There’s something magical about stumbling upon a place that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. For me, that place is Chiklihole Reservoir, a serene escape tucked away in the rolling hills of Coorg, Karnataka. I’ve wandered these misty trails for years, sipping coffee with locals and chasing sunsets that paint the sky gold. Today, I’m spilling all my insider secrets about this offbeat treasure—sometimes called Chikli Hole or simply Chiklihole—so you can add it to your Coorg itinerary and experience its quiet beauty for yourself.

Whether you’re a nature lover plotting your next adventure or just curious about what lies near Kushalnagar, this guide blends vivid stories, practical tips, and well-researched details to give you the full scoop.

Why Coorg, and Why Chiklihole?

Coorg is a name that conjures images of coffee plantations, foggy mornings, and waterfalls tumbling down rocky cliffs. It’s a paradise for anyone who craves nature’s embrace. But while most travelers flock to the usual suspects—Abbey Falls, Talacauvery—I’ve always been drawn to the road less traveled. That’s where Chiklihole Reservoir comes in. Nestled near Kushalnagar, this spot is a whisper of tranquility amid Coorg’s louder attractions. It’s not just a dam; it’s a sanctuary where the air hums with birdsong and the water mirrors the sky.

My first visit to Chiklihole was a happy accident. I’d been exploring near Kushalnagar, weary of crowded spots, when a local tipped me off about a quiet reservoir down a winding road. Armed with a thermos of coffee and a sense of curiosity, I found myself at Chiklihole Reservoir, staring at a scene so peaceful it felt like the world had hit pause. Since then, it’s become a must-visit on every Coorg itinerary I craft—a hidden gem that proves the best discoveries are often the least expected.

A Peek into Chiklihole’s Roots

Let’s step back to 1985, when Chiklihole Reservoir was built with a purpose far from tourism. Picture engineers shaping a semi-circular dam across the Chiklihole River—a tributary of the Cauvery—to water 865 hectares of farmland. This wasn’t about postcard views; it was about keeping Coorg’s coffee bushes and spice plants alive. The dam stretches 464.8 meters long and rises 25.3 meters high, holding 5.097 million cubic meters of water. No fancy crest gates here—just a clever design that lets excess water spill over naturally, like a gentle overflow in the rains.

Over time, though, Chikli Hole transformed. What started as a farmer’s lifeline caught the eye of wanderers like me, turning into a quiet eco-tourism haven. It’s a modern story, not an ancient saga, but it’s woven into the fabric of life near Kushalnagar. For nature lovers, knowing this history adds a layer of appreciation—you’re not just visiting a pretty spot, but a place that sustains the green heart of Coorg.

Chiklihole Reservoir Location: Where to Find It

So, where exactly is this retreat? The Chiklihole Reservoir location is a sweet spot between two Coorg hubs: Kushalnagar, about 14-15 km away, and Madikeri, roughly 23-25 km. It’s close to the village of Nanjarayapattana, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hamlet  that underscores its offbeat magic. If you’re sketching out a Chiklihole Reservoir map in your mind, picture it 7 km from the playful elephants at Dubare and 15 km from the bamboo bridges of Nisargadhama.

It’s perfectly placed for a detour on your Coorg itinerary. If you’re spending just a day exploring the area, check out my 1 Day in Kushalnagar, Coorg: Best Places to Visit & Itinerary for a full plan that includes Chiklihole and more.

The Chiklihole Reservoir distance from key travel points makes it accessible yet secluded. From Bangalore, it’s about 240-250 km—a 5-6 hour drive through bustling highways and misty hills, perfect if you’re escaping the city for a weekend.

From Mysore Railway Station, you’re looking at 116-120 km, or roughly 2.5 hours of scenic roads—close enough for a day trip if you’re based there. Hassan’s even nearer, just 70-75 km away, about 1.5-2 hours, winding past coffee estates that smell like heaven. From Mangalore Airport, it’s a 166-170 km haul—around 3.5 hours of twisty paths and coffee-scented air.

I’ve done the trip from Kushalnagar on a rickety scooty, the last 15 km testing my balance over potholes, but the sight of Chiklihole at the end made every bump worth it.

Chiklihole Reservoir Directions: How to Get There

Need Chiklihole Reservoir directions? From Kushalnagar, head southwest toward Nanjarayapattana. There’s no direct public transport, so grab a cab or rent a bike—trust me, the freedom’s worth it. The road narrows and gets rough near the end, so drive slow and keep an eye out for signs. From Madikeri, take the route toward Kushalnagar and veer off at the right moment—ask a local if you’re unsure; they’re always happy to point you to Chikli Hole.

I once got lost on my way and ended up at a coffee estate instead. The owner laughed, handed me a cup of his fresh brew, and pointed me back on track. That’s Coorg for you—even the detours turn delightful. For Chiklihole Reservoir, plug the name into your GPS, but don’t rely on it completely; signals can get spotty in this area.

The Dam That Defines Chiklihole

What sets Chiklihole Reservoir apart isn’t just its location—it’s the dam itself. Imagine a graceful arc, 464.8 meters wide and 25.3 meters tall, curving across the landscape. Unlike those towering dams with clunky gates, Chiklihole keeps it simple: no crest gates, just a natural overflow when the rains come. In monsoon, the water tumbles over the edge like a frothy waterfall, a sight that’s stuck with me since my first rainy-season visit.

