The park acts as a sanctuary for a significant herd of spotted deer that roam within fenced enclosures.
It is strategically located at the foot of the Tungabhadra Dam, which is one of the largest multi-purpose dams in South India.
The gardens are designed in a cascading, tiered layout that mimics the slope leading down to the Tungabhadra River.
The zoo section was established as part of the regional conservation efforts for local wildlife species found in the Tungabhadra river basin.
Water used for the expansive gardens is diverted directly from the high-level canal of the Tungabhadra Dam project.
T B Dam Zoo and Park, officially known as the Deer Park, is situated adjacent to the Tungabhadra Dam in Hosapete, Karnataka. The facility features a contained zoo area that primarily houses spotted deer, blackbucks, and various local bird species. The park serves as a landscaped green zone within the larger Tungabhadra Board irrigation complex. Visitors can explore a series of terraced gardens known as the TB Board Gardens that overlook the dam's reservoir spillway. The site is a popular destination for families visiting the nearby Hampi UNESCO World Heritage site. Vegetation consists largely of manicured lawns, ornamental flowering plants, and shaded walkways.
The raised vantage points along the terraced garden paths that offer a clear backdrop of the dam's massive spillway.
Carry your own water and snacks as food options inside the park are limited.
Use high-powered binoculars for better viewing of wildlife inside the deeper enclosures.
Coordinate your park visit with the musical fountain schedule at the nearby dam viewpoint.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of midday, as there is limited shade in the open lawn areas.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance; often experiences reduced access during heavy monsoon overflow periods.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures to avoid disturbing the deer; do not feed the animals.