The Votehole Dam is constructed across the river Votehole flowing through the Kaveri basin in Southern India. The dam is situated in Lakkenahally village near the city of Hassan, Karnataka. The dam is used primarily for the purpose of irrigation of the surrounding areas.
The construction of the Votehole dam was completed in the year 1984. The catchment area of the dam is spread over 11 TH ha. The dam has a length of 900 meters. The maximum height of the dam is 44.48 meters above the foundation. The full reservoir level (FRL) of the dam extends to a height of 966 meters. The dam has 3 radial spillway gates each having a size of 9.14 x 4.57 sq. m.
| QUICK FACTS | |
|---|---|
| Built on | River Votehole |
| Type | Earthen + Gravity Dam |
| Length | 900 meters |
| Height | 44.48 meters above its deepest foundation |
| Full Reservoir Level (FRL) | 966 meters |
| Maximum Water Level | 966.05 meters |
| Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) | 954.78 meters |
| Gross storage capacity | 42.758 mcm |
| Live storage capacity | 38.68 mcm |
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Design Flood | 577.346 cumec |
| Number of Spillway gates | 3 |
| Type of Spillway gates | Radial |
| Projects | Irrigation Project |
Votehole Dam: A beautiful sight
The Votehole dam is situated in the scenic locales of the Cauvery basin in the Hassan district. The area surrounding the dam is ideal for sightseeing. People often visit the dam to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Votehole Dam: Nearby tourist attractions
Visitors can explore several places of tourist interest in the nearby areas of the dam. Some of the popular tourist attractions of the Hassan area are:
District Museum: The District Museum of Hassan attracts tourists due to its large collection of antiquities of archaeological importance. Established in 1977, the museum also has a huge collection of sculptures, weapons, paintings and coins.
Hassanamba Temple: The Hassanamba temple is an ancient structure of around 800 years old. The famous temple is dedicated to Goddess Amba or Shakti.
Shettihalli Church: The ancient Shettihalli Church was built around 450 years ago. The church depicting Gothic architecture remains submerged by the backwaters of Hemavathy river. But the water recedes during summer and tourists can visit it during that time.
Siddeshvara Temple: The Siddeshvara Temple is a popular place of worship of the Hindus. The temple is well-known for its intricate carvings done in the Hoysala architectural style.
Bisle Ghat or Bisle Reserve Forest: The reserve forest of Bisle Ghat is a famous tourist destination. The place is known for its amazing natural beauty.
Halebidu Temple: The ruins of the ancient Halebidu temple continue to attract large number of tourists every day. The historic site is famous for its rich sculptural details.
How to reach Votehole Dam
Votehole dam can be easily reached from other parts of the state and the country via Hassan. To reach Hassan tourists can take a flight from either the Bangalore airport or the Mangalore airport.
For those preferring to travel by train the place is easily accessible by the rail network as there is a railway station in Hassan. The station is connected to several major junctions such as Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, etc. Express trains regularly ply between Hassan and other major stations of the state.
The road connectivity of Hassan is very good. The place can be reached by private taxis and buses from Bangalore. State-run buses ply at regular intervals from Bangalore and Mangalore for Hassan. The place also has bus services that connect it to the nearby big and small cities and towns.
Resorts and hotels near Votehole Dam
Hassan is a good place to stay and explore the beauty of Votehole dam. Hassan is often referred to as the poor man’s Ooty and hence has more economy hotels than luxurious ones. Hassan is known to have several hotels that provide simple and comfortable accommodation in convenient localities like near the bus stand. There are a few luxury resorts that provide all the services and amenities expected in a lavish resort.
Contact address and phone numbers of a few resorts and hotels of the area are listed below:
Nirvana Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd
Unit Hoysala Village Resort
Survey No. 357, Handinkere Village
JH Kere PO, Belur Road
Hassan – 573217
Karnataka, India
Website: http://hoysalavillageresorts.com
Stay Simple Riverdale Resort
Holenarasipura Taluka,
Hassan District, Karnataka, India
Phone: +91 9342999685 / 9686221155 / 080 41158187
Email: bookings@staysimple.in
Website: http://staysimple.in/riverdale-hassan
The Rappa
Arali Marada Koppalu
Sidapura,Alur Taluk
Hassan District
Karnataka, India
Phone: +91 9902066127
Email: vijay@therappa.com
Website: http://www.therappa.com
Also see,
- Hemavathy Dam, Gorur
- About Dams in Karnataka
- About Hassan
- Rivers in Karnataka
- Water falls in Karnataka