Karnataka plans mega tourism hub at Manchanabele Dam

The Karnataka government has unveiled a grand plan to transform Manchanabele Dam, located about 40 km from Bengaluru in Ramanagara district, into a mega tourism destination. The Rs 145-crore project, developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will span 72.3 acres and include an eco-resort, business hotel, adventure activities, and a statue of Bengaluru's founder, Kempegowda.

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The initiative is led by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) under the water resources department, helmed by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Renamed Bengaluru South, the dam's development is divided into three zones—arrival, adventure, and leisure.

The arrival zone will feature a ticketing plaza, toy train station, and smart parking. The eco-tourism zone will house a 55-room hotel, cottages, spa, banquet halls, and restaurants overlooking the reservoir. Adventure seekers can enjoy go-karting, dirt biking, rock climbing, and a cultural village in the adventure zone. The leisure zone will offer landscaped gardens, a children's play area, a rose garden, and a viewing deck featuring the Kempegowda statue.

Plans also include houseboats, water sports, and a ropeway showcasing the Arkavathi Valley. The project will operate under a 30-year concession period on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model. Officials expect the project to boost tourism in Bengaluru and Ramanagara significantly.