Chiklihole Reservoir
A serene reservoir in Coorg, Karnataka, featuring a unique circular dam and lush green surroundings, perfect for peaceful escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full reservoir, lush greenery
Chiklihole Reservoir
Best Time
Full reservoir, lush greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene reservoir in Coorg, Karnataka, featuring a unique circular dam and lush green surroundings, perfect for peaceful escapes.
"The circular overflow design during monsoon is a sight to behold, offering tranquility and natural beauty."
🚗 Forest Road Drive
Enjoy the scenic drive through the forest; rental scooties are a great option! :scooter:
📸 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the best views of the overflowing reservoir and vibrant greenery. :umbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Circular Overflow Design
Chiklihole Dam
Witness the unique circular dam design where water overflows the curved structure when full. A truly mesmerizing sight!
Lush Green Surroundings
Chiklihole Reservoir
Immerse yourself in the vibrant greenery surrounding the reservoir, especially stunning during the monsoon season.
Forest Approach Road
Road to Chiklihole Reservoir
Enjoy a scenic drive through a dense forest, with potential for spotting small waterfalls along the way.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Lush Views
Peaceful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Forest Road Drive
Enjoy the scenic drive through the forest; rental scooties are a great option! :scooter:
📸 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the best views of the overflowing reservoir and vibrant greenery. :umbrella:
🧺 Picnic Spot
Perfect for a peaceful picnic with family and friends. Pack your own snacks! :sandwich:
💰 No Entry Fees
Enjoy the natural beauty without any entry or parking fees. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Forest Road Drive
Enjoy the scenic drive through the forest; rental scooties are a great option! :scooter:
📸 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the best views of the overflowing reservoir and vibrant greenery. :umbrella:
🧺 Picnic Spot
Perfect for a peaceful picnic with family and friends. Pack your own snacks! :sandwich:
💰 No Entry Fees
Enjoy the natural beauty without any entry or parking fees. :moneywithwings:
☕ Local Snacks Available
Small outlets near the parking area offer juice, corn, and candies. :corn:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chiklihole Reservoir for its stunning natural beauty, especially during monsoon when the water overflows the unique circular dam. The peaceful atmosphere, lush greenery, and scenic forest approach road are frequently highlighted. While dining options are limited, the lack of entry fees and parking charges make it an accessible and enjoyable destination for picnics and photography.
"It’s located around 3.5 kms from the main road. Approach road is decent and need to cross the forest check post to enter the area. Parking space is there near the reservoir. Surprisingly there is no entry fee near this area nor is there any parking fees. There are small outlets near the entrance to the reservoir like juice shops, corn 🌽 shops & candies. The walking path to the reservoir with slope on either sides around 30ft. It was having decent crowd for a Friday afternoon. The view off the reservoir is good with lot of greenery around."
santosh kumar
"One of the Best Reservoir and Dam we visited. The oval shape reservoir is too good to watch and beautiful. Monsoon time, the water is full and overflowing magnificently. Weather adds fun to the taste, and good place for picnic to enjoy."
Vivek Khurana
"It is a beautiful reservoir. But, try to visit it during the moonsoon for the ultimate view. This place is beautiful and peaceful. Also, there are lots of local shops in the parking area where you can have snacks. But, there is no proper house or hotel near it. The road to the reservoir is beautiful."
sunita yadav
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chiklihole Reservoir is located between Madikeri and Kushalnagar in Coorg, Karnataka. The approach road is about 3.5 km from the main road and passes through a dense forest. Many visitors find it convenient to rent a scooty for the journey, enjoying small waterfalls along the way.
Yes, the road to the reservoir is generally good and accessible, especially during non-monsoon months. The drive through the forest is considered a highlight by many travelers.
Rental scooties are a popular choice for reaching Chiklihole Reservoir, offering a fun and flexible way to explore the area.
Yes, there is parking space available near the reservoir entrance.
Surprisingly, there are no parking fees at Chiklihole Reservoir, making it a budget-friendly destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Chiklihole Reservoir, making it an accessible natural attraction.
Chiklihole Reservoir is typically open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Yes, visiting during the monsoon is highly recommended as the reservoir is full and overflowing, offering a spectacular view.
While generally open, it's always good to check local conditions, especially during heavy monsoon. You'll need to cross a forest check post to enter the area.
It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, but weekdays and early mornings offer a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
The best time for photography is during the monsoon when the reservoir is full and the surrounding greenery is vibrant. Evenings before sunset also offer beautiful light.
The dam is known for its distinctive circular design and the way water overflows the curved structure when it's full. 
Expect lush green landscapes surrounding the tranquil waters of the reservoir, creating a serene and beautiful environment.
Yes, there are walking paths with slopes on either side offering good views of the reservoir and its surroundings.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or forest officials before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no proper houses or hotels directly near Chiklihole Reservoir. It's best to dine in Madikeri or Kushalnagar before or after your visit.
Small local outlets near the entrance offer snacks like juice, corn, and candies.
Yes, it's a great spot for a picnic. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the serene environment.
No, food stalls are typically located near the parking area, not within the main reservoir viewing sections.
You can find local snacks like roasted corn and refreshing juices from the small outlets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
🚗 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Chiklihole Dam
+1The dam was constructed in 1985 primarily for irrigation purposes, serving an area of approximately 865 hectares. Unlike dams with crest gates, Chiklihole relies on its natural overflow design. This architectural choice contributes to its serene and natural aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
This design also contributes to a more natural flow of water, which many visitors find peaceful and captivating. The way the water gracefully spills over the circular edge is a photographer's delight and a testament to thoughtful, albeit unconventional, engineering.
Experiencing Chiklihole Reservoir During Monsoon
Many travelers recommend visiting during this period for the 'ultimate view.' The weather during monsoon adds to the experience, making it an ideal time for picnics and enjoying the serene, tranquil atmosphere. The sound of the overflowing water and the fresh, rain-kissed air create a deeply immersive natural experience.
While the monsoon offers the most dramatic visuals, be prepared for potential rain. Waterproof gear is advisable. The approach road, though generally good, might be more challenging during heavy downpours, but the reward of seeing the reservoir in its full glory is well worth it.
+1The Serene Journey to Chiklihole
Travelers often highlight the presence of small waterfalls along the way, adding to the scenic appeal of the route. This makes it an ideal path for those who enjoy road trips and want to soak in the natural landscapes of Coorg. Renting a scooty is a popular and recommended way to navigate this path, allowing for stops to admire the surroundings.
Upon arrival, you'll find a forest check post before entering the reservoir area. The parking is conveniently located near the entrance, and surprisingly, there are no entry or parking fees, contributing to the reservoir's appeal as an accessible natural escape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit