Trip to Bethamangala Dam

Stepped out of home aimlessly on Jan 10^th 2016 at 1.00 am. We were all hungry and so we wanted to have lunch desperately in a hotel in the countryside. So annan drove his car towards the district of Kolar, which is a district famous for its milk and silk. The place was also famous for tomato cultivation so we were able to see many fresh vegetable markets on the way. Soon we were able to locate a hotel named Mezban. As we all were very hungry, the food served there tasted awesome.

In hotel Mezban

As we were cherishing the taste of the lunch, annan and I decided to explore the district a bit before heading towards home. At once we collected some information about the district in Wikipedia but we were not in a mood to explore those places. So annan enquired whether we can reach Bethamangala, a small town in the Kolar district. The interesting fact about Bethamangala is that Palar river emerges here after a underground course for a long distance. From here the water flows eastward down the Deccan Plateau after gathering speed and water.

After a heavy lunch, we started towards Bethamangala. On the way we came across a lake en route to Bethamangalam. The lake came into view as we rode around a bend in the trail; we stopped our car and gazed at the beautiful scene. The water of the lake appeared calm and serene. So many rocks were scattered over the lake. Some merged and some above the water level. We noticed that all the rocks were pointing towards the east which was a peculiar sight. 

                                     

Beside the serene lake

We continued our journey towards Bethamangalam. We reached our destination soon. We were warned in many blogs that the place will be deserted and dry without water and that the river bed only can be viewed. Fortunately when we reached the river, we were happy to see it was filled with water. The river was surrounded by trees which were a home for many green parrots thereby enhancing the beauty of the place.

Bethamangala River

Tree full of green parrots

The Bethamangalam dam, that holds the water in the reservoir can be seen at one end of the river. A dam is built over the river to help water purification plant. 

A reservoir at the end of the river

This is a really good tourist place to visit and has a really old British time water plant and pump station. The first plant to generate electricity from the city waste has been established in Bethamangalam.

Water Plant

We got an opportunity to converse with Engineer Stephen working in the water plant built by the British. We were happy to know that the plant was not in a working condition for the past five years and it has been started again only recently. The plant was beautifully constructed by the British which supplies water to the entire population in Kolar Gold Field.

The touch of the British

Recently installed pumps

      The place was good for a good weekend drive and very refreshing. After enjoying the nature we headed towards our home.