Name: Hassan
Rating: 3.4

Gorur Dam, Hassan Overview

The Gorur Dam, which is also known as the Hemavathi Dam, is a beautiful and striking picnic spot that attracts tourists from all across the country. The dam is built across the river Hemavathi, which is a tributary of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by lush greenery on its side, which adds to the beauty of the dam and further appeals to its visitors. Not only is this dam well known for its scenic beauty, but it also attracts bird watchers as it has a wide range of birds that it is home to.

Built in the year 1979, the dam is located near the city of Hassan in the state of Karnataka, and serves other multiple purposes as well, such as providing water for irrigation, drinking and other household purposes. The Gorur Dam covers a total catchment area of 2,810 square kilometres. With a length of 4,692 meters and a height of 58.5 meters, the reservoir has six large radial spillway gates in all.

The Gorur Dam is a complete package that one can visit on the weekend, or on a short vacation. The views that the place offers are breathtaking, the surroundings are spotless and well maintained, and the lush green park serves as the perfect resting spot for visitors. Furthermore, if one is lucky enough, he can also get a chance to sight various birds that visit the reservoir regularly. The temples of Paravasudeva and Yoganarasimha are also located near the dam and are famous tourist attractions in the area, that can be visited in combination with the dam.

Things To Do at Gorur Dam

The Gorur Dam is breathtakingly beautiful and never fails to captivate its visitors with its pleasant views. Bird watchers can also witness a myriad of different birds in the area and enjoy themselves. Besides, the dam also has a well-maintained lawn near it, where picnic-goers can sit back and relax. One can also visit the temples of Paravasudeva and Yoganarasimha that are located near the dam.

Legend of Gorur Dam

According to legends, Lord Vishnu blessed the River Kaveri and stated that she would be mightier even than River Ganga since he blessed the former to be the garland that he adorns. The Gorur Dam is named after Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar, who was a renowned Kannada writer born at Goruru. He was a great freedom fighter involved in India's struggle for independence, and the name of the dam honours him.

About Gorur Dam

The Gorur Dam is built across the Hemavathi River, which is a tributary of the Kaveri River. This tributary is the main river that flows through the Hassan district and is also the primary source of water supply to households in the area. The river originates from the Western Ghats and then travels for hundreds and hundreds of kilometres before finally joining the Kaveri River near Krishnarajasagara. A dam was built in 1979 in Gorur, with the objective of supplying water to the domestic households, as well as helping the government in its various irrigation programmes.

Best Time To Visit Gorur Dam

It cannot be argued that the best time to visit the Gorur Dam is in the monsoon season when tourists can view the water gushing mightily out through the spillway gates, and enjoy the beautiful views.

Tips For Visiting Gorur Dam

1. Vehicles are not allowed inside, and you will have to walk for around 1.5 kilometres to reach the dam. Therefore, make sure that you are wearing comfortable footwear.
2. Make sure that you carry food and water along since there are no shops around the dam area.
3. Permission has to be obtained from the officials to climb the 70 stairs to the top of Gorur Dam.

How To Reach Gorur Dam

The Gorur Dam is located 22 kilometres away from Hassan and can be reached by taking any means of public transport from there. KSRTC buses run regularly between Gorur and Hassan and are an excellent option to avail. One can also avail the train service till the Hassan Railway Station, and then rent a car to reach the Gorur Dam.