The dam is often referred to as the Lakkavalli Dam due to its proximity to the village of Lakkavalli.
It is built as a masonry gravity dam with a height of 59.13 meters above the deepest foundation.
The project was inaugurated as part of the massive irrigation infrastructure push in post-independence India.
The reservoir area is known for birdwatching, as it attracts migratory birds during the post-monsoon period.
The dam's spillway is equipped with multiple crest gates to manage monsoon floodwaters.
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, which borders the reservoir, is a project tiger reserve.
Bhadra Dam is a gravity dam constructed across the Bhadra River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The reservoir, known as the Lakkavalli Reservoir, serves a vital role in regional irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1965, the structure spans a significant length to create a large water body surrounded by the lush Western Ghats. The dam features an integrated irrigation network that supports paddy and sugarcane farming in the surrounding plains. It is situated within the vicinity of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, creating a habitat for diverse avian and aquatic species. The dam's primary purpose remains water management and the generation of 39.2 MW of electricity. The reservoir capacity is approximately 71.5 thousand million cubic feet (TMC). It is a key water source for the surrounding districts, sustaining both industrial and agricultural needs.
The main road bridge offering a panoramic view of the reservoir water and the dam wall.
Bring binoculars as the elevated views of the water body and surrounding forest are excellent for birdwatching.
Check local weather reports before traveling, as heavy rains during the monsoon can limit access to viewing areas.
Carry identification documents, as security personnel at the entry gates may require them for verification.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir or enter restricted zones marked by the irrigation department security.
Maintain silence and do not litter, as the dam is a sensitive industrial and ecological zone.
