local boatmen near the banks offer short coracle rides for a nominal fee.
Fishing: Enjoy regulated fishing in the downstream areas where the water is calmer.
Sunset Watching: Sit on the stone embankments to watch the sky change colors.
Educational Visit: Learn about the irrigation syste...
Information
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Why Famous:
The dam is famous for creating the backwaters that host the world's largest elephant gathering.
Elephant Migration: It is globally famous for the Backwater Grasslands that emerge in summer.
Irrigation: It is the primary lifeline fo...The dam is famous for creating the backwaters that host the world's largest elephant gathering.
Elephant Migration: It is globally famous for the Backwater Grasslands that emerge in summer.
Irrigation: It is the primary lifeline for agriculture in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.
Sunset: Famous for having one of the most unobstructed sunset views in all of Karnataka: -
Architecture:
The architecture of the Kabini Reservoir is a combination of masonry and earth-filling techniques.
Dam Structure: The dam has a total length of 966 meters and a height of 51 meters from the river bed.
Dimensions: The spillway secti...The architecture of the Kabini Reservoir is a combination of masonry and earth-filling techniques.
Dam Structure: The dam has a total length of 966 meters and a height of 51 meters from the river bed.
Dimensions: The spillway section features 4 massive radial gates that control the flow of the Kabini river.
Reservoir Capacity: The total storage capacity is approximately 19. 52 TMC, providing a huge surface area for water storage.
Inspection Path: A well-paved road runs along the top of the dam, allowing for maintenance and scenic viewing: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mysuru Airport is located 60 KM from the reservoir.
By Train: Mysuru Junction is the nearest major station with good connectivity.
By Road: Accessible via the Mysuru-H. D. Kote road; the drive tak... -
Near Tourist Places:
Taraka Dam (15 KM), Nugu Dam (20 KM), H. D. Kote (10 KM), Nagarhole (35 KM), Bandipur (55 KM), Mysore (60 KM), Gopalaswamy Betta (48 KM), Sargur (18 KM), Balle (30 KM), Kittur (12 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not attempt to climb the railings or enter restricted areas of the dam.
Packing: Carry binoculars, a sun hat, and a bottle of water as there are few shops on the dam wall.
Accommodation:...
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