Almatti Dam, Bijapur - Timings, Entry Fee, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 42 km from Aihole, and 70 km from Bijapur, the Almatti Dam is a multipurpose dam in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. It is one of the must visit places as part of the Bijapur luxury packages.

Almatti Dam, officially referred to as Lal Bahadur Shastri, is a hydroelectric project built on the Krishna River, straddling the borders of the Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts in Karnataka. Completed in 2005, the dam was built with the primary objectives of supplying irrigation and potable water to adjacent regions, generating hydroelectric energy, and managing flood risks in the area. Recognized as one of the largest dams in Karnataka, Almatti Dam has increasingly attracted tourists in recent years.

Standing at a height of 52.5 meters and extending 3.5 kilometers in length, Almatti Dam serves as the principal reservoir for the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project. It boasts a gross storage capacity of approximately 200 tmc and features 26 radial crest gates. Additionally, a power station with a capacity of 290 MW is situated on the right bank of the dam, with an anticipated annual electricity generation of 560 MU. After generating power, water is released into the Narayanpur reservoir to meet the irrigation requirements downstream.

The dam offers breathtaking views of the Krishna River and its picturesque surroundings. Visitors are invited to walk along the dam, enjoying the refreshing breeze and tranquil ambiance. It has also become a favored location for photography, particularly at sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant hues of orange and pink. The backwaters of the dam attract numerous migratory birds during the summer months. Furthermore, the 77 acres surrounding Almatti Dam have been developed into meticulously maintained gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Rock Garden, Mughal Garden, Gopal Krishna Garden, and Lavakush Garden.


The Mughal Garden is an impressive and exquisitely designed location. It stands as a worthy competitor to the Mughal Garden in Jammu and the Brindavan Garden in Mysore. This garden features a musical fountain, which enhances the landscape of the Almatti Dam surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the musical fountain at 7:30 PM for an entry fee of Rs. 20 per person. The Rock Garden is organized into various sectors, including the Silver Lake Area, Children Sector, Reptile Sector, Dinosaurs Sector, Animal Sector, Bird Sector, Tribal Sector, Butterfly Sector, and Sun Rays Sector. The Silver Lake provides boating opportunities, exclusively offering motor boating.

In contrast, the Lavakush Garden is inspired by the narrative of Lava and Kusha, the twin sons of Lord Rama. This garden boasts a picturesque lawn, neatly trimmed hedges, vibrant flower beds, and a variety of ornamental plants and shrubs. The Lava Kusha garden is renowned for its stunning views of both sunrise and sunset. Spanning over 3 acres, it features a well-maintained lawn, hedges, flowerbeds, shrubs, and trees, along with sculptures depicting scenes of Yashoda Krishna, Gopal Krishna, the Rasleela of Krishna, as well as representations of the Shanka and Chakra, and various scenes of Krishna with the Gopikas.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Musical Fountain: 7.30 PM

Entry: Rs. 50 for Adults & Rs. 25 for Children, Rs. 20 for Musical Fountain, Rs. 20 for Boating