Gorur Dam Travel Guide: Scenic Views, Birdwatching & Hidden Gems in Karnataka
Gorur Dam, also known as Hemavathi Dam, is a scenic retreat in Karnataka’s heart. Built across the Hemavathi River, this tranquil reservoir offers stunning water views, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, birdwatching, or simply unwinding amidst nature, Gorur Dam promises a perfect weekend getaway just a few hours from major cities.
Gorur Dam: Location & Entry Fees

Image Credit: Technofreak for Wikimedia Commons
Location: Gorur village, Arkalgud Taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka
Entry Fees: None (Free for all visitors)
Best Visiting Hours: Early morning or late afternoon for pleasant weather and mesmerising views
Ideal for Nature lovers, families, photographers, and birdwatchers.
Why should you visit & what are the nearby attractions?

This dam is famous for its multiple things to do, especially for bird watchers, as it is the home of a diverse range of birds. The park’s verdant greenery provides a peaceful retreat for weary travellers, and the spectacular vistas are just the icing on the cake. Look out for them:
Bird Watching: Undoubtedly, Gorur Dam in Gorur Island is a breathtaking beauty that never fails to provide captivating views to its tourists. Bird watchers can witness the myriad of different birds and take beautiful pictures.
Picnics and Relaxing: The dam area is a popular spot for picnics, with locals and travellers enjoying the lawns and the surrounding greenery.
Visit Temples: Visit nearby temples, such as Paravasudeva and Yoga Narasimha, to seek blessings and explore the local religious sites. However, Shettihalli Rosary Church is also very famous.
Nature and Wildlife: Nature lovers must not forget to explore the Hemavathi Reservoir, a scenic spot with diverse birdlife, and Kabbaligere Hill, another natural attraction in the area.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting Gorur Dam, don’t miss the nearby attractions that add cultural and natural charm to your trip. Explore the ancient Paravasudeva and Yoga Narasimha temples, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage. The hauntingly beautiful Shettihalli Rosary Church is just a short drive away, partially submerged and known for its striking architecture, especially during monsoon. Nature enthusiasts can also trek up Kabbaligere Hill, a peaceful spot with panoramic views and abundant greenery. These nearby sites perfectly complement your visit, making your getaway more enriching and memorable.
Related Post: Hotels In Hassan
Best Time To Visit

August to November (Monsoon Season): The best time to visit is during the monsoon, when the dam is at full capacity and the spillway gates are open, offering spectacular views.
Tip: June and July are also pleasant, thanks to Karnataka’s mild summers.
How To Reach

By Road: Located about 170 km from Bengaluru and 185 km from Mangalore. Well connected via NH-4 and NH-48.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (115 km) – limited connectivity.
Major Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (200 km) – frequent domestic and international flights.
By Rail: Hassan Railway Station is the nearest, with regular trains from key cities.
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Karnataka
Conclusion
Ready to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Then, you must add Gorur Dam to your itinerary while planning a trip to Karnataka. This place provides scenic beauty and a calmness that every traveller needs on vacation. So, read this guide before the visit to have an immense, fun-filled holiday with your loved ones. The lush greenery will surely leave you spellbound and serve as a resting spot to relax. Have fun!
FAQs
Where is Gorur Dam?
It is a multipurpose dam providing water for irrigation, drinking, and other activities, located on the Hemavathi River, a tributary of the Kaveri River, near Hassan in Karnataka.
What can I see and do at Gorur Dam?
Enjoy the sound of cascading water and views of the water gushing through the spillway gates. Also, the dam is surrounded by lush greenery, which includes the garden as law. You can picnic and enjoy yourself. Watch various birds flying and diving into the water. Visit the nearby temples of Sri Paravasudeva and Sri Yoganarasimha or enjoy the rides in backwaters.
What are the timings of Gorur Dam?
There is no specific opening and closing time of the Gorur Dam but the backwater activities are open from 9 am to 5 pm.
What is the other name of Gorur Dam?
Hemavati dam is the another name of Gorur Dam showing the breathtaking beauty especially during the rainy season. At this time, the Spillway gates are opened to release the flooding water, which gushes out like froth.
Are there any entry restrictions to the Dam?
Yes, Vehicles are not permitted near the dam. Visitors can park their vehicle 1.5 kilometers away and walk by themselves to reach the Dam/
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