Kanva Reservoir is a delightful tourist destination that offers endless possibilities for a great weekend experience that promises to be unique. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge your fading body battery and come back with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Kanva Reservoir is located off Mysore Road, close to Ramanagaram.

History

The artificial lake, a major tourist attraction, has been formed by damming of River Kanva. The purpose of the dam is to provide irrigation to the nearby fields. It was built in 1946 and covers 776 hectares. The dam is quite long at 15 kilometers and is believed to have been named after the famous sage Kanva who lived in the caves nearby the mountains in the Ramanagaram area during those times. The dam is not very large in size and the water levels are usually very low. Tourists get attracted to the place because of the stunning scenic beauty that the surroundings present.

Get a Real View of the Village Lifestyle of India

While the approach road is quite underdeveloped and muddy, the good thing is that it gives you an insight into the rural lifestyle of places in India not yet affected by mindless civilization. The village life that you see on the way looks like a page pulled out of an old story book. You will also see lush green fields of Mulberry, coconuts and eucalyptus trees along the way.

More Information about the Reservoir

At its full capacity, the dam presents a spectacular sight but visitors are unable to enjoy the splendor of a fully filled dam because rains have been playing truant over the past few years. Presently, the water level is less than half the original capacity of the dam but it’s still good enough for enjoying a nice boat ride or to splash around in the backwaters. The place also offers exciting opportunities for camping and bird watching.

The Temple and the Caves

Another key attraction is the cave temple of Purushotthama Thirtha Gavi. It is just three kilometers from the Kanva Reservoir and an important pilgrimage destination for the Madhwa Brahmins. They believe that a Madhwa saint did penance at this place during ancient times. An idol of Hindu Lord Hanuman is also seen inside the cave.

The government has created fisheries training and research center near the dam to educate and train local villagers to become self sufficient. The modern techniques of fish farming are taught here by experts in the field.

Information for Visitors

If you intend to have a quiet weekend away the din and sound of city life, you can head to Kanva Reservoir. You can either put up a camp on the banks of the river or stay at the Inspection Bungalow. The best time to visit is after the monsoon season during the months from September through February when the dam has the highest water level and the surroundings also become extremely picturesque. The weather during these months are cool and enjoyable.

How to Reach

By Road

Kanva Reservoir is 10 kilometers from Ramanagaram and 69 kilometers from Bengaluru. You can take state transport bus or hire a local cab or taxi to reach the place. It is eight kilometers off the Bengaluru-Mysore Highway.

By Rail

Nearest railway station is Bengaluru railway station.

By Air

Nearest airport is Bengaluru Kempe Gowda International airport.