Away from the tiring hustle- bustle of the city about 90 kms from Bangalore, built across the River Simsha is the very old Marconahalli Dam. The picturesque and tranquil ambience is a perfect getaway to rejuvenate. It’s hard to believe there’s such a relaxing place so close to Bangalore but yet unknown to many in urban Bengaluru fortunately.
Simsha River, a tributary of River Cauvery takes its birth at the Devarayanadurga hills in Tumkur District and flows towards the Southern District of Mandya. Marconahalli dam is built across the Simsha in Kunigal Taluk of Tumkur District. It is at the confluence of Hemavathi, another Tributary of Cauvery and Simsha Rivers. The dam is said to be a unique water resource management project as the reservoir has automatic siphon systems which help spill excess water through the sluice gates and is considered to be a very efficient automatic flood control system that requires no manual operations. The waters of the reservoir supply water to the agricultural and farming areas around Kunigal, Mandya, Maddur etc. This reservoir has been the life-saving water source for irrigating nearly 6,000 hectares of land spread over villages around Kunigal according to local villagers. The dam was built in 1930 during the reign of Mysore Maharaja Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and its unique automatic siphon system was designed by Sir M Vishveshwaraiah. The dam has also prevented the submergence of the well Known Yediyur Siddalingeshwara Temple during the monsoons according to the local people.
A fairly well maintained park with a few trees leads to the flight of steps to reach the top of the dam. On reaching the top the view of the vast expanse of water with some greenery around is breath taking and the cool breeze very rewarding. Muniyappa who has been in charge of the dam for nearly 28 years now, explains with great zeal about the history of the dam and the details of the siphon system as he shows one the minute details of the siphon wells and the gates. Understanding how the siphon system works can be a great learning experience to kids. The motor that operates the sliding gates is also about 70 years old and Muniyappa feels proud that it has never gone for repair even once. The entire structure has been built with sandstone and the display boards give all details of the dam.
The road beyond the dam leads to a village called Nagamangala and as it curves past the reservoir, the waters are surrounded by coconut and Banana plantations and small patches of bamboo. It is easy to find a shady patch along the banks of the river water and settle down. The still waters are a haven for water birds. Pond Herons, Common Egrets, Large Cormorants, white breasted Kingfishers, Common coots, Purple Moorhens, Darters drying their wings are found in good numbers. In addition Drongos, Brahmini Kites, Pied Wagtails, Magpie Robins, Flycatchers, Flower Peckers and many more can be spotted. According to the locals a variety of fishes are found in the waters and provides a good livelihood to fisher folk.
The fronds of the coconut trees provide the perfect shade for an afternoon packed lunch and a nap. Conversations with local people are helpful in understanding the farming issues and the importance of lakes for irrigation. Almost all the locals will mention the big lake built by the late visionary Magadi Kempegowda and how Kunigal is dependent on the lake for its water needs.
The route to this place from Bengaluru is the NH4 to Nelamangala and at Nelamanagala one has to take a left turn on to the Mangalore highway towards Kunigal. Kunigal is about 44 Kms from Nelamanagala. A few kms past Kunigal on the same highway enroute to Yediyur on the left side is a sign board indicating the road to the Marconahalli Dam. There are lots of other places nearby such as the Huliyur Durga State forest, the Deepambudhi Lake, Kunigal Lake and the Stud farm at Kunigal if one has the time. It is best to carry lots of water and food as there are no good restaurants nearby.
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