Manchanabele Reservoir

Manchanabele Reservoir is an artificial reservoir formed by the Manchanabele Dam across the Arkavathy River near Manchanabele village in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, about 40 km west of Bengaluru. Created for irrigation and drinking water supply, it is set amid scrub hills and open countryside. The calm backwaters, earthen dam and surrounding landscape make it a popular day-trip destination for sightseeing, photography and nature-based recreation near Bengaluru.

Visitors can expect a large, calm reservoir with open water, an earthen dam wall and surrounding scrub-covered hills and agricultural fields. The area offers wide views of the backwaters, shoreline trails and rocky banks suitable for sightseeing, photography and picnicking. Kayaking and birdwatching are commonly available through local operators near the water. There are no major built structures for tourists; the setting is natural and semi-rural with limited facilities.

Manchanabele Dam was constructed across the Arkavathy River to create a reservoir for irrigation and to augment drinking water supply for Bengaluru and villages in Ramanagara district. The earthen dam impounds Arkavathy waters, supporting agriculture and water security in the region.