Gangrel Dam, Dhamtari | Images, Watersports, History

Gangrel Dam, Dhamtari Overview

The Gangrel Dam is the longest dam in Chhatisgarh and has been built across Mahanadi River. A stunning feat of architecture, the dam length is a whopping 1,830 metres! It stands in the Dhamtari district, approximately 15 kilometres away from the main town of Dhamtari and 90 kilometres away from Raipur. Gangrel Dam is also perfect for enjoying recreational activities with family or friends as well as state of the art watersports such as Jet skiing, Water surfing, Water skiing, Scuba Diving, Sailing, Parasailing, and Kite surfing. The dam overlooks the swift torrents of the Mahanadi River making it an enjoyable sight to behold. On the banks of the waters, there are a number of resorts and sandbanks, giving it the appearance of a Mini Goa!

The dam was built to perform various activities, and essential functions such as irrigation, generating power and also to provide water to Bhilai Steel Plant and the city of Raipur. The Gangrel Dam provides a sense of refreshment for the visitors through the means of water rides and water activities as well as the sprawling green gardens.

Water sports at Gangrel Dam

The immediate surroundings of the Gangrel Dam are well-maintained and have landscaped gardens and a beautiful view of the catchment area. The dam is often visited for recreational activities. They can stroll across the lush green lawns and explore the banks of the river to their heart’s content. Water sports, for one, is a recent addition and a very famous one. In the vast catchment area, visitors can go jet skiing, paddle boating, speed boating etc. These facilities have been made available by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department and the prices are a little on the higher side. Those who enjoy hitting the waters are sure to enjoy their rides.

Best Time To Visit Gangrel Dam

The finest time to pay a visit to the Gangrel Dam would be the rainy season from July to September as the reservoir fills up and the high tides are a beautiful sight. The views of sunrise and sunset here are a popular tourist attraction, so plan your trip accordingly. Gangrel Dam can also be enjoyed when it is visited during the winter season which begins in the month of November and lasts till February. The climate is pleasant and the water level of the river and the catchment area is high enough to enjoy water sports. Along with the summers, the winter season is also the driest time in the region. December and January are the coldest months when the mercury level hovers between 27ᵒC and 12ᵒC.

Accommodation Near Gangrel Dam

Travellers can also choose to stay near Gangrel Dam. The Bardiha Lake View Cottage, also called the Gangrel Dam Resort, is a famous resort closest to the dam. They provide wooden cottages and rooms that, like their name specifies, come with a view of the catchment area. Travellers can choose between Wooden Deluxe Luxury Cottages and Air-Conditioned rooms that cost approximately INR 8500/- and INR 3500/- for two people. They also provide basic amenities like laundry service and TV in the room. There is another resort a little away inside the forest in Dhamtari called the Machaan Log Huts. They provide a budget option and have log huts and tents to choose from. It costs about INR 1000/- to INR 2000/- for two people and comes with no amenities. There are also guest houses available around Gangrel Dam. The Gangrel Dam resort bookings can be done online. It is recommended to book rooms in advance, especially if one is trying to get a room for a weekend during the tourist season.

How To Reach Gangrel Dam

Gangrel Dam is located about 15 kilometres away from Dhamtari. It is best accessed by road and can be reached via the SH 52 route (11 kilometres from Dhamtari), the SH 52 – SH 3 route (13 kilometres from Dhamtari) or the NH 30 – SH 52 route (15 kilometres from Dhamtari). Driving your own private vehicle or renting cabs are the most convenient ways to reach the dam by road. Adjoining cities are also connected by the bus system to Dhamtari. Buses, mostly from Raipur, ply frequently between the destinations. Travellers can disembark at the Dhamtari Bus Station (about 16 kilometres away from the dam) and take a taxi to reach the dam.