Saturday Suttings(Translation: Saturday Wanderings) is our attempt to get away from the monotony of daily life in search of some fresh air. A Saturday Sutting is all about day trips from Bangalore. Here is the latest one of the series.
Popularly know as Mari Kanive, this project was initiated by Sir Mark Cubbon and improvements were completed in 1897 by Diwan Seshadri Iyer. One look at the structure and you can tell that some things are built to last.
Not a very well know tourist destination, this dam does offer some peace and quiet, unless you are unlucky enough to have to follow a busload of locals headed to the temple & dam. You can drive right up to the top of the dam – just look out for the road that leads up to the dam gates, which snakes up to the top of the dam.
2.5 hrs and 170 odd kms from Taj Vivanta Signal at Yeshwantpur, Bangalore, the Mari Kanive is a beautiful sight to behold during twilight. The setting sun light ups the old and weather stone structure and the golden hues reflect off the almost flat water surface.
Route:
Route taken: Tumkur – Sira – Hiriyur – Vanivilaspura – Mari Kanive Dam
Gmaps – https://goo.gl/maps/8fyQ946tRo22
Apart from the usual hustle in the Nelamangala – Tumkur stretch, the rest of the route is bliss. Even after getting off the AH after crossing Hiriyur, the roads are very good 2L with a lot of scenic spots to stop for a quick photoshoot.
Preferred Pit Stops
Best Time to Visit
Anytime when there is not a lot of cloud cover. Sunset is probably the best time to be here.
Other Places of Interest en-route
- Chitraduraga Fort, Chitradurga
- Shivagange
Man, Machine & Wanderlust 