Taraka Dam impounds a stretch of the Taraka River, a tributary that feeds into the Kabini system, inside the boundaries of Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) National Park. Far smaller and less visited than the main Kabini backwaters, the dam’s reservoir nonetheless serves as a dependable watering point for elephants, gaur, and deer in the summer months, and safari routes through this part of the park are timed around these gatherings. Taraka Dam sits at an elevation of 809 m and is typically explored in about 1 hour. The most favourable months to visit are January, September, December, and November, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Taraka Dam Nature Trail, Taraka Dam Main Viewpoint, and Taraka Dam Sunset Point. Other notable highlights include elephant herds drinking at the waterline, malabar pied hornbills calling from dry teak canopy, and morning jeep safari along the reservoir’s forest edge. It falls within Nagarhole, Kodagu / Mysuru district, and Karnataka, India.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 1 Hour
January, September, December, November
Basic public restrooms are available at the forest checkpost near the dam entrance, but they may not always be clean, so carry your own tissues and hand sanitiser. There are no food stalls or restaurants at the dam, so pack light snacks and plenty of water. For a proper meal, drive 20 minutes to the town of Hunsur or stop at the resorts along the Kabini backwaters.
Yes, the dam is open to visitors every day, typically from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it is best to visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant. During the monsoon months (June to September), the dam's spillway may be active, and the area can be slippery, so check local conditions before planning your visit.
The dam is about 12 km from the main Nagarhole entrance at Hunsur, and the last 3 km are a narrow, tree-lined forest road with a few potholes. A 12-seater tempo traveller can manage, but a full-sized coach (40+ seats) will struggle on the final stretch, so it is better to use smaller vans or two cars. The drive from Mysore takes about 2.5 hours, and from Bangalore about 5.5 hours, with the last stretch being slow due to wildlife crossings.
The main viewpoint is the dam wall itself, where you can walk a short, flat distance to see the calm backwaters and surrounding forest—ideal for slow, scenic walks and birdwatching. There is no boating or trekking allowed at the dam, but you can sit on the shaded benches near the gate and enjoy the view. For groups, the nearby Kabini river viewpoint is a short drive away and offers a wider panorama.
No separate permit is needed just for the dam, but you must pay the forest entry fee for entering the Nagarhole National Park. If you plan to go beyond the dam into core tiger reserve areas, you will need to book a safari or obtain a forest department permit in advance.