MOTOFOODIE

Weekend rides out of Bengaluru allows us to experience diverse terrains such as lush forests, functional or abandoned quarries, majestic hill forts, grand waterfalls, tranquil lakes, brilliant hill roads to ride and serene dam reservoirs.

Although Manchanabele dam, Thippagondanahalli Reservoir aka T G Halli Dam, Kanva Reservoir top the popularity charts – here are some serene, less-known dams and reservoirs around Bengaluru that make an ideal weekend one-day ride or drive destination.

Gundal Dam, Kollegal:
Located about 17kms from Kollegal town, the roads to this serene dam is brilliant all along except the last 5kms to the dam entrance – easily the biggest dam in the list, one can ride all the way on top of the dam and explore the backwaters.

Useful Information on Gundal Dam:

• Distance from Bengaluru: 158 kms
• Location: Gundal Dam Google Maps link
• What to See: Ask the locals for the partially submerged temple at Gundal dam (entry to the temple is governed by BRT Wildlife Forest Guards
• No shade at the reservoir (recommend to carry shades, drinking-water and a hat)
• Carry food/munchies to eat (please do not litter the place and carry back the waste)
• Where to eat: Chowmein, Soupy Noodles & Momos at Dhondeling Monastery at Bailur, Kollegal

Harobele or Arakavathy Dam, Kunuru
Located near Kunuru (on the Kanakapura-Sangama road SH92), Harobele or Arakavathy dam is fed by the Arkavathy river is flocked by school kids on field-trips on weekdays and desolated on weekends.

Useful Information on Arakavathy Dam:

• Distance from Bengaluru: 80 kms
• Location: Arakavathy Dam Google Maps link
• What to See: How a dam works? (Wish teachers take students here for a demo instead of pictures )
• No shade at the reservoir (recommend to carry shades, drinking-water and a hat)
• Carry food/munchies to eat (please do not litter the place and carry back the waste)
• Where to eat: Biryani at Sumukh Restaurant, Kanakapura town

Dandiganahalli Dam, Dandiganahalli, Gauribidanur
Located near Gauribidanur, Dandiganahalli is only frequented by the locals for fishing or that occasional theppa (coracle) boat-rides. The place is absolutely serene and the cool breeze makes a wonderful excuse for quick-nap

Useful Information on Dandiganahalli Dam:

• Distance from Bengaluru: 90 kms
• Location: Dandiganahalli Google Maps link
• What to See: Its just a beautiful spot to spend time!!
• No shade at the reservoir (recommend to carry shades, drinking-water and a hat)
• Carry food/munchies to eat (please do not litter the place and carry back the waste)
• Don’t be deceived by the huge water-body one would see before reaching Dandiganahalli
• Where to eat: Masala Dosa & Filter Coffee at Nani Hotel, Vijayapura

Mavathur Reservoir, Kanakapura Road
Known by locals as Mavathur kere, this is a large man-made reservoir with levee on one side. Access to Mavathur kere is via a narrow-dirt road (you will do just fine on a motorcycle though!) and frequented by shepherds and their herd, this is a beautiful place to spend cool mornings or evenings!!

Useful Information on Mavathur Reservoir:

• Distance from Bengaluru: 64 kms
• Location: Google Maps link [Look for the left-turn after the Kalyani motors Maruti showroom (before Kanakapura town)]
• What to See: Relish the water and the green fields around
• No shade at the reservoir (recommend to carry shades, drinking-water and a hat)
• Carry food/munchies to eat (please do not litter the place and carry back the waste)
• Do not visit this place in a hurry, we wanted to spend an hour, but ended spending more than three
• Where to eat: Masala Dosa, Kesari bath and Filter Coffee at Vasu Hotel, Kanakapura town

Vani Vilas Sagara Dam, Chitradurga
One of the most scenic dams in Karnataka, Vani Vilas Sagara boasts of picture-perfect beauty with blue-water, windmills and hills as a backdrop and ignore the runaway-type highway to reach the dam.

Useful Information on Vani Vilas Sagara Dam:

• Distance from Bengaluru: 181 kms
• Location: Google Maps link
• What to See: stunning views from the dam & brilliant roads!!
• No shade at the reservoir (recommend to carry shades, drinking-water and a hat)
• Carry food/munchies to eat (please do not litter the place and carry back the waste)
• Carry a wide-angle lens and an SLR !! (Pano-mode on phone doesn’t justify to capture this beauty!!)
• Where to eat: Thatte Idly with Vada and butter at Pavithra Idli Hotel, Kyathasandra OR Khali Dosa with Ghee at Sri Laxmi Bhavan Tiffen Centre, Chitradurga town