Hidkal Dam

About Hidkal Dam

Constructed across Ghataprabha River, Hidkal Dam is situated at Hukkeri in Belgaum district in the state of Karnataka, India.Also known as Raja Lakhamgowda Dam, this dam site is important because many fossils have been revealed in nearby areas. The dam site draws not only tourists but also archeologists.Situated in Gokak taluk about 40 KM from Belagaavi.Bar-headed geese have arrive at the Ghataprabha near the Hidkal dam here. These water birds (Anser indicus) from Central Asia have been visiting Indian wetlands for long. Normally, they take off during non-breeding period, cross the mighty Himalayas and camp in Assam, northern Burma, wetlands of Pakistan and parts of India, including Hidkal near here and at Magadi in Gadag district.About 20 migratory bird species visit the Ghataprabha-Hidkal belt every year, attracting birdwatchers from various places across the district.

Interesting things to Visit

FORT:

Belguam fort takes center stage. Who can resist to stroll around this interesting pre Muslim monument? where mosques and temples coexist in perfect harmony. At the very entrance, you will find two shrines, one dedicated to the elephant God Ganapathi, and the other to the Goddess Durga.

KAMALA BASTI:

Within the walls of the fort is the late Chalukya style, of which the Kamala Basti with Neminatha idol in black stone should not be missed. The masterpiece here is the “Mukhamantapa” with a well executed lotus on its ceiling. Coming out after your sojourn at the fort, you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH:

Of the churches, the st. Mary’s church awes one with its imposing gothic stone structure built in 1869. Light filters through the gorgeous stained glass windows and doors to enhance the fine Biblical drawings on the walls. You could take time to visit the St. Xavier’s church ( the oldest ), st. Anthony’s church, the cathedral of Our Lady and Methodist church.

VAJRAPOHA FALLS:

Situated amidst enchanting hilly surroundings of the Jamboti forest is a fine spot. To reach it one has to travel from Jamboti upto a point four km beyond Chapoli and then cross the river (only in December and January) Mahadayi twice (in between is a small hill) finally leading to an elevated flat hillock. Here the river Mahadayi flowing in a serpentine fashion takes a first jump from a height of about 60 meters.

Nearest Visiting places

• Kapileshwara Temple
• Bhartinand swamiji math, Inchal
• Sogal Someshwar Temple in Bailhongal taluk
• Kittur
• Shri Renuka Yellamma Temple, near Saundatti
• Hidkal Dam
• Vajrapoha Falls

Location info

• Address:

• District: Belgaum District

• Nearest City: Belgaum

• Best time to visit: Rainy season

History of Hidkal Dam

Hidkal dam was constructed in the year 1977 with an estimated cost of Rs. 9.47 crores. Area irrigated under this is 13400 hectors, situated in Gokak taluk about 40 KM from Belagaavi.

How to reach Hidkal Dam

• Nearest Railway Station:Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay(via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.

• Nearest Airport:Sambra Airport which is 10Kms from Belgaum City

• Road Transport: Bangalore (502 Kms), Bombay (550 Kms),Panji-Goa (150 Kms)

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Hotel Sanman Deluxe
Hotel Sanman Deluxe is a business hotel located at Belgaum (Karnataka, India) at 1.5 kms from Station and Bus Depot and 15 kms from Airport.

Things to carry

Mineral Water ,food , clothes.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Many hospitals in Belgaum itself.

• Society/Community Phone Number

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 Hidkal 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.

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.

Things to do at Hidkal 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.

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 Hidkal Dam

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