Manchanabele Dam, Karnataka

Manchanabele is a small village located on the outskirts of Bangalore that is known for its picturesque dam and adjoining reservoir. 

It is a short 40km drive away from Bangalore and has recently emerged as a popular weekend retreat for the people of the Bangalore because of the peace, natural beauty and serenity offered by the place. 

Manchanabele Dam, which is sought out by travellers, adventurers, families and friends, is built over the Arkavathy river. 

It is a mighty reservoir that is used to promote farming and irrigation in the nearby areas. The presence of the reservoir has led to the formation of a beautiful lake on which activities such as boating and kayaking are conducted. It is also popular amongst the tourists because of the incredible natural beauty that one can witness near the Manchanabele Dam.

Even though the reservoir was a popular place for people to explore and swim in, it is now cordoned off and cannot be accessed by the public because of a few incidents.

However, the whole expanse of the lake and the reservoir can be seen from a distance and you can catch a stunning sunset from the vicinity of the lake. 

Because of the popularity of the place, several adventure resorts and retreats have sprung up. You can access Manchanabele Dam via Dabbaguli village or from Magadi Road, where you will find most of the accommodations in the area.

It is a breath-taking place for a day trip or just a relaxing weekend outing with your friends and loved ones.

From Bangalore Airport- 

The airport closest to Manchanabele Dam is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. After landing in Bangalore, the easiest and most convenient way to reach the dam is by road. You can rent a car or hire a taxi from outside the terminal itself, which will take you to Manchanabele Dam which is located at a distance of 70km from the airport. A pleasant 2-and-a-half-hour drive through a convenient route shall bring you to Manchanabele Dam.

If you are planning a visit, the best time to do so would be between October and March.

This is the time the area experiences its winter season. It is also the period right after the monsoon season, which means you can take advantage of the fresh foliage, the lake which is filled to the brim and the pleasant weather when you are visiting. 

Summer seasons are hot and sweltering and the lake is also not filled to capacity, which might not make your trip ideal.

Location: Manchanabele, Ramanagara District, Karnataka, India.

Price: Free entry

Timings: Open 24 hours

Places to Visit near Manchanabele Dam

Wonderla Amusement Park -The famous Wonderla Amusement Park is one of the biggest amusement parks in South India and is located at a mere distance of 2.8km from Manchanabele Dam.

With world-class roller coasters, hundreds of activities and endless rides, this is an action-packed adventure you must not miss.

Dirt Mania Outdoor Adventures - Located at a distance of 9.9km for Manchanabele Dam, this is the perfect place for adventure junkies to get their fix of excitement and adrenaline.

Activities such as dirt-biking, racing, rock climbing and mountaineering are conducted there, where you can participate to make your holiday truly eventful.

Praani the Pet Sanctuary- If you are looking for an opportunity to be truly at one with nature, you must visit the Praani pet sanctuary, located at short distance of 10km from the Dam. 

You can pet animals like rabbits, horses, cows and dogs, all of whom have been rescued and given a safe and loving home in the sanctuary. It is a wonderful place to take children to.

Places to eat near Manchanabele Dam -

If you haven’t packed your own food, no need to worry. You can eat at several great eateries near Manchanabele Dam where you will get fresh, clean and yummy meals. Here are some of the best places to eat nearby:

1. Adyar Ananda Bhavan -

You will find all kinds of Asian and South Asian food in this multi-cuisine restaurant. It is a roadside joint which serves fresh food and is frequented by travellers to the area.

2. Vattika -

Vattika is a gorgeous restaurant which is surrounded by greenery, you can dine in this café/cottage-like structure where they serve Asian, Indian and Chinese food. You will also find vegan-friendly food options as well as a wide range of vegetarian dis

3. Hotel Shree Renuka Tifanies -

If you are looking for a budget-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Indian food, especially if you are looking for South Indian options, then you must stop by Hotel Sree Renuka. It has a range of idlis, dosas, rice and roti options, where you can enjoy a satisfactory brunch at budget-friendly prices.

4. Papa John’s India -

Located on the premises of Wonderla Amusement Park, Papa John’s is a famous pizzeria that serves some delicious Italian food that is especially enjoyed by kids. You can travel a short distance of 2.7km from Manchanabele Dam to dine here.

Tips for Visiting Manchanabele Dam -

Here are a few tips that can help you make your travels to Manchanabele Dam safe comfortable and hassle-free.

1. Even though the place is frequented by a lot of people, there are a lot of rules in place that you must follow to avoid trouble and stay safe.

2. Visitors are strictly forbidden to swim in the reservoir because of accidents in the past, so do not try to swim in the reservoir.

3. Do carry insect repellents with you when you are travelling.

4. The place also offers some great opportunities for photography and bird watching, so make sure you are equipped accordingly.

5. There is the scope to participate in various adventure activities like rappelling and kayaking. However, to do so without trouble, you must carry a valid ID with you as well.