Located on the river Kalanadi, the second most important river in eastern Karnataka, the Kodasalli Dam plays an important role in providing electricity to a large part of India. The Kalanadi river flows next to the Sharavathi river at an elevation of more than 900 M. it originated from western Ghats and is approximately 160 Km. long. The weather of this place is normally very humid with temperature ranging from 18 to 40 degrees. This dam is built by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited and resolves the issue of serious scarcity of power in the region. It is one of the series of dam built on the river Kalanadi.

The abutments of the Kodasalli dam are steep and the gorge is well defined. From the deepest bed level, the dam rises to nearly 51 meters and stretches to around 502 meters at the top. The main dam is a straight concrete gravity dam and on the right bank is the 36 m long earthen dam. The power house of the dam is located on the right bank and includes 3 x 40 MW generators. The average annual output of electricity from this project includes 511 MU. The Kodasalli dam creates a reservoir behind it which stretches to nearly 1735 Sq. Km at F.R.L. where nearly 286.49 M cum of water can accumulate.

Construction

Many successive plans and initiatives from the authorities had lead to the success of Kodasalli power house. This dam was completed and formally inaugurated in June 1998. This dam has turned out to be the biggest source of hydroelectric power generation in the region. This dam has not only provided electricity but it has also ensured regular water supply for irrigation to a large area in the state. The issue of power and water was finally resolved when this dam started operating.

Attraction

The biggest metropolitan city nearest to this place is Bangalore which is around 500 Km. from here. The lake created by the dam attracts lots of tourist around the year and the dense forest nearby. Tourist coming to this place can also visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Magod Waterfall and Sahasralinga. Besides this, there are various other attractive places which tourists can visit.

Magod waterfall is situated in the village Magodu approximately 19 Km from Yellapura. The Bedthi River takes a big leap at this place from nearly a height of 650 feet. Another spot for tourist attraction is the Satoddi Falls, which is considered to be one of the most attractive falls in Karnataka. It is around 450 km. from Bangalore and 25 km from Yellapur.

Sahasralinga is another prominent places frequented mostly by religious people. The Shalmala River flowing from this place is really an eye catcher.

How to Reach

Kodasalli dam is a prominent place in Karnataka and can be reached easily through public transport. The only international airport nearest to this place is at Bangalore which is approximately 500 km from here.