This design isn’t just pretty—it’s smart. It holds 5.097 million cubic meters, irrigating fields while letting nature take the lead. For nature lovers, it’s a chance to see engineering and beauty collide, especially when you visit Chiklihole Reservoir to Dubare Elephant Camp—a quick 7 km hop that pairs wild water with wild elephants.

Nature’s Canvas at Chiklihole Reservoir

Step up to the edge of Chiklihole, and you’re in for a treat. On one side, grassy meadows stretch out like a green carpet; on the other, a thick forest buzzes with life. The water’s so still it mirrors the sky—blue one day, golden the next. I’ve sat here with a sketchbook, trying to capture the way the light dances, but it’s the kind of beauty you have to feel to believe.

The seasons paint Chikli Hole in different hues. June to September, the monsoons turn the dam into a cascading wonder, water spilling over like foam. Come October to March, the air clears, and migratory birds—kingfishers, herons—swoop in. I’ve spent dawns here, coffee in hand, watching them dive while the forest wakes up. And the sunsets? They’re pure magic, turning the reservoir into a glowing pool as the hills fade to shadow.

Things to Do at Chiklihole Reservoir

Wondering what to do at Chiklihole Reservoir? It’s all about slowing down and soaking it in. Here’s my list, honed from countless visits:

• Picnics: Pack a spread—local Coorg honey, bread, whatever you fancy—and settle on the grass. No shops mean you’re on your own, but that’s part of the charm. I once forgot water and ended up sipping from a friend’s thermos—lesson learned!
• Photography: The angles here are endless. Snap the dam’s overflow, the birds at dusk, or the sunset’s glow. My camera roll’s full of Chiklihole shots, each one a memory.
• Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and hit the edges at dawn or dusk. I’ve spotted a kingfisher mid-flight—pure joy for a nature nerd like me.
• Sunset Strolls: Wander the banks as the day fades. The quiet here is a balm for the soul.

One heads-up: don’t dip your toes in. Locals whisper about crocodiles, and while I’ve never seen one, I’m not tempting fate. Stick to the shore, and you’ll find plenty to love.

Chiklihole Reservoir Timings and Tips

The Chiklihole Reservoir timings are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. I’d say get there early for the morning mist or linger for sunset—those are the golden hours. Entry’s free, but parking’s ₹10 – ₹30, depending on your ride. The best months? June to March, when the weather’s kind and the water’s alive.
For a deeper dive into planning your visit, see my Best Time to Visit Coorg: Month-by-Month Guide.

Tips from the Trail:

• Bring food and water—there are no stalls nearby if you need supplies.
• Wear sturdy shoes; the ground’s uneven.
• Travel with a buddy; the solitude’s lovely but safer shared.
• Keep it clean—Chiklihole deserves our respect.

The Lifeblood of Chiklihole

Beyond the views, Chiklihole Reservoir is a quiet hero. It waters 865 hectares, keeping Coorg’s coffee and spices thriving. The overflow design prevents floods, stores water for dry spells, and feeds the ecosystem downstream. Birds nest here, fish swim below, and the surrounding greenery drinks it all in. It’s tied to the Cauvery basin, a lifeline for South India, and even helps the soil stay rich by curbing erosion.

For nature lovers, this is gold. You’re not just visiting Chikli Hole—you’re stepping into a living system where water, wildlife, and human need dance together. It’s why I keep it on my Coorg itinerary, year after year.

To plan your own epic Coorg adventure, explore my Coorg Trip: The Ultimate Guide to Karnataka’s Paradise for the full scoop.

Chiklihole Reservoir to Dubare Elephant Camp: A Perfect Pair

If you’re mapping your trip, the Chiklihole Reservoir to Dubare Elephant Camp distance is just 7 km. After soaking in the reservoir’s calm, head over to watch elephants splash in the river—a contrast that’s pure Coorg. I’ve done this combo in a day, starting with Chiklihole’s peace and ending with Dubare’s playful chaos.

For a fuller weekend escape, see my Kushalnagar 2-Day Itinerary: A Perfect Weekend Getaway, blending both spots seamlessly.

Why Chiklihole Steals Hearts

In a world of overhyped spots, Chiklihole Reservoir is a breath of fresh air. It’s not loud or crowded—it’s personal. I’ve sketched its curves, picnicked on its banks, and lost hours to its stillness. For nature lovers, it’s a chance to see a dam that gives life, a habitat that hums, and a view that heals. It’s a standout near Kushalnagar, a quiet star in Coorg’s galaxy.

Your Call to Adventure

So, there you have it—Chiklihole Reservoir, a slice of Coorg’s soul that’s stayed with me through bumpy rides and quiet sunsets. It’s not the loudest spot on your Coorg itinerary, but that’s its charm. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat by its banks, sketching the dam’s curve or just letting the stillness sink in. For nature lovers like us, it’s a reminder that the best places don’t always shout—they whisper, waiting for you to listen.

Whether you’re plotting a quick detour near Kushalnagar or dreaming up a full Coorg escape, Chiklihole deserves a spot on your map. Add it to your Coorg itinerary, grab a map (or just search “Chiklihole Reservoir Map”), and go.

For more must-see spots, check out my Top 10 Places to Visit in Coorg (Kodagu)

Grab that picnic basket, lace up your shoes, and go find it—I promise, it’s worth the journey. Been to Chiklihole yet? Or is it calling your name? Drop me a line; I’d love to hear your story!”

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