Suvarnavathi Dam
Suvarnavathi Dam, also known as the Suvarnavathi Reservoir, is a significant irrigation project located near the village of Attagulipura. Built across the Suvarnavathi River, which is a tributary of the Kaveri, the dam plays a crucial role in the agricultural life of the district. It was completed in 1977 and is often referred to as a "twin reservoir" because it is linked to the nearby Chikkahole Dam via a channel. The location of the dam is particularly scenic, as it is situated right on the edge of the Punajanur State Forest, which forms the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This proximity to the forest means that the reservoir is a vital source of water for the region's wildlife. It is not uncommon for visitors to spot wild elephants, deer, and various bird species wandering near the backwaters, especially during the early morning or late evening hours. The dam provides a peaceful escape from the town, offering vast views of the water set against the backdrop of rolling hills and dense forests. The area is popular for picnics and for those who enjoy quiet nature walks along the embankment. The reservoir also supports local fisheries, and one can often see small traditional boats out on the water. The surrounding horticulture gardens add to the greenery of the place. During the monsoon season, when the dam reaches its full capacity, the sight of water gushing through the spillways is truly majestic. It is a place that combines engineering utility with natural beauty, making it a favorite for local day-trippers. The drive to the dam from Chamarajanagar is also very pleasant, passing through rustic villages and coconut groves. It serves as a perfect stopover for those traveling toward the BR Hills or Sathyamangalam.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 HoursPlace Type:
Nature & IrrigationEntry Fees:
Entry to the Suvarnavathi Dam is generally free for the public. There are no specific tickets for walking on the embankment. However, some areas near the dam's sensitive operational machinery may be restricted. Parking is usually free on the roadside or near the entrance gate. If there is a sma...Entry to the Suvarnavathi Dam is generally free for the public. There are no specific tickets for walking on the embankment. However, some areas near the dam's sensitive operational machinery may be restricted. Parking is usually free on the roadside or near the entrance gate. If there is a small park maintained by the horticulture department, a nominal fee of 5 to 10 rupees might be charged. :Timing:
The dam area is open to visitors from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM. The early morning hours (08:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and late afternoon (04:00 PM to 06:00 PM) are the best times for a visit to avoid the midday heat and to increase the chances of spotting wildlife. The dam is open every day of the week, inc...The dam area is open to visitors from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM. The early morning hours (08:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and late afternoon (04:00 PM to 06:00 PM) are the best times for a visit to avoid the midday heat and to increase the chances of spotting wildlife. The dam is open every day of the week, including public holidays, making it a reliable weekend destination. :Special Events:
The "Vana Mahotsava" or Forest Festival is celebrated here with tree-planting drives in the surrounding catchment area. Additionally, during the Maha Shivaratri festival, locals from nearby villages often visit the reservoir to take a holy dip before proceeding to the local temples. When the dam ...The "Vana Mahotsava" or Forest Festival is celebrated here with tree-planting drives in the surrounding catchment area. Additionally, during the Maha Shivaratri festival, locals from nearby villages often visit the reservoir to take a holy dip before proceeding to the local temples. When the dam overflows (Bagiyna), a special "Ganga Puja" is performed by officials and farmers to celebrate the abundance of water. :Best Photo Spots:
The Spillway Gates: Capture the symmetry of the dam's engineering against the flowing water.
Forest Backdrop: Position your camera to get the blue water in the foreground and the dark green Punajanur forest in the background.The Spillway Gates: Capture the symmetry of the dam's engineering against the flowing water.
Forest Backdrop: Position your camera to get the blue water in the foreground and the dark green Punajanur forest in the background.
Golden Hour at the Embankment: The long stretch of the dam provides a perfect leading line for sunset shots.
Wildlife Action: A telephoto lens shot of an elephant at the water's edge is the quintessential Suvarnavathi photograph. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Spotting: Keep a quiet vigil near the forest edge of the reservoir to spot elephants and spotted deer.
Embankment Walk: Enjoy a long walk on the 1-KM long dam top for panoramic views of the water and mountains.
Photography: Capture the stunning sunset where the sky reflects in the vast expanse of the reservoir.
Picnicking: Utilize the shaded areas near the park section for a family meal amidst nature.
Birding: Use binoculars to spot migratory birds and local water birds like herons and egrets.
Fishing Observation: Watch local fishermen use traditional nets and coracles to catch freshwater fish.
Visit Chikkahole Dam: Take the short 3-KM drive to see the ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Suvarnavathi Dam is famous for being a hotspot for wildlife sightings, particularly wild elephants that come to the reservoir for water. It is renowned as one of the "Twin Reservoirs" of the district, showcasing a unique inter-linking system with Chikkahole. The dam is also famous for its scenic ...Suvarnavathi Dam is famous for being a hotspot for wildlife sightings, particularly wild elephants that come to the reservoir for water. It is renowned as one of the "Twin Reservoirs" of the district, showcasing a unique inter-linking system with Chikkahole. The dam is also famous for its scenic location on the Bengaluru-Coimbatore highway, making it an accessible and popular picnic spot. It holds significance as a major source of drinking and irrigation water for dozens of surrounding villages in the rain-shadow region of the district. : -
Architecture:
The Suvarnavathi Dam is an earthen dam with a central masonry spillway section. It measures approximately 1,170 meters in length and stands about 25 meters above the river bed level. The spillway is equipped with vertical lift gates to manage the water discharge during the floods. The reservoir ...The Suvarnavathi Dam is an earthen dam with a central masonry spillway section. It measures approximately 1,170 meters in length and stands about 25 meters above the river bed level. The spillway is equipped with vertical lift gates to manage the water discharge during the floods. The reservoir has a significant storage capacity of over 8 million cubic meters. The architectural style is functional, featuring a wide road on top of the embankment that allows for maintenance and public walking. The stone pitching on the upstream side is designed to prevent erosion from wave action, showcasing classic Indian dam engineering from the 1970s. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mysuru Airport is the closest (75 KMS).
By Train: Chamarajanagar Railway Station (14 KMS) has regular connectivity to Mysuru.
By Road: It is located directly on NH-948 (Bengaluru-Coimbatore Road). ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Chikkahole Dam (3 KMS), 2. Chamarajeshwara Temple (14 KMS), 3. BR Hills (35 KMS), 4. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta (55 KMS), 5. Bandipur (60 KMS), 6. Sathyamangalam (50 KMS), 7. Nagavalli Gudda (18 KMS), 8. Shivanasamudra (60 KMS), 9. K. Gudi (30 KMS), 10. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (40 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be extremely careful of wild elephants; never venture alone into the forest or near the water after dark.
Packing: Carry drinking water and snacks as there are limited shops nearby.
Accommodat...
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