Markonahalli Dam

Interesting things to Visit

• Mangala dam
• Small hillock crowned by a Venkataramanaswamy temple
• Oldest Stud farm currently managed by UB Group
• Kunigal Dodda Kere
• Age-old temple dedicated to Someshwara and Parvathi at Kunigal.

Nearest Visiting places

• Yediyur - 2 KMs
• Kunigal stud farm (Horse breeding farm, owned by Vijay Malya)
• Kunigal lake (famous through the folk song ‘Moodal Kunigal kere’)
• Deepambhudi lake - 26 KMs from Kunigal
• Huliyurdurga - another picnic & small trek point - 22 KMs from Kunigal

Location info

• Address:Across the river Shimsha in Kunigal Taluk

• District: Tumkur

• Nearest City: Yediyur

• Best time to visit: Jan to Dec

History of Markonahalli Dam

A large minor irrigation project dam built in 1942 by the British. It was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the king of Mysore under the guidance of his Diwan, Sir M Visweswaraiah.The dam has an automatic siphon system, very first to be of that kind in Asia

How to reach Markonahalli Dam

• Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore to Tumkur

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport

• Road Transport:93 KMs from Bangalore/Bangalore � Mangalore NH 47

Hotels & accommodation nearby

There are no hotel/lodges avilable near dam. Alternate options - Kunigal/Yediyur.

Nearest petrol pump

Lot of petrol bunks on the national highway.

Things to carry

Drinking water, Stuffs to pla outdoor games (viz Volleyball, Footballa etc), Camera (But don’t take the snaps of the dam - security reasons).

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Hospitals at tumkur

• 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.

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 Markonahalli 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 Markonahalli 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 Markonahalli Dam

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