Lakkavalli Dam

About Lakkavalli Dam

Lakkavalli is a small town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka state, southern India. Lakkavalli is the site of a dam across the Bhadra River; the dam is used for irrigation and power production.Lakkavalli is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Tarikere and 45 km from Shimoga. A small heaven on earth, Lakkavalli, endowed with pristine natural beauty, is a part of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a paradise for bird watchers. More than 250 species of bird life are spotted here. Bhadra Dam, constructed across the Bhadra River, is very close to this village.Bhadra river project or BRP very famously know to people is a huge dam built across the River Bhadra.This place is also known as Lakkavalli dam since this is located very close to Lakkavalli village.This place is 18 Kms from Bhadravathi town.The drive from Bhadravathi through the Umblebayalu resrve forest atkes one through the densely forested area.

The dam is beautiful with full of water through out the year.The dam site is very picturesque.Like any other Dam site there are lots of forested islands with the hill ranges forming a beautiful backdrop.This place is equidistant from Bhadravathi as well as Shimoga.But the drive from Bhadravathis is very picturesque. The Twilight hour is the beat time to visit this area.One can capture amazing pictures.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Jungle lodges have started the resort inside the Dam site area and is called River tern Lodge.

Decent budget hotels in Bhadravathi

Location info

• Address:Chikmagalur district,across the Bhadra River.

• District: Chikmagalur district

• Nearest City: Shimoga/Bhadravathi

• Best time to visit: October to February

Things to visit & highlights

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was started in 1951 as Jagara Valley Game Sanctuary covering an area of about 252 km. It was combined with the surrounding Lakkavalli forests in the year 1972 and given its present name of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It now spans an area of 492 km. It has two component areas Muthodi and Lakkavalli. Some of the wild animals found in this sanctuary are tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, spotted dear, monitor lizard, barking deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel. Some of the bird species found here are shama, Malabar whistling thrush, various species of bulbuls, woodpeckers, hornbills and pigeons, drongos and paradise flycatcher. The sanctuary has been recently adopted under a tiger-conservation project called ‘Project Tiger’ which is an initiative from the Indian Government. Best season to visit is from October to February.

How to reach Lakkavalli Dam

• Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore Railway station to Shimoga/Bhadravathi and Tarikere has a railway station

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport.

• Road Transport:18 Kms from Bhadravathi and Tarikere,KSRTC Volvo buses

Nearest visiting places

• Belavadi

It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it

• Sringeri

Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara

• Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler

• Kalhatti Falls

Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore

• Manikyadhara Waterfall

Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta

• Sirmane / Sirmane falls

Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri

• Bababudangiri Hills

Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka

• Gangamoola Hills

Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons

• Horanadu Hills

Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life

• Kemmannugundi Hills

55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort

• Kudremukh Hills

The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak

• Horanadu Temples

Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.

• Shringeri Temples

Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra

• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest

• Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary

The Muthodi Forest Reserve is one of the four main parts of the Bhadra Wild life Sanctuary, the other three being Tanikecoil, Lakkavalli and Hebbe.38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here

Things to carry

Mineral water,food ,clothes, if on a picnic then carry things for playing some games.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Hospital at Shimoga

• 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 Lakkavalli 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.

History of Lakkavalli Dam

Lakkavalli 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 Lakkavalli 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 Lakkavalli Dam

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