Here's wishing you a very happy 2012!
Now, back to the subject. To reach Vani Vilasa Sagara from
Bangalore, you must take a left turn at Hiriyur, which lies on the NH4 after
Tumkur and Sira. The roads are extremely good, and even the road from Hiriyur
to the dam was in a far better shape than I’d imagined it would be. The
landscape is mostly flat, dotted with numerous lakes and monolithic boulders such
as Siddara Betta and Shivagange. But almost out of nowhere, the landscape changes about 10km from Marikanive with lush green hills and tree-lined roads.
There is a Maramma temple at the edge of the reservoir, and one look at the mammoth wall is enough to inspire awe at Man's engineering ability. The dam, that is built across the Vedavathi river that originates in the Western Ghats, was built in 1898. This dam is one of the main sources of water for the entire district.
The location of the dam is strategic, nestled between two hills, and there are two mantapas on either hills, adding to the beauty of the place. There is a Government Guest House atop one of the hills, and this isn't just an excellent vantage point but an ideal place to be one with your thoughts, and leave all behind, albeit momentarily. I spent many precious minutes with the clear blue sky, the clear blue waters and the hills that stretched to the horizon.
The serene blue waters of Marikanive are a delight to the eyes!
Lost in my thoughts, I was reminded of the grind thanks to a call from a colleague, and we soon headed back home. There're famous temples and a fort in Hosadurga, which is about 35km from the dam, but we didn't bother taking that detour. There are quite a few temples on the way back along NH4, but we didn't stop there either. So by 7pm, I was back home, all set to kick off another work week after the very refreshing little trip!
Route taken: Yeshwantpur -> Tumkur -> Sira -> Hiriyur -> Vanivilasapura. Route link
Bonus - Desktop Calendar for Jan 2012. May the New Year be all that you want it to be!
From obscure Hoysala temples to large monoliths, from
quaint blackbuck reserves to the Merlion, from Madhugiri to Malaysia, the last two
months have been the best travel-wise, and have seen me and my humble Santro go
places all over the state! This trip, however, was done alongwith my cousins in
their i10 (which I must say, is a pleasure to drive!). The destination this
time, was the oldest dam of Karnataka - Marikanive Dam or Vani Vilasa Sagara,
near Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district.
As a kid I remember visiting Chitradurga and its massive
fort, and ever since, the image that comes to mind when I hear any reference to
the Chitradurga district is a wild, wild west-type barren land with the Sun
burning down on you. But this trip shattered that myth for me.
We started early in the day at around 6 as we knew the
traffic would build up on the NH4 Bangalore-Tumkur Road, and sure enough it
did. But after gobbling up delicious idlis at the Kamadhenu Hotel near
Dobbaspet, all the traffic woes were gone and we were set. The NH4 is part of
the Golden Quadrilateral, and so the road is an absolute pleasure to drive. The
only caveat is that since the road is one of India’s and Karnataka’s most
important roads, there is a LOT (believe me!) of traffic all along the highway.
Accidents are alarmingly common here, and a lot of caution is advised while
driving.
There is a Maramma temple at the edge of the reservoir, and one look at the mammoth wall is enough to inspire awe at Man's engineering ability. The dam, that is built across the Vedavathi river that originates in the Western Ghats, was built in 1898. This dam is one of the main sources of water for the entire district.
The wall of the dam. Comparable to the hill beside it!
The location of the dam is strategic, nestled between two hills, and there are two mantapas on either hills, adding to the beauty of the place. There is a Government Guest House atop one of the hills, and this isn't just an excellent vantage point but an ideal place to be one with your thoughts, and leave all behind, albeit momentarily. I spent many precious minutes with the clear blue sky, the clear blue waters and the hills that stretched to the horizon.
The serene blue waters of Marikanive are a delight to the eyes!
Just looking around for some food...
Blue at its best!
Bird's eye view of the dam from atop the hill
Lost in my thoughts, I was reminded of the grind thanks to a call from a colleague, and we soon headed back home. There're famous temples and a fort in Hosadurga, which is about 35km from the dam, but we didn't bother taking that detour. There are quite a few temples on the way back along NH4, but we didn't stop there either. So by 7pm, I was back home, all set to kick off another work week after the very refreshing little trip!
Route taken: Yeshwantpur -> Tumkur -> Sira -> Hiriyur -> Vanivilasapura. Route link
Bonus - Desktop Calendar for Jan 2012. May the New Year be all that you want it to be!
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