The Linganamakki Dam stretches over the River Sharavathi and it is located in the Sagar Taluk of Shimoga district. This dam is considered to be one of the largest human made reservoirs of the country. The length of this dam is approximately 2.4 km but the width of this dam and its water storing capacity is quite a lot as compared to any other dam. This dam was made in 1964 by the Karnataka State Government. The purpose behind building this dam was to help with providing irrigation facilities in that area and also help with supplying fresh drinking water. There is also a hydro electricity plant that has been set up next to this dam. The view that one gets to see from this dam is quite amazing. One gets to see beautiful forested islands and also hills. These islands have plenty of biodiversity and in order to reach them one has to go kayaking from one island to another.One also gets to various types of birds and also crocodiles here. In the backwaters of this dam one can indulge in many water sports such as boating, kayaking,etc. There is also a park for children here where they too can enjoy themselves. In the Tamil action movie Lingaa there were a few scenes that were shot here.
Transportation & Best time to visit Linganamakki Dam, Shimoga
The Mangalore Airport is close to this place. From the airport one can take a bus or a taxi to reach the dam. There are many buses that one can take to reach this dam. If not by bus one can also travel by a taxi to reach here. It is also possible to drive down to this place in one's own private vehicle. There are also auto rickshaws available that one can take to reach this dam. The Mookambika Railway Station is close to this dam. From the railway station one can take either a bus or a taxi to reach this place. The monsoon season is considered to be the best time to visit the dam.
Accommodation & Food near Linganamakki Dam, Shimoga
Near the dam one can find many places to stay. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Mandaara Comforts, Sri Ranga Homestay, Gundi Mane, Ibbani Homestay, Aloka Homestay, etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are Hotel Brigade, Classic Family Restaurant, Ashirwad Restaurant, Hotel New Pravasi, Hotel Bhoomika, etc.
Places to visit near Linganamakki Dam, Shimoga
Honnemaradu: Is a small and beautiful town that is blessed with abundant greenery. This town is located close to the backwaters of the Sharavathi River and is also considered to be the home for a variety of water sports. One can indulge in a variety of water sports here such as windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, coracling,boatings, etc. It is also possible to go hiking here. In this town there is also a lake which is called Honnemaradu that means A Golden Lake. At this lake one can enjoy and view a beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Unkal Lake: This place is a famous picnic spot. It is believed that this lake is almost over 100 years old. Around this lake one finds a garden where children can enjoy themselves. One can also enjoy watching a good sunset here. The statue of Swami Vivekananda is located right in the middle of this lake. In order to go and see this statue one has to go boating to reach there. This place also happens to be the Karma Bhoomi of Saint Shri Siddapajja. In his memory there is an annual fair that is held here every year.
Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden: This garden is named after the late Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi. The garden is extremely beautiful with green lawns and also lovely sculptures. The flowers also are very pretty to look at. There is also a toy train and a musical fountain show here which one can get to see on weekends and also Government holidays. The Indira Glass House is located right at the centre of this garden. This entire place is made of glass. In this glass house one finds many shrubs,flowers and plants which are known for their medicinal importance. Many musical concerts and exhibitions are held here. There was also a laughing club here which began in the year 2000. Many people come to this club to laugh out all their stress.
Siddharoodha Mutt: This place is a Hindu Holy centre. It was built in 1929. The reason behind building this mutt here was that it is believed that Siddharoodha took Samadhi here and to honor him this mutt was built. For the devotees of this saint this place is very special as Siddharoodha had always served people without discriminating against anyone. It is also believed that he had a Muslim disciple whose name was Kabirdas. One also finds the Samadhi of Gurunatharudha besides the Samadhi of Siddharoodha. All the devotees of Siddharoodha gather together to celebrate Maha Shivratri on a grand scale.
Chandramouleshwara Temple: Is another popular place to visit. It is located on the banks of the Unkal Lake beside the Nrupatunga Hills. The temple is almost 900 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Chalukyas were the ones who built this temple approximately in the 11th and 12th century. There are many popular tales associated with this temple. It is believed that the temple was built overnight by an unknown group of artisans and sculptors and since this temple was made overnight it is not fully complete. For instance this temple does not have a Gopura. The temple is built in black granite stone. There are many beautiful sculptures and carvings here which many people come to see. An interesting thing that one should definitely see here is the dancing Lord Ganesha and also the Jaladhara images on the walls of the temple.
