Kanva

Date: 4-Jan-14

Kanva Reservoir is one of those peaceful destinations that reminds us that a memorable trip does not always require famous attractions or packed itineraries. Much like our visit to Thippagondana Halli, this trip was all about enjoying the journey, spending time in nature, and unwinding away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

This was our first trip of 2014, and we chose Kanva as the perfect place to start the year on a relaxed note. We began our journey from Jayanagar at around 11:00 AM. Since we were unsure about the availability of restaurants near Kanva, we packed our lunch from a hotel before setting off. We travelled via Mysore Road and reached Ramanagara, where we took a right turn at the traffic junction towards Kanva Dam through the Kunigal Road. The drive itself turned out to be one of the highlights of the day.

Scenic drive to Kanva

The roads were in excellent condition, making the drive smooth and enjoyable. What made the route particularly beautiful were the endless stretches of coconut plantations lining both sides of the road. The lush greenery created a picturesque setting and made the journey feel refreshing from the very beginning. As we drove through the countryside, the peaceful surroundings and light traffic added to the charm of the experience. Sometimes, the road itself becomes the destination, and this was certainly one of those occasions

Kanva village was remarkably quiet and neatly maintained. The calm atmosphere was immediately noticeable and gave the place a distinct charm. When we reached the reservoir, we were surprised to find that the water level was quite low. The water had receded significantly and was much farther away from where we were standing than we had expected.

We were unsure whether our car would be able to reach the area near the reservoir, but after a bit of hesitation, we decided to take the risk. Fortunately, we managed to drive closer to the dam without any issues. Even though there was very little water in the reservoir, the place had a unique appeal. There were hardly any visitors around, and the peaceful environment made it an ideal spot to relax. We spent some time near the water, taking photographs and enjoying the quiet surroundings.

A leisurely afternoon by the reservoir

The afternoon sun was quite harsh, making it uncomfortable to remain near the lake for long. We initially thought of returning later in the evening when the weather became cooler. Instead, we explored the surrounding area and eventually found a pleasant spot where we could park the car. It offered a good view of the reservoir and, more importantly, was shaded and much cooler. That became our resting place for the afternoon.

We had our packed lunch inside the car while enjoying the peaceful scenery around us. The weather at that spot was wonderful. A cool breeze blew continuously, making the atmosphere incredibly relaxing and pleasant.

What followed was perhaps the most enjoyable part of the trip. For nearly three hours, we simply sat there chatting, relaxing, and enjoying the calm surroundings. There was no rush to see anything, no checklist of attractions to cover, and no fixed schedule to follow. It was one of those rare occasions where doing absolutely nothing felt perfect.

Heading back home

By around 3:45 PM, the area near the reservoir was still quite sunny. Since we had already spent several peaceful hours enjoying the surroundings, we decided not to return to the lakeside and instead began our journey back. We retraced the same route that we had taken in the morning and enjoyed another pleasant drive through the countryside.

By around 6:30 PM, we had reached Bangalore, bringing our first trip of the year to a close.

Travel snapshot

Kanva may not be a destination filled with major attractions or dramatic landscapes, but that is precisely what made it special for us. The scenic drive through coconut plantations, the quiet village atmosphere, the peaceful reservoir, and the relaxing afternoon spent amidst nature made the trip memorable in its own way.

Sometimes, travel is not about ticking destinations off a list. It is about slowing down, enjoying simple moments, and appreciating the beauty of a peaceful day away from routine life. Although there was nothing particularly spectacular to see at Kanva that day, we had a wonderful time, and that alone made the trip worthwhile.

• Route Travelled: HSR Layout > Jayanagar > Banashankari > Mysore road > Uttarahalli > Kengeri > Bidadi > Ramanagara (took right at Ramanagara signal) > Kanva
• Total distance (To & Fro): 157 km
• Mileage (Car): 20 km/l
• Fuel expense: 612 Rs
• Total expense: 930 Rs

Route map