Manchanabele Dam SH 85 Bengaluru Karnataka

Manchanabele Dam is located on SH 85 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a peaceful reservoir built across the Arkavathy River.

In this guide you will know the details about manchanabele dam sh 85 bengaluru karnataka such as where the dam is, why it’s special, the best time to visit, and how to reach there…

Let’s start the journey…

Manchanabele Dam Location:

Location: Manchanabele Dam is in Manchanabele village, in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
It sits along State Highway 85 (SH 85), around 40 km southwest of Bengaluru city center.
The dam is surrounded by green hills, forests, and has the beautiful Savandurga Hill in the background.
It lies near the Arkavathy River’s backwaters, making it a calm and scenic place to visit.

Why Is Manchanabele Dam Special?

Famous for its peaceful nature and beauty, Manchanabele Dam is a great spot to relax and enjoy quiet time.
The dam was built for irrigation and supplies water to farms and to the town of Magadi.
You’ll find blue water, green hills, and lovely views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
It’s a great place for birdwatching—you might see birds like the Blue Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Purple Heron, and Indian Roller.
The dam’s beauty also makes it a popular location for movie shoots.
Swimming is not allowed because of strong water currents and past accidents.
Visitors can enjoy safe activities like trekking, taking photos, or adventure sports (like kayaking or rappelling) at nearby resorts.
A Rs. 145-crore tourism project is being planned, which includes:
- An eco-resort
- A business hotel
- A Kempegowda statue
The area is now known as Bengaluru South, and this project will make it even more attractive for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Manchanabele Dam

Best time to visit: October to March, after the rains. The reservoir is full, the surroundings are green, and the weather is cool (15–25°C).
Ideal visiting hours:
- Early morning (6:00 AM) – perfect for sunrise and spotting birds.
- Evening (4:00 PM) – great for sunset views and cooler weather.
Monsoon season (June to September):
- The area looks beautiful and green, but paths can be slippery.
Summer months (April to May):
- It’s hot and dry, and the water levels go down, making it less attractive.

How to Reach Manchanabele Dam SH 85 Bengaluru?

Below is the modes of transportation:

1. By Train

Nearest Station: Bidadi Railway Station (14 km) or Bengaluru City Junction (40 km).
Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw: From Bidadi, an auto-rickshaw costs around Rs. 150-300, or a taxi approx Rs. 300-500 (20-30 minutes). From Bengaluru, a taxi is ~Rs. 800-1,200 (1-1.5 hours).

2. By Bus

State Buses: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from Bengaluru’s KR Market to Manchanabele (Route 227M, 227VA, 227VC, 242VA, 242W) or Gadagaiahnadoddi stop near the dam (~Rs. 50-100, 1.5-2 hours). Buses from Mysore or Ramanagara to Magadi also pass nearby.
Private Buses: Private buses from Bangalore to Magadi or Ramanagara drop off at Bidadi (1-1.5 hours), then take an auto-rickshaw (~Rs. 50-100).

3. By Taxi or Cab

App-Based Cabs: Book Ola, Uber, or local taxis from Bengaluru (~Rs. 800-1,500, 1-1.5 hours) or Bangalore Airport (~Rs. 1,200-2,000, 2-2.5 hours).
Group Travel: Agencies like Ramnagar Tour And Travels (+91-98866-66644) offer group taxis or vans.

4. By Air

Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (70 km, ~2-2.5 hours by road).
From Airport: Hire a taxi (~Rs. 1,500-2,500) or take a KSRTC bus to KR Market, then a local bus to Manchanabele.

5. By Two-Wheeler

Route: Ride from Bengaluru via Mysore Road or Magadi Road to SH-85 (40 km, 1-1.5 hours). From Bidadi, it’s 14 km (20-30 minutes).
Safety: Wear helmets and carry rain gear in monsoons, as roads may be slippery. Watch for narrow stretches.

Tips for Visiting Manchanabele Dam:

When to Go?

Visit at 6:00 AM for sunrise or 4:00 PM for sunset for the best views.
Official timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but some say it’s open 24 hours—check with locals.

What to Wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes—ideal for walking or trekking.
Carry a jacket in winter or raincoat during monsoon season.

Food Options

No food stalls at the dam—carry your own snacks and water.
Nearby eateries:
- Vattika (multi-cuisine, 5 km away)
- Shri Chowdeshwari Hotel (non-veg, Ramanagara Road)

Safety Tips

Swimming is banned—strong currents and mud have caused over 200 deaths (2006–2011).
Stay on marked paths and don’t cross safety barriers.

Things to Do

Photography, birdwatching, and short treks to nearby hills.
For families:
- Praani Pet Sanctuary (10 km)
- Camp Xtreme Zone – for kayaking or rappelling

Entry

No entry fee, but the dam area is restricted.
Views are possible from roadside or nearby hills.
Some visitors report paying Rs. 50–200 to guards for closer access (not official).

Nearby Places to Visit

Savandurga Hill (15 km)
Dodda Alada Mara – Big Banyan Tree (20 km)
Wonderla Amusement Park (25 km)
Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple (10 km)

Other Notes

No public toilets or seating at the dam.
Roads might be rough in some places.
No cooking or picnics allowed near the reservoir.

Why You Should Visit?

Manchanabele Dam is a perfect spot for a quick getaway from Bengaluru, offering stunning views, fresh air, and a chance to connect with nature.

Whether you’re a biker, photographer, or family looking for a day out, this place is a refreshing escape.