Lakkavali Dam is located at Lakkavali, which is a small town in Tarikere Taluk of Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. The designing of the dam was done by Sir M. Visvesvaraya who held the position of Chief Engineer in Mysore State. This 194 metres high dam is regarded as one of the oldest dams in Karnataka.

The scenic location of the Lakkavali Dam makes it a prime attraction among the tourists who visit it in large numbers. The dam irrigates large chunk of land besides generating power through its two turbines.

Construction

The credit for creating and designing Lakkavali Dam goes to Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The height of the dam is 194 ft, which also includes the height of the building in which the controlling units are located. The reservoir though measures 186 metres in height and has four crest gates. Irrigation is the prime purpose of the Lakkavali Dam, though some electricity generation is also done. The irrigation needs of Davangere and Chitradurga Districts are met to a large extent from the Lakkavali Dam.

Attractions

The scenic location of Lakkavali Dam makes it a source of attraction among visitors who come over to the dam site in large numbers. The dam is located in the Western Ghat region which in itself is a rich source of biodiversity with a large range of floral and faunal species being found in the area. Fair composition of Sandalwood, Teak and Rosewood forests are found in the area thus lending it a unique ambiance.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Lakkavali dam has led to creation of many forested islands. Amidst the backwaters of the dam is located Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area of 492 km square. The wildlife sanctuary is home to animal species like tiger, leopard, elephants and spotted deer among others. Project Tiger, a vital conservation programme of Government of India is also underway in the wildlife sanctuary area. On any given day, large numbers of tourists visit the wildlife sanctuary.

Other Attractions

A temple of Lord Shiva is another place which deserves a visit. The temple is also known by the name of Someshwara and is located on the banks of River Bhadra. The temple is situated 5 km downstream of the dam and attracts large number of devotees. A fair also takes place in the temple during months of December and January in which large number of devotees from the surrounding regions participate.

Lakkavali Jain Matha is another place which figures on the visitor’s itinerary and is located in the close vicinity of the Lakkavali Dam.

How to Reach

By Air

Mangalore, Hubli and Bangalore airports are the nearest ones located to Lakkavali and can be chosen as an option for a comfortable journey to the dam site. Taxi service is available at the airport and can ideally be hired till the dam location.

By Rail

Tarikere railway station on the Bangalore-Shimoga railway line is the nearest rail link to Lakkavali Dam.

By Road

Lakkavali is easily approachable from Bhadravati and Shimoga. It is around 250 km from Bangalore. State Road Transport buses can be used as an option for comfortable road journey.