As the title suggests, the place I am going to describe in my first blog has been my punching bag. This place has been my go to place for all moods and all seasons. I have lost count of the number of times I have visited this place. I am talking about Manchanabele dam. I first visited the dam built over River Arkavathy in 2008. The sight of the dam as you descend from the curvy roads of Magadi has always been magical. You get a majestic view of the reservoir as seen below.
The first few times I went here, we were allowed to go till the water-body and also play in the water. Manchanabele is very dangerous due to the strong whirlpools present. Infact, on the day "God" became the first man on earth to score a double century ( 24th Feb,2010), two of my friends escaped from near death here and came back to life. Hence nobody is allowed to play in the water here now.
Opposite the reservoir, is a small hillock. One can trek the hillock and have the best seat for viewing the beauty. Below is one such view of the dam.
A typical trip to Manchanabele can include a visit to "Dodda Aalada Mara' ( Big Banyan Tree) or a trek to "Saavandurga". Manchanabele is around 35 kms from Bangalore and can be reached within 1.5hrs from Banashankari Bus stand. There are some BMTC buses that fly past this place. The best time to visit the dam is either early in the morning or late in the evening. I personally prefer the sunset here. Below is one such snap of the dusk at Manchanabele.
With my umpteen visits here, this water source to Magadi town has never been dry at any time of the year. The reason why I chose to write about this place in my first blog is because this place has been very special to me. It sort of ignited the wanderlust in me in 2008. Each time I felt bored staying at home, I had a place to go. Infact, I chose this place for a first long drive with my then fiancee ( wife now). When I was down and needed some push, I came here. When I wanted to celebrate, I again came here. Hence, Manchanabele has been my punching bag.
Over the years, with an increase in the number of visitors, the place still has the old charm. I hope that the place remains the same and continues to be my mood changer for eternity.
The first few times I went here, we were allowed to go till the water-body and also play in the water. Manchanabele is very dangerous due to the strong whirlpools present. Infact, on the day "God" became the first man on earth to score a double century ( 24th Feb,2010), two of my friends escaped from near death here and came back to life. Hence nobody is allowed to play in the water here now.
Opposite the reservoir, is a small hillock. One can trek the hillock and have the best seat for viewing the beauty. Below is one such view of the dam.
A typical trip to Manchanabele can include a visit to "Dodda Aalada Mara' ( Big Banyan Tree) or a trek to "Saavandurga". Manchanabele is around 35 kms from Bangalore and can be reached within 1.5hrs from Banashankari Bus stand. There are some BMTC buses that fly past this place. The best time to visit the dam is either early in the morning or late in the evening. I personally prefer the sunset here. Below is one such snap of the dusk at Manchanabele.
With my umpteen visits here, this water source to Magadi town has never been dry at any time of the year. The reason why I chose to write about this place in my first blog is because this place has been very special to me. It sort of ignited the wanderlust in me in 2008. Each time I felt bored staying at home, I had a place to go. Infact, I chose this place for a first long drive with my then fiancee ( wife now). When I was down and needed some push, I came here. When I wanted to celebrate, I again came here. Hence, Manchanabele has been my punching bag.
Over the years, with an increase in the number of visitors, the place still has the old charm. I hope that the place remains the same and continues to be my mood changer for eternity.
