What is So Unique About Tungabhadra Dam and Why Should You Consider Visiting It?

Tungabhadra Dam shortly called TB Dam is a multipurpose dam site. It has been built across the Tungabhadra River in the Hosapete Ballari District of the state of Karnataka. If you plan a visit to Karnataka, you can include this place in your itinerary. This dam site has many attractions for visitors. Particularly, most tourists visiting Hampi make sure that they include a stopover at TB Dam.

The dam site is the home to Tunga Bhadra Reservoir which has a strong capacity of 101 TMC. It has a catchment area of 28000 square km. The dam site has about 33 crest gates and 49.5 metres in height.

Tungabhadra Dam – An Introduction

Tungabhadra Dam is otherwise called Pampa Sagar. It has been built across the Tungabhadra River, which is a tributary of the Krishna River. The dam is near the Hospet Town in Karnataka.

Initially, this project started as a joint venture between the erstwhile Madras Presidency and the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Later, it turned into a joint venture between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State Governments after the construction was completed in 1953.

Tungabhadra’s reservoir along with the Mullaiperiyar Dam in Kerala holds the unique destination of being the only two reservoirs in India that were built with the help of limestone and mud.

How to Reach Tungabhadra Dam?

Hospet officially called Hosapete is the nearby city to Tungabhadra Dam. It is located around 12 km from Hampi and it is the headquarters of the Vijayanagara District. When it comes to reaching Tungabhadra, you can choose one of the following modes convenient to you:

By Bus

If you would like to travel by bus to reach Tungabhadra, you can check whether direct buses are available from your hometown to the dam site. Otherwise, you can reach Hampi or Hospet. From these destinations, you can travel by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses to reach the dam site. Otherwise, you can also travel by private buses from Hospet or Hampi to reach the dam.

By Train

Hosapete Junction is the nearest railway station to Tungabhadra Dam. It is located around 6 km from the dam. Trains from different cities like Hyderabad, Goa and Bangalore reach Hosapete Junction. You can make your bookings accordingly from the official website of IRCTC.

From Hosapete Junction, you can take trains to Munirabad. From Munirabad station, you can walk to the dam or you can hire an auto. The distance from Munirabad Station to the dam site is 1.2 km. Many express and passenger trains from Hosapete can take you to Munirabad.

By Flight

The nearest airport to Tungabhadra Dam is Jindal Vijayanagar Airport. Daily flights are operated between Jindal Vijayanagar Airport to Hyderabad and Bengaluru under the UDAAN Scheme. Also, you can find flights from Hubballi Airport, which is around 150 km away from Hosapete.

By Car

If you love taking road trips, you can drive to the Tungabhadra Dam. The roads that lead to the dam site are maintained well. You can expect scenic views of the countryside of Karnataka. It will take around 4 hours to drive from Hubli to the dam site. From Bangalore, it will take around 6 hours to drive to the dam.

So, choosing the appropriate mode of transportation will help you reach the dam site with ease.

Key Attractions & Things To Do

Sound and Light Show

One of the key attractions of the Tungabhadra Dam is the sound and light show conducted every evening. I should say that watching this show is a visual treat. A rainbow of colours is used to illuminate the dam site after dusk. You can see water from each of the 33 crest gates getting different colours. The show is held between 7.15 pm and 8.30 pm daily. However, there can be exceptions when the water level is low in the area and during public holidays.

TB Gardens

Tungabhadra Dam is known for its well-maintained gardens. You can spend a few hours in this garden with your family. Indeed, you can take some stunning pictures. You can see flowers in vibrant colours and well-manicured lawns.

Reach the Top of the Dam for Scenic Views

You can get breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the dam. You can grab an opportunity to see the serene Tungabhadra River from the top of the dam. You will see the river meandering through the hills. The surrounding greenery will be very relaxing to watch. It is again an ideal spot for photography.

Birdwatching

You might wonder whether a dam site can help birdwatchers. But, if you are a birdwatcher, you will love Tungabhadra Dam for sure. Particularly, when you visit during the winter season, you can get a different experience.

The backwaters of the dam site are a haven for migratory birds. This includes brown-headed gulls, Mallard, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Bar-headed geese and greater flamingos. The reservoir of the dam is home to more than 200 species of birds. The dam has been listed among the important bird areas in India.

Boating

You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride in Tungabhadra reservoir. During this boat ride, you can soak in the serene surroundings. You will appreciate the sheer scale of the dam.

Watch Musical Fountain

It will be a great experience to see water dancing to the music. This is what you can see at the dam. The musical fountain starts at 7 pm every day. You will see water splashing in different colours. It will be satisfying to watch the fountain when it becomes completely dark.

Watch Sunset

When you are on the top of the dam during sunset, you should not miss out on watching the magical sunset. It is an experience that you should not miss out on during your visit to the dam. You will see the sky painted in a combination of pink and orange colours. You can see these colours reflecting on the calm waters of the reservoir. It will be a picture-perfect moment to watch.

These are a few wonderful things you can do. If time permits, during this trip, you can get to Hampi as well. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is located just around 15 km away from TB Dam. It is popular for its stunning landscapes and ruins of ancient temples. A visit to Hampi will be the best addition to your Tungabhadra Dam trip.

Best Time and Season To Visit

You can visit the Tungabhadra Dam at any time of the year. However, for the best experience, you can plan your visit between October and February months. This is the winter season so the weather will be pleasant for you to explore the entire dam site. Also, during this time, the reservoir will be full of water after the monsoon rains. So, the landscapes around will be vibrant and lush during this season.

The season to avoid is the peak summer season between April and June. The reason is that during this season, the high temperatures can make it hard for you to explore the dam.

You can choose the monsoon season. However, during this season, some activities like boat rides may not be possible. Also, when you visit during the monsoon, you will have to carry umbrellas and raincoats that can be additional baggage.

Make sure to plan your visit to the dam in such a way that you do not miss out on the evening light and sound show. The show is conducted between 7.15 and 8.30 pm. Mainly to watch the show, some people recommend that visiting the dam site during the evening is a good idea. Also, when you visit during the evening, you can get a stunning view of the sunset from the top of the dam.

Some also recommend visiting early in the morning. When you go to the top of the dam early in the morning, you can get spectacular sunrise views.

Duration to See

You can comfortably complete your visit to the dam site within 3-4 hours. Nevertheless, if you have plans to explore the nearby attractions like Hampi, you will need an entire day. You can also spend a whole weekend so that you will have a lot of time to explore the nearby attractions and the dam site completely.

Best Restaurants & Cafes Around Tungabhadra Dam

You can hardly find any food outlets inside the dam site. So, it is better to carry some refreshments with you. Also, here are the names of a few restaurants located not more than 5 km away from the dam site:

• Shanbhag Hotel
• Kamdhenu Sweet Land
• Richmond Café
• Polar Bear
• Bellari Biriyani Paradise
• Suki Chats
• Food Mood
• Ibaco
• Eastern Barbeque
• Geeta Darshini
• Italian Café
• Aromas
• WiFi Café

Entry Fee & Ticket Prices

The entry fee to the dam site is Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for kids.

Bus Price

From the dam site’s entrance, you can walk to the top of the dam. When you do this, you can see the dam site’s garden, park, reservoir and other attractions. Otherwise, you can rely on the available bus service. The bus will take you to the top of the dam site, where you can get panoramic views. The bus ride will cost you Rs.10 for children and Rs.20 for adults. The bus ride takes around 10 minutes and the distance is 3.5 km.

When you visit the Tungabhadra Dam on weekends, you must wait in long queues for the bus trip.

Extra charges will be applicable for videography and photography. Also, you will have to bear additional charges for boating.

FAQ

1. Is It Safe to Take Kids to Tungabhadra Dam?

Yes, Tungabhadra Dam is a family-friendly site. It has a park in which your kids can play. However, make sure that you have a close eye on your kids when visiting water bodies and the dam area.

2. Is Visiting The Dam During Monsoon a Good Idea?

Yes, monsoon improves the dam’s beauty to a new level. Nevertheless, heavy rains can make the paths slippery. So, you will get only restricted access. Also, the boat trips might be cancelled during heavy rains.

3. Are There Places to Stay Near Tungabhadra Dam?

Yes, you can stay in Hospet. The city offers different accommodation options from budget hotels to luxurious accommodations. When you choose to stay in Hampi, you can find guest houses and boutique stays.

4. Is It Feasible to Walk from the Entrance of the Dam site?

Yes, even though the distance from the entrance to the top of the dam is around 3.5 km, you can walk. The reason is that you will pass through pleasant gardens and playgrounds. You can take a rest for a few minutes in these places before continuing your walk.

5. Are There Photography Opportunities Inside the Dam?

Yes, you can find plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photos of the dam site. As mentioned earlier, you can find gardens inside the dam site with plenty of flowering plants. Also, you can capture panoramic views of the nearby areas once you reach the top of the dam.

6. Are Guided Tours Available in Tungabhadra Dam?

Yes, you can enquire about the same at the ticket counter. At the counter, you will book tickets to guided tours. Through guided tours, you can gain comprehensive knowledge about the dam and its history. Also, the guide will talk about the nearby attractions as well.

Conclusion

Apart from being an engineering marvel, Tungabhadra Dam is also a vibrant tourist destination. Right from serene beauty to rich history and beautiful surroundings. It brings you an experience that every traveller will enjoy. The dam site ensures a satisfying and unforgettable experience. to your entire group. Make sure to choose the ideal season to visit this site. You can capture a lot of memories not only in your mind but also in your smartphone or camera. Buckle up for a wonderful experience!

Read my other posts on Karnataka:

One Stop Guide To Bandipur National Park

All You Need To Know About Planning Trip To Jog Falls

Why You Need to Plan a Day Outing to Jollywood Bangalore Soon?

5 Best Beaches Near Bangalore for The Utmost Fun And Entertainment

Best Cafes in Bangalore – A Tour of the City’s Coffee Culture