Hemavathi Dam, Sakleshpur - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 27 km from Hassan and 63 km from Sakleshpur, Hemavathi Dam is an earthen dam situated at Gorur in Hassan district of Karnataka. Also known as Gorur Dam, it is one of the popular picnic spots in Hassan and among the prime places to visit in Sakleshpura.

The dam is built across the river Hemavathi, an important tributary of River Kaveri. Built in 1979, the reservoir has been providing water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes to the nearby villages. The dam is 58 meters in height, and 4692 meters long, impounding a reservoir of 8502 hectares. The reservoir has 6 large radial spillway gates.

Hemavathi Dam offers a beautiful view to the visitors. The sight is more attractive when the gates of the reservoir are open and the water gushes down in a lovely manner. There is a garden covered in green grass right next to the dam which enhances the beauty of the location. The garden is often used by the locales as a picnic spot. An early morning visit to the dam offers a wonderful sight of various water birds coming to the reservoir.

The temples of Paravasudeva and Yoganarasimha are located near the dam and are popular tourist attractions of the area. One can also visit Shettihalli Church which was built around 450 years ago. The church was constructed by French Missionaries in the 1860s, and has a mighty and magnificent structure in the Gothic Architecture. The uniqueness of the church lies in the fact that the church remains submerged in the backwaters of the Hemavathi River at all times of the year except summer. During the summer season the water recedes and visitors can pay a visit to the church.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM