Harangi Dam Coorg: Water Release, Timings and How to Visit
Photo: Bishancm, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Harangi Dam is a dam on the Harangi River, a tributary of the Kaveri, near Hudgur village, about 9 km from Kushalnagar. It is at its best when the reservoir fills in the monsoon and the crest gates are opened, sending water down the spillway. The dam was opened in 1982 and is about 164 ft high and 2,775 ft long. It is 20 minutes by road from Amanvana, so it is an easy morning or evening outing.
Harangi Dam at a glance
| Where | Near Hudgur village, Kushalnagar taluk, Kodagu |
|---|---|
| River | Harangi, a tributary of the Kaveri |
| Opened | 1982 (source: Wikipedia) |
| Size | About 164 ft high and 2,775 ft long |
| Timings | Daytime, usually about 8 am to 6 pm (source: trawell.in, checked October 2026). Confirm locally. |
| Best time | During and just after the monsoon, when water is released |
| From Amanvana | 9 km, about 20 minutes |
When is water released at Harangi?
The gates are opened when the reservoir is close to full, which usually happens during the monsoon, from July to September in a normal year. That is when the spillway is most dramatic. The timing changes every year with the rain, so check local news for release updates before you go. Outside the monsoon the reservoir is calm and quiet, which suits a picnic or a walk.
Harangi Elephant Camp and Tree Park
Photo: Navi guy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A forest department elephant camp and a 40-acre tree park opened on the right bank of the reservoir in October 2022. It is smaller and quieter than Dubare Elephant Camp, and gives you views across the water to the hills. The state has also announced plans for water sports at the reservoir with Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
Tips for your visit
- Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
- Stay behind barriers during water release. The current below the dam is dangerous.
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat in the monsoon.
- Combine Harangi with Chiklihole Reservoir, about 12 km from the resort, for a quiet picnic spot.
Combine Harangi with nearby places
Harangi is close to everything else near Kushalnagar. Nisargadhama, the bamboo island on the Kaveri, is less than a kilometre from our gate. The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe is 15 minutes away, and Dubare Elephant Camp 25 minutes. For a full list with drive times, see our guide to places to visit in Coorg.
Stay near Harangi Dam
Amanvana is a riverside resort in Coorg, in Kushalnagar, 20 minutes from Harangi. Each private bungalow is a standalone 540 sq ft garden bungalow with a lotus pond courtyard and a sunken stone bathtub. Come back from the dam to the pool, a meal at the Rainbow Room by the river, or a treatment at the Sunken Spa. Check dates on our booking page, or call reservations on +91 94806 96070.
Frequently asked questions
When is water released from Harangi Dam?
Water is released through the crest gates when the reservoir fills, usually during or just after the monsoon. The exact days depend on rainfall, so check local news before you go.
How far is Harangi Dam from Kushalnagar?
Harangi Dam is about 9 km from Kushalnagar town and from Amanvana, about 20 minutes by road.
What are the Harangi Dam timings?
The dam area is open in the daytime, usually about 8 am to 6 pm. Access can be restricted for safety when water is being released, so follow the instructions of the staff on site.
Is there an elephant camp at Harangi?
Yes. A forest department elephant camp and tree park opened on the right bank of the Harangi reservoir in October 2022. It is a quieter alternative to Dubare.
Which river is Harangi Dam built on?
The Harangi River, a tributary of the Kaveri that rises in the Pushpagiri hills of the Western Ghats.