Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

Interesting things to Visit

Jamia Masjid

Ashoka Siddapura

Ashoka Siddapura is an important archeological site where emperor Ashoka’s edits were found. Nearby is Ramagiri, a hillock that has mythical associations with the epic c Ramayana. A temple dedicated to Rameshwara built in 926 A.D. is found here.

Brahmagiri Village

Brahmagiri village is the ancient site of Ishila, one of emperor Ashoka’s provincial capitals. His earliest rock edicts in Brahmi script and Prakrit language (3 BC) containing Kannada words were discovered here.

Chandravalli

Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site where painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana Empire and prehistoric times were discovered. The rock inscription of King Mayurasharma dated 450 A.D. found here gave historians much information about Karnataka’s first Kannada kingdom.

Hiriyur

Hiriyur situated on the right bank of Vedavathi River is famous for its Tirumalleshawara temple. The temple has impressive lofty gopura and the ceiling of the main hall is painted with scenes from the Shivapurana and Ramayana.

Jogimatti Hill Station
Molakalmuru

The fortified town was built by the Kadamba dynasty. This place is also famous for textiles, particularly sarees known as Molakalmuru Sarees.

Neerthadi

Neerthadi is famous for Ranganathaswamy Temple built in Vijayanagar style.

Vani Vilas Sagar

This place is also known as Mari Kanive, an artificial lake (Reservoir) built by the Mysore Maharaja across the river Vedavathi. The reservoir has two mantapas.

Thamatekallu

Thamatekallu has ancient rock inscription and the oldest virgallu or hero stone inscription in Karnataka.

Holalkere

Holalkere is well known for its 10th century Jain settlement and a 9 ft. tall statue of Bala Ganapathi, a child form of Hindu god Ganapathi.

Doddahottrangappa Hill

Doddahottrangappa Hill has a Ranganathaswamy temple on top of a hillock which is a trekkers’ paradise.

Halu Rameshwara

Halu Rameshwara near Hosadurga is quite known for the temple & well. The temple well has white coloured water (looks like milk).

Nearest Visiting places

• The Fort
• Onake Obavvana Kindi (The Crack)
• Aadumalleshwara
• Ankali Mutt
• Brahmagiri
• Ashoka Siddapura
• Bruhanmutt
• Dasaratha Rameshwara
• Chandravalli
• Doddahotterangappa’s Hill
• Gayatri Jalashaya
• Halurameshwara
• Heggere
• Holalkere
• Hiriyur
• Hosadurga
• Molakalmuru
• Jogimatti
• Jankal
• Thamatekallu
• Nayakanahatti
• Sirigere

Location info

• Address:32 km from Chitradurga

• District: Chitradurga district

• Nearest City: Hiriyur

• Best time to visit: October to January

History of Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

Built by the Mysore Maharaja across the river Vedavathi. The reservoir has two mantapas.

Things to do at Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

Doddahottrangappa Hill has a Ranganathaswamy temple on top of a hillock which is a trekkers paradise.

How to reach Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

• Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore to Chitradurga

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport/Mangalore Airport.

• Road Transport:NH-4 Bangalore-Pune National Highway

Nearest petrol pump

Lots of them on the Highway.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Hospitals at the Chitradurga.

• 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.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

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 Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

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.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Binoculars for birdwatching around the reservoir. Picnic items if visiting garden areas (where permitted). Fishing gear if fishing is allowed.

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 Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Vani Vilas Sagar Reservoir on popular travel photography sites and social media.