Gajanur Dam

About Gajanur Dam

Gajanur is a popular picnic spot near the Western Ghats, 10 km south-west of Shimoga in Shimoga District, Karnataka. The place is known for an elephant camp, where a large number of elephants are trained every year. The Tunga dam on the river Tunga, Agumbe, Jog Falls, Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary and Thirthahalli are some nearby places of interest.

Gajanur Dam
This resource provides additional irrigation potential in Shimoga District. MCC constructed the dam and its allied works, downstream of the existing anicut across the river Tunga near Gajanur Village, Shimoga. The total length of the dam is 770m. This included 334m of spillway. Approximately 2,47,000 cu.m. of concrete has been laid for this work.

Link:
http://www.myconltd.com/Irri%20Gajnur.htm
It lies 10 kms southwest. The dam here is ideal for picnics Elephants are trained at the elephant camp here.Stopped at Gajanur dam along the way near Shimoga. This is a dam and has all the security systems in place. People are not allowed beyond a certain point.

Nearest Visiting places

10 kms south, has a lion and tiger safari.

Kodachadri 120 kms from Shimoga this beautiful hill station is nestled in the Western Ghats.

This town is about 16 kms northwest of Thirthahalli. The river Sharavathi takes its origin here and a Shivalinga is installed at the spot. The Mandagadde and Gudavi Bird Sanctuaries are not to be missed.

Location info

• Address:Shimoga

• District:Shimoga

• Nearest City:

• Best time to visit:

Hotels & accommodation nearby

There are lots of decent budget hotels in Shimoga.But , there is an Inspection Bungalow in the Dam site and the reservation authority is the The Executive Engineer , Upper Tunga Project,Shimoga.The booking can be done by reaching the engineer on 08182-222972.If you want to experience the rustic malnad life, you can stay at the locals residents as well.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Gajanur Dam

Post-monsoon season (October to February) is the best time to visit — the reservoir is full and the surrounding landscape is lush and green. Summer (March to May) sees reduced water levels. The dam is most spectacular during the monsoon when water is being released through the gates.

Timings & opening hours

Dam viewing areas are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The dam reservoir area may have restricted access. Some dams are open only on weekends or during specific hours for tourism.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹50-₹100 for foreign nationals. Parking fee applies. Some dams charge separately for garden areas and viewpoints.

Duration needed

1-2 hours is sufficient to view the dam, walk along the top, and enjoy the reservoir views. If the dam has adjoining gardens or parks, plan for 2-3 hours.

Safety tips

Do not enter restricted areas. Stay behind safety barriers at all times. Do not swim in the reservoir — water levels and currents are unpredictable. Be especially careful during monsoon when water may be released suddenly. Listen for sirens or warnings. Supervise children at all times.

Things to carry

Camera for photographs, water bottles, snacks, hat/cap, sunscreen, and binoculars for bird watching on the reservoir.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station is in the district headquarters or nearest major town. Nearest airport depends on location. Regular bus services connect to nearby towns.

History of Gajanur Dam

Gajanur Dam is a major dam/reservoir project in Karnataka, constructed to provide irrigation water, drinking water, and hydroelectric power to the region. The dam harnesses the waters of a major river system in Karnataka. The reservoir created by the dam has become an important ecosystem for aquatic birds and wildlife.

Things to do at Gajanur Dam

Walk along the dam top to view the reservoir on one side and the river downstream on the other. Visit adjoining gardens and parks. Bird watching on the reservoir. Photography of the dam and surrounding landscape. Visit the dam’s hydroelectric power station viewing area if open to the public.

Things to visit & highlights

The dam structure itself, the reservoir (view from the top), the spillway area, downstream river view, and any adjoining gardens or parks maintained by the irrigation department.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the dam at any time? Dam viewing areas have specific opening hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM). Some areas may be restricted for security reasons.

Is water released from the dam year-round? Water release depends on rainfall and irrigation requirements. The dam is most spectacular during the monsoon when water is released through gates.

Are there boating facilities in the reservoir? Boating and water sports are available at some reservoirs. Check with the local tourism office for availability.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Dams

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Gajanur Dam

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Gajanur Dam on popular travel photography sites and social media.