Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is an unplanned detour. After visiting the Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple, I noticed a signboard pointing to nearby attractions. Most of the places listed were already familiar to me, but one name caught my attention—Bethamangala Dam.
It wasn’t part of my original plan, but since I had enough time before heading back to Bengaluru, I decided to explore this new destination. 😊
🏛️ About Bethamangala Dam
Located in the Kolar district of Karnataka, Bethamangala Dam was built across the Palar River during the British era in the early 1900s. It was originally constructed to supply water to the famous Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and nearby villages. Today, it serves as a peaceful getaway, especially during the monsoon when the reservoir is full.
🏍️ My Experience
Even though this year’s monsoon had been disappointing, I thought I’d try my luck. The dam is located about 20 km from Avani, and the ride through the beautiful countryside took around 40 minutes. The quiet village roads and green landscapes made the journey enjoyable. 🌾
As expected, the reservoir was quite dry due to the lack of rainfall. I spent a few minutes taking in the surroundings before starting my ride back to Bengaluru. Although the destination wasn’t at its best, the ride itself made the detour worthwhile.
The return journey was smooth and surprisingly quick. After covering around 250 km on my motorcycle and completing a short trek at Avani Betta earlier that morning, I was back home by 11:30 AM. It was a perfect half-day adventure packed with riding, trekking, history, and a little bit of exploration. 🏍️🌄
📍 Travel Information
- 📍 Location: Bethamangala, Kolar District, Karnataka
- 🛣️ Distance from Bengaluru: Around 110 km
- ⏰ Timings: Open throughout the day
- 🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
- 🌤️ Best Time to Visit: July to October, when the reservoir is full after the monsoon
- 💡 Travel Tips:
- Visit after a good monsoon to see the dam at its best.
- Combine it with a trip to Avani Betta and Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple.
- Carry water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby.
Bethamangala Dam may not have been at its scenic best during my visit, but the spontaneous decision to explore it added a new experience to my journey. Sometimes, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the joy of the ride and discovering something new along the way.
If you’re planning a road trip around Kolar, consider adding Bethamangala Dam to your itinerary, especially after the monsoon. You might be rewarded with beautiful water views and a peaceful countryside escape. 🌊✨