Manchanabele Dam

Manchanabele Dam is the beautiful site that involves peace as well as adventure, situated in the glittering basin of Arkavathi River. As a water reservoir of the Arkavathi River, it mainly provides the nearby farmlands with water for irrigation. Lush greenery and silent landscapes, however, have, over time, made it a favorite haunt of those wanting to get out from the very thick of Bangalore.While its primary purpose is to irrigate, the dam has become a number of attraction for nature lovers because of the natural beauty that it presents. Indeed, its laidback ambience can be really perfect for picnics, photography, and all kinds of outdoor activities.

The dam is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the daytime and remains open till late into the night on some days, though these times are varied with the weather or local regulations in place. Visiting during daylight hours would ensure that one could enjoy outdoor activity to the maximum. Currently, it costs nothing to visit, but there might be an extra cost for kayaking or other adventure activities.

Manchanabele Dam is designed to service the growing requirement for rural Bangalore water supply, especially for irrigation purposes. This dam, being relatively small compared to other Karnataka's dams, has handled the local ecosystem and agriculture-based livelihoods effectively. The dam provides essential irrigation water to farmlands nearby, thus sustaining the agrarian economy of this locality.

The Bangalore Rural district also gets water supply from the dam for some areas, although not as a source of drinking water for the city. The presence of the dam has served to boost the region's agricultural productivity sufficiently by ensuring sufficient supply even during dry spells.

Manchanabele Dam is a beautiful spot known for its calm surroundings. The reservoir is surrounded by gentle hills and thick green forests, making it a great escape for nature lovers. In the early mornings, a light mist often covers the hills, creating stunning sunrise views that feel almost magical. As the sun sets, the colors of the evening reflect on the water, making it a perfect place for photographers to capture a great shot.

This lovely setting attracts picnickers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you want to relax by the sparkling water or enjoy the lush greenery, Manchanabele Dam offers a peaceful retreat away from the busy city life.

In the recent years, Manchanabele has acquired the tag of an adventure destination. The number of adventure companies which offer their services in water sports and trekking are found based here. Reservoir waters are very still and hence ideal for water sports, rolling hills around it are perfect for trekking and nature walks.

This trail is suitable for trekkers and scenic vistas of the reservoir as well as the surrounding landscape. Visitors, however, must be informed to take proper precautions as the water levels would change with rainfall and the topography was unpredictable.

Some of the adventure sports available here in Manchanabele include kayaking and rappelling. Be it an amateur or a pro, they all like coming here. Normally, guided tours ensure that safety precedes everything, though.

Water level at Manchanabele Dam changes from season to season and the quantum of rainfall also. Best time to visit is at the end of monsoons right through February, when the reservoir would ideally be full, and the landscape is all green.

While offering a breathtaking view of the dam overflowing with water, creating a serene and scenic backdrop, the post-monsoon period makes this very much an attractive destination during the summer months when the water level may recede due to high evaporation and decreased rainfall. The reservoir is not so full at these times, though. Manchanabele Dam attracts the best sights during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

Manchanabele Dam was built mainly for irrigational reservoir purposes, receiving the waters of Arkavathi River to the near-by farmlands. Thus, during the dry seasons, the agricultural productivity of the place is sufficiently ensured by the dam. It remains the lifeline for the local agriculture because it strictly depends on the dam for water.

This dam enhanced the irrigation system for the locality. Its presence has particularly ensured adequate water supply during drought seasons, thus assisting the local farmers. The crop-planting of many other crops is supported in sustaining the agricultural economy in the locality by the feeding Arkavathi River into the dam.

Though it does not represent the grandness of other major dams, such as KRS Dam, what comes here is something that represents simplicity and functionality in Manchanabele Dam. The dam has an imposing height of about 23 meters and a length of 147 meters. Being made of concrete and local materials, simplicity is part of its characteristics, especially considering the practical approach in designing it towards irrigation purposes, thereby integrating with nature around it.

Unlike most elaborate dams-look structures, Manchanabele is designed quite humbly to emphasize the coexistence of man-made creations with the nature.

While Manchanabele Dam is never in the list of the world's tallest dams, its natural beauty, along with the peaceful surroundings that make it an off-beat and refreshing get-away destination have made it unique. Whether you are in the mood for an adventurous weekend packed with water sports and trekking or some quiet time away from everyone else to reconnect with nature, Manchanabele Dam has it all for you.