Manchanbele is a medium-sized village in Magadi, known for its rich cultural heritage. Located at a distance of 40 km (25 miles) from Bangalore city, many tourists throng the place to enjoy its pleasant quiet and greenery. Ramanagara district of Karnataka where the village is located, is famous for its extraordinary silk and fine weavers and has many tourist attractions. The Silk Town is a land of seven hills and is a popular spot for trekking, bird watching, temples, and caves. The roads leading to the quiet and pretty village of Manchanbele are ideal for driving down in a car. If you are a keen bird watcher, then you will be delighted at the plentiful sightings of purple sunbirds, yellow-eyed babblers, long-tailed shrike, oriental white-eye, and the amazing streaker weaver busy collecting materials for building its unique nest. Make use of this guide to Manchanbele to soak in the calm and serene atmosphere of the region just as the birds do!
Things to do / highlights
Manchanabele Dam and Manchanbele Reservoir
Built across the river Arkavathy, this dam with beautiful natural features is a prime source of water to Magadi village. This dam, which is a part of the tourism belt project is scenic with the water and mountains around making for breathtaking visuals. A leisurely walk down the asphalted road along the shore or a casual bike ride is a good way of enjoying the area. A great choice for family picnics, you can also find a spot for some quick cooking. It is a remote area and entry to the dam is prohibited. The 902 acres (365 hectares) reservoir is filled with large boulders, deep slush and water snakes. Thus, wandering into the reservoir is not permitted and definitely not a good idea. Soak in the mesmerizing views from the hillside hill and enjoy the sunset. Keep your camera ready for great pictures of the grey heron and a variety of other birds seen in the area. You can stand on a small bridge, sit and watch or play in the canal water that is let out through the dam gates.
Camping
There are quite a few resorts in the area that organize camping trips for corporate groups, families, and friends, as well as school children. They have authentic jungle campsites near the lake at the foot of the dam. The well-planned entertainment and team building activities, both indoor and outdoor, are perfect for a safe and exciting adventure. Fishing, ziplining across the dam, paintball matches, dirt biking, and kayaking are just some of the fun activities awaiting you here. To top it off, you can relish freshly cooked meals made by seasoned chefs.
Savandurga
This hill, considered to be among the largest monolith hills in Asia, has the finest slab climbing routes in the world. Located around 20 km (12.5 mi) from Manchanbele is a place for pilgrims visiting temples located at the foothills, rock climbers, cave explorers, and adventure lovers. Endangered yellow-throated bulbul, sloth bear, and leopard may be spotted here. The trekking is enjoyable and may be completed in half a day. Also, be sure to experience the rare beauty of Savandurga peak fort.
Dodda Alada Mara
The big banyan tree is a historic and heritage site, a wonderful destination for nature lovers. At a distance of 10.6 km (6.5 mi) from Manchanbele, this majestic 400-year-old banyan tree serves as a natural home to a large number of monkeys and stray dogs. There is a temple nearby and also a children’s park. The place is well-maintained, calm, cool, shady, and relaxing. There are plenty of shops around selling beautiful potted flowers.
Arkavathi river
The river is in full spate during the months of August to November. Originating from Nandi Hills, this life-giving river is a prime source of water to many places in Karnataka state. This serene spot has perfect sites for camping. The cool, calm water and the breeze are refreshing. A morning stroll by the river or even a dip in the cool water can be rejuvenating. Take along your camera for some fabulous images and keep an eye out for freshwater fish and birds like pelicans, cranes, egrets, and ducks.
What to eat
Most tourists plan a day trip to Manchanbele to enjoy the dam and its surroundings to the full. and usually carry a picnic basket. If not, you could try one of the restaurants and eateries in the vicinity.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan
With plenty of parking space and an extensive menu comprising of authentic South Indian food, you are sure to find something you like. They also offer a good variety of North Indian delicacies too such as the thali (platter) meals. You could finish off your meal with one of the desserts they are famed for such as gulab jamun.
Vattika
A charming restaurant set conveniently on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, this is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the dam. The cleanliness and courteous staff make it a delightful place for a meal. You will only find vegetarian food here ranging from snacks to meals.
Travelers tips
Savandurga Trek
Start trekking early in the morning and carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water, comfortable clothes, and good shoes.
Dodda Alada Mara
The entry is free and washrooms are available. Vehicles can be parked near the road along the way. Keep an eye out for cherry nurseries and farms selling beautiful small saplings.
Arkavathi
Open only till 5.30 p.m. There are stalls selling delicious fresh fried fish.
How to get there
By bus
Direct buses from KR Market (Route no 227M, 227VA, 227VC, 242VA, 242W) Bangalore, lead to Manchanbele Dam.
By car
You can rent a car or drive your own car and make it a short and wonderful road trip. Yellow direction boards are visible as you get closer to the dam.
By train
Hejjala Railway Station is the closest one and Manchanbele is a half-hour drive from the station.
Manchanbele information
Manchanbele
Address: Mysore Road Manchanbele Magadi T Ramanagara, Manchanabele 562128
Department of tourism: Visit Karnataka
Opening hours: 24 hrs (daily)
Price: Free
Narayanagiri Sunrise Trek and Manchanabele Dam Water Sports from Bangalore
Duration: 15hrsDuration
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
Top 12 Cafes You Must Try Along MG Road, BangaloreNyrene Grace Patricia -
-
-
-
Create an account to