A picnic trip to Muninagara Dam from Bangalore

After visiting Chhota Ladakh on way to Kolar (on Kolar Highway), we eagerly awaited the next weekend. This time, we set out to explore Muninagara Dam on Kanakpura road. And after my trip I will highly recommend this as one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 50 km. In fact, before doing the trip to Chhota Ladakh, we had already gone the Kanakpura way once, visiting Mariapura Lake and Gundanjenya Swami Temple. But then we didn’t even know how close we were to Muninagara Dam. Otherwise we would have visited it that day itself. Nevertheless, I decided to cover all these 3 places together in this post, stitching my two separate trips together. So that you can visit them together.

This is the map that we followed:

Mariapura Lake

Starting from Bangalore, your first stop can be the Mariapura Lake. It is a clean and beautiful lake with beautiful backdrop of the green hills. We followed the route shown by google maps while visiting here. Which took us through the NICE road. This route is well maintained and scenic. But a little longer compared to going via BTM and Banerghatta Road. After reaching Kanakpura road, after only few kilometers, there is a turn for the Mariapura village road. Which ultimately leads to the lake. We parked our vehicle on the road side. And then headed to the dam above this lake. The lake is scenic. But there is no space to sit, or no protection from the sun. So, it is best to visit here in the early morning hours. Or else, carry an umbrella with you.

Hungry for an outing, our family, including the children, didn’t mind either the sun or the fact that there was no place to sit anywhere. We kept strolling alongside the lake. And having our morning breakfast that comprised of homemade idlis. The children tried to identify the different flora varieties that have grown along the borders here. And finally they stumbled upon some touch-me-not plants. Both of them immediately put all the leaves to sleep with their gentle touches. And were super excited with this new game. After spending around an hour here, we headed to our next stop – Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple.

Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple

Once again, we settled back in our car. And with the help of Mr. Google, we started navigating the narrow village roads to reach Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple. The road from Mariapura Lake to Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple is not in excellent condition. For most parts, it is a one way village road. And then there are rough stretches here and there. But given that the whole distance between the two can be covered in less than half an hour, we didn’t really mind.

As you approach the Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple, the route turns scenic. There are small barren hills on both sides. And couple of natural waterfalls as well. We parked our car in the parking area of the temple. We didn’t really go inside the temple, but offered our prayers from outside. There are some constructions going on the premises. So, the temple complex is still evolving. We just roamed around. Explored the tiny waterfalls. And the pond right on the premises which has beautiful steps from all sides. It was noon by then, and the weather turned cloudy. Which was a welcome respite for us.

Little Ishi was particularly enjoying the rough and rocky terrain of this area. While I was trying to feed her a banana. I realised she has hardly got a chance of walking outside home. As, when she started walking, we were already in the lockdown. No wonder she seemed so excited. We all spent some refreshing time here. And then headed back home. Only to return to the neighbouring Muninagara Dam just a couple of weeks later. So, if you are taking this trail, we highly recommend heading to Muninagara Dam next.

Muninagara Dam

Although we came here on another weekend, just a little detour from Gundānjeneya Swamy Temple will bring you to Muninagara Dam. Google shows the way precisely till the dam. So, you will have no problem reaching here. There is a village right besides the lake. Pukka cemented roads that are lined with village houses on both sides end right at the lake. You can park your vehicle on one of these roads. And head to the dam above the lake. I must say, Muninagara Dam is the most scenic of all the 3 places that you will visit on this trip. There are two half bridges that you can take to go up on. Not only do they make for perfect instagram spots. But also give you the feeling of being afloat.

And the backdrop of the mountains is just so scenic. It’s so difficult to describe it in words…so, I will let the pictures do the talking.

Just like the Mariapura Lake, there is no shade here. And also, no place to sit. We kept walking , exploring and also having our breakfast while strolling. If you are visiting all 3 places together, you can pack lunch for enjoying at Muninagara Dam. After having our breakfast and strolling around the dam a bit more, we returned to the village. One of the streets parallel to the one that we had parked our car on, led right to the bank of the lake. We strolled this way and reached the bank of the lake. Spent some 5 minutes here and then returned back to our car.

Drive to Bangalore from Muninagara Dam

The drive back to Bangalore from Muninagara Dam was full of pleasant surprises. First we passed through village road, with beautiful green fields stretching till horizon where the hills met them.

Then, we saw this..

In these fields, the marigolds were in full bloom, creating a picture perfect scene.

Then, we navigated the ghat road up and down a beautiful hilly stretch. This was completely a surprise. We had not expected such a scenic ghat road on this stretch, just 30 km from Bangalore city. Post this, we passed through a few kilometres of Reserve Forest Trail!! And finally, right after the forest, is this Jain Temple.

We took a pit stop here. And visited the temple before continuing on our way back home. Overall, with all of the above, it really becomes a day worth spending navigating the outdoors.

Tips on visiting Muninagara Dam from Bangalore

1. Visit early in the morning
2. Carry an umbrella as it can be sunny here and there is no shade
3. Wear comfortable cotton cloths
4. Pack your food from home. For safely in the current times. And otherwise also, there is no hotel , cafe or restaurant nearby
5. Drive carefully, some of the road stretches are narrow one – way roads
6. Carry enough drinking water from home
7. Don’t forget the hand sanitiser and your mask
8. Maintain social distancing. Take turns to step on the bridge near the dam, in case if there are other tourists around.