Markonahalli Dam — Attraction in Karnataka

A hidden gem for a peaceful escape, Markonahalli Dam is a destination that truly exceeds expectations. Tucked away amidst the serene landscapes of Kunigal, it offers a perfect retreat for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. My recent visit was an absolute delight, and I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The first thing that strikes you about Markonahalli Dam is its tranquil atmosphere. Unlike some of the more crowded tourist spots, this dam offers a sense of calm and serenity that is hard to find. The vast expanse of the reservoir, reflecting the clear blue sky, is a sight to behold. It's a fantastic spot for a quiet picnic with family or friends, or even a solo trip to simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. The well-maintained garden near the dam adds to the scenic beauty, providing a perfect foreground for some truly stunning photographs. What makes this dam particularly interesting is its historical significance and unique engineering. Built by the visionary Sir M. Visvesvaraya, it’s a testament to his genius, utilizing the remarkable Siphon technology. It's fascinating to learn about the dam's history and how it was constructed. If you're lucky and the water levels are low, you might even be allowed to walk on the dam itself, which provides a unique and memorable experience. The drive to the dam is also a pleasure. The route from Bangalore is scenic and well-maintained, with a pleasant stretch of rural roads that offer a glimpse into the countryside life of Karnataka. It’s an enjoyable journey in itself, making the destination even more rewarding. While it is a relatively simple spot, the charm of Markonahalli Dam lies in its simplicity. It's not a place with a lot of commercial frills, which is part of its appeal. There are a few small stalls outside for snacks and tea, which is more than enough for a short trip. The open-air parking is convenient, and the overall lack of crowds makes it a peaceful and intimate experience. In conclusion, Markonahalli Dam is a must-visit for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a place where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of a man-made marvel in harmony with its natural surroundings. A day well spent and a...

Markonahalli Dam is near Yadiyur, situated around 100 kilometers from Bangalore. This dam is built across the river Shimsha and Hemavati in Kunigal Taluk of Tumkur district. It was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the king of Mysore under the guidance of his Diwan, Sir M Visweswaraiah & Ganesh Iyer in 1930s. The specialty of this dam is it has an automatic siphon system that enables water to be flushed out of the reservoir automatically when it touched the optimum level. It doesn’t require any person to open or close the gates. Very first to be of that kind in Asia & all credit goes to Bharata Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the most influential makers of modern India. The great man with a rare combination of intellect, integrity, discipline & vision. This beautiful dam not only serves the basic purpose but also has some interesting picnic spots. On the other side of the dam there’s a beautiful park with lot of greenery & nice play area for kids. Don’t expect to too much wildlife around this dam. We did spot many beautiful birds & rabbits. Peace of mind and tranquility is what one will feel when you visit this place. There are so many beautiful & historical places as well as visiting spots near Markonahalli dam, but due to governments poor tourism planning & policies no such developments are seen. The Karnataka tourism department is neglecting these beautiful places. Just few months back the dam was under threat with a private company from Hyderabad wanted to start mining in a vicinity of just one km. Unfortunately the local politicians & concerned authorities gave permission to the company for contract of mining and related activities, including quarrying, blasting and stone crushing on 10 acres of government land nearby. Thanks to the local peoples protest & media, the concerned authorities stopped...

Tip: Markonahalli dam is near Yedayur off Hassan Road. This can be clubbed with Yedayur and Nagamangala Temple (Soumyakeshwva & Yoganarasimha) for a one day trip. Else just visit Yedayur and the Dam for half a day

The Dam was built by Sir, M Vishweshwaraiyya. The main attraction is the syphoning effect that was used for auto opening of sluice gates. Water from Gorur Dam flows in to this.

Reach: The Dam is nearly 90 Kms from Bangalore. The roads are a bit bumpy. Once u leave NH4 to reach the dam which is 10km from the highway.

What to do: If there is no 'over protection' activity you can actually go up the dam and walk. The guard will be able to show you the syphoning effect which is worth the visit. You are able to appreciate the engineering marvel considering that this was built when the technology was not advanced. In case you cannot go on top of the dam you can go to the back water and njoi the place (No water games or boat though). There is also a small park next to Dam (No children toys or activity). You can see the front of the dam as well.

Food: No food is available near the dam. Either you need to take food & Water with you or have somethings in the restaurants on the Mangalore High way. Few of the hotspots for food in the area.

Is it Worth? Yes, for a days trip if you have nothing much to do and you would like to have a good long drive. Would suggest clubbing this with...