Vani Vilas Sagar Dam (Manrikanvie) 32 kms from Chitradurga, this is an artificial lake, also called Mari Kanive, built by the Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV built across the river Vedavathi. Measuring 162 ft by 1300 ft this reservoir has two mantapa (pavilion halls) built in the saracenic style and is considered an engineering marvel.Recently though, the development work undertaken by the forest department to restore the nearby forest cover, and the 'panchavati' gardens - a garden of medicinal plants with the old Indian cultural theme has improved the tourist figures, making it a popular weekend picnic spot. The 'panchavati' garden has medicinal plants lined up representing cultural themes - the 'Rashis', 'Sapta swaras', 'Nava grahas' and many more.
