Tunga Anicut Dam

Interesting things to do

You can enjoy boat trips around the lake.

Interesting things to Visit

Lion Tiger Reserve:

This Lion - Tiger Reserve / Safari is located nearly 12 km from Shimoga towards Jog Falls.

Sagara:

A small town in the district of Shimoga, located 30 km from Jog Falls, Sagara is home to several ancient temples.

Siddapura:

A small town in Kodagu district, Siddapura lies in Western Ghats, providing captivating views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Sirsi:

A town in Uttara Kannada district, Sirsi is like a hill-station set amidst emerald green forests and several waterfalls.

Nearest Visiting places

• Agumbe
• Jog Falls
• Ballegavi
• Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary
• Ganapathi Devasthana
• Basaveshwar Temple
• Marikamba Devasthana
• Kannika Parmeshwari

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Jewel rock
• Hotel Mathura Residency
• Hotel Malnad and Hotel Ashoka Deluxe.

Location info

• Address:15 Km from Shimoga,across the river Tungabadra.

• District: SHIMOGA

• Nearest City: Shimoga city.

• Best time to visit: Monsoon

History of Tunga Anicut Dam

Shimoga (meaning Face of Shiva), established by the Keladi rulers, enjoyed its golden days during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka in around 1600 AD.

Nearest petrol pump

On the way to Shimoga.

Things to carry

Mineral water bottle, first aid kit etc.Hotel availability.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Hospitals at shimoga or bangalore.

• 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 Tunga Anicut Dam

October to March offers pleasant weather. Post-monsoon (October-December) shows the reservoir at fullest level. Summers (March-May) have lower water levels but clear views. Monsoon visits may be restricted during heavy water release.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Best viewed during daylight hours. Water release timings vary by season — check locally before visiting downstream areas.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee of INR 10-30 per person for the dam viewing area. Parking fees apply. Some dams charge additional fees for boating or garden areas within the dam complex.

Duration needed

1-2 hours to explore the dam, reservoir, and surrounding gardens. Half a day if combining with nearby attractions or enjoying boating facilities.

Safety tips

Follow all safety warnings posted at the dam. Do not enter restricted areas. Swimming or bathing in the reservoir is prohibited near the dam structure. Observe warning sirens — water release can occur without notice. Supervise children at all times.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the district. Nearest airport: typically Hubli Airport, Mangalore International, or Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore. KSRTC buses connect to nearby towns.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the dam open to visitors? A: Yes, dam viewing areas are typically open during daylight hours. Some areas are restricted. Q: Can I walk on the dam? A: Walking on the dam top is generally allowed during visiting hours. Follow safety instructions. Q: Is boating available? A: Boating is available at select reservoirs. Check locally for availability.

Quick facts

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

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Tunga Anicut Dam

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