Bhimgoda Tank
:Bhimgoda Tank is a significant water body in Haridwar that beautifully merges ancient Hindu mythology with modern hydraulic engineering. It is named after Bhima, the second of the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. Legend holds that when the Pandavas were passing through Haridwar on t heir way to the Himalayas, Bhima, feeling thirsty, pressed his knee (Goda) powerfully into the ground, causing water to gush out and form a natural pool (Kund). In the modern era, the tank plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Ganga River into the Upper Ganga Canal via the Bhimgoda Headworks (Barrage). This modern infrastructure has amplified the natural beauty of the area. The site is characterized by an expansive, well-maintained surrounding area featuring lush green flower gardens, multiple artificial fountains, and small, swift-moving canals, transforming the mythological site into a significant tourist attraction. It offers a calm, scenic spot for visitors and pilgrims to relax, away from the intense crowds of the main ghats. The pleasant atmosphere and the combination of spiritual history and natural beauty make it a must-visit for a peaceful pause during a Haridwar trip. The sound of flowing water and the sight of manicured lawns provide mental peace and a break from the pressures of daily life.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour (Ideal for a quick stop)Place Type:
Historical and Scenic::Water Tank, Barrage, GardEntry Fees:
Zero Entry Fee::There is no charge for entry to the Bhimgoda Tank or the surrounding gardens.
Parking Fees::There may be a small, nominal fee charged for vehicle parking in the designated area near the barrage.
...Zero Entry Fee::There is no charge for entry to the Bhimgoda Tank or the surrounding gardens.
Parking Fees::There may be a small, nominal fee charged for vehicle parking in the designated area near the barrage.
Cost of Amenities::Any costs are limited to refreshments or snacks purchased from the vendors near the site, which is completely optional.
No Restriction on Access::The tank area and barrage can often be viewed twenty-four hours a day, though access to the official administrative parts of the Headworks may be restricted.Timing:
Regular Timings::The area is generally open 24 hours a day for public viewing, but the surrounding gardens are typically best visited from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM for security and daylight.
Ideal Visit Time::The best time for a visit is in the Ea...Regular Timings::The area is generally open 24 hours a day for public viewing, but the surrounding gardens are typically best visited from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM for security and daylight.
Ideal Visit Time::The best time for a visit is in the Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) for a peaceful walk, exercise, and beautiful light for photography, or the Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to enjoy the pleasant temperature and a beautiful sunset view over the water.
Avoid Midday::The midday sun in the summer can make the open, expansive area very hot, so visiting between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM is generally discouraged.Special Events:
Ganga Dussehra and Makar Sankranti::While not exclusive to the tank, these periods, which involve major bathing rituals in the Ganga, bring increased footfall, and special offerings may be made near the tank's mythological site.
Seasonal Flower ...Ganga Dussehra and Makar Sankranti::While not exclusive to the tank, these periods, which involve major bathing rituals in the Ganga, bring increased footfall, and special offerings may be made near the tank's mythological site.
Seasonal Flower Festivals::The gardens may host small, informal flower shows or events in the spring season when the blooms are at their peak, attracting local horticultural enthusiasts.
Canal Maintenance Closures::Major maintenance work on the canal or barrage (usually during late September or early October) can alter the appearance of the tank, a phenomenon that attracts locals interested in the engineering process.Best Photo Spots:
The Fountain and Garden Ensemble::Photos capturing the symmetrical beauty of the artificial fountains and flower beds with the large body of water in the background, perfect for serene landscape shots.
The Mythological Plaque/Shrine::A respe...The Fountain and Garden Ensemble::Photos capturing the symmetrical beauty of the artificial fountains and flower beds with the large body of water in the background, perfect for serene landscape shots.
The Mythological Plaque/Shrine::A respectful close-up photo of the plaque or small shrine that commemorates the legend of Bhima's knee strike, highlighting the site's spiritual importance.
View of the Barrage/Headworks::Capturing the long, linear structure of the dam and the impressive wall of the water flowing into the canal, showcasing the blend of nature and engineering.
Reflections on the Water::Photos of the surrounding trees and sky reflected clearly on the still parts of the water tank, providing artistic and tranquil shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Relaxing and Photography in the Gardens::Take a leisurely stroll through the lush, aromatic flower gardens, enjoying the peace and taking photographs of the fountains, flowers, and manicured lawns.
View the Bhimgoda Barrage/Headworks::Walk towards the barrage to observe the massive engineering structure and the controlled, powerful flow of the Ganga River as it enters the canal system.
Contemplation by the Water::Sit quietly near the banks of the tank/canal, listening to the soothing sound of the flowing water and reflecting on the mythological story of Bhima.
Family Picnic Spot::Due to the pleasant gardens and open space, it's an excellent, informal spot for families to relax, especially with children who can enjoy the fountains and open air.
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
The Bhima Legend::It is famous for the mythological association with Bhima of the Mahabharata, attracting Hindu pilgrims and those interested in the epic's history.
Hydraulic Engineering Marvel::The site is renowned as the starting point of ...The Bhima Legend::It is famous for the mythological association with Bhima of the Mahabharata, attracting Hindu pilgrims and those interested in the epic's history.
Hydraulic Engineering Marvel::The site is renowned as the starting point of the Upper Ganga Canal and the location of the Bhimgoda Barrage (Headworks), which is an impressive feat of 19th-century British engineering for irrigation and water management.
Scenic Garden Spot::It is a famous destination for its beautiful, extensive surrounding gardens, fountains, and pleasant atmosphere, offering a quiet, picturesque place for families and tourists to relax.
Controlling the Ganga::The tank and barrage are crucial in managing the water flow of the sacred Ganga before it is diverted for agricultural purposes, highlighting its importance to the region. -
Architecture:
Functional Barrage Architecture::The architecture is primarily functional, centered around the Bhimgoda Headworks or barrage, a complex of dams, gates, and canals designed to divert and regulate the water flow of the Ganga into the Upper Ganga Canal.
Read MoreFunctional Barrage Architecture::The architecture is primarily functional, centered around the Bhimgoda Headworks or barrage, a complex of dams, gates, and canals designed to divert and regulate the water flow of the Ganga into the Upper Ganga Canal.
Integration with Nature::The design consciously integrates the concrete structures of the barrage with extensive, beautifully landscaped gardens and flower beds, softening the engineering work with natural elements.
Fountain and Canal Systems::Numerous artificial fountains and small, swift-flowing waterfalls and canals have been architecturally integrated into the immediate area surrounding the tank, enhancing the visual and auditory experience of the flowing water.
Dimension and Scale::The area is quite large, allowing for expansive views of the water and surrounding greenery. The man-made dam wall is a significant dimensional feature, though the original mythological 'tank' is now part of the larger, controlled water system. The emphasis is on a linear design that follows the course of the canal's head.How To Reach:
By Air::The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), approximately 40 KMs away. From the airport, a taxi to Haridwar and then local transport to the tank is necessary.
By Train::The nearest station is Haridwar Junction (HW), ...Near Tourist Places:
Har Ki Pauri (3 KMs), Mansa Devi Temple (4 KMs), Chandi Devi Temple (4 KMs), Maya Devi Temple (3 KMs), Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple (2 KMs), Kushavarta Ghat (3 KMs), Birla Ghat (3. 5 KMs), Swami Vivekanand Park (3 KMs), Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple (8 KMs), Adbhut Mandir (5 KMs)Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety::Exercise caution near the water, especially at the barrage/dam area, as the currents can be very strong. The fencing should be respected. Supervise children closely in the garden areas near the water channels.
Packing::Car...
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