Ghodahada Dam
An Irrigation Marvel: Ghodahada Dam, built in 1978, is a significant reservoir constructed over the Ghodahada River, a tributary of the Rushikulya. It was primarily designed for irrigation but has evolved into a major eco-tourism site. Crocodile Sanctuary: The dam is famous as a natural habitat and rearing center for the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). It is one of the few places where crocodiles coexist relatively peacefully with the local fishing community. Scenic Landscape: Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats and dense forests, the reservoir offers a serene escape. The reflection of the hills in the vast water body creates a postcard-perfect view. Spiritual Touch: The Ujjaleswar Temple, located on a nearby hillock, adds a spiritual dimension to the visit, making it a popular spot for both pilgrims and nature lovers.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Nature, Wildlife, EngineeringEntry Fees:
A nominal entry fee of 10-20 INR is charged for the eco-park and dam area; boating costs extra (approx. 100 INR).
Camera Fees: Small charges may apply for professional photography or video equipment. ...A nominal entry fee of 10-20 INR is charged for the eco-park and dam area; boating costs extra (approx. 100 INR).
Camera Fees: Small charges may apply for professional photography or video equipment.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM is best for crocodile spotting as they come out to sunbathe.
Camp Timing: The Nature Camp is open 24/7 for pre-booked gue...Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM is best for crocodile spotting as they come out to sunbathe.
Camp Timing: The Nature Camp is open 24/7 for pre-booked guests.Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with great fervor at the Ujjaleswar Temple in March, drawing devotees from across the district.
Sankranti: Various harvest festivals in January see locals gathering at the dam for community celebrations and feasts...Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with great fervor at the Ujjaleswar Temple in March, drawing devotees from across the district.
Sankranti: Various harvest festivals in January see locals gathering at the dam for community celebrations and feasts.Best Photo Spots:
The Spillway: The rushing water during the monsoon provides a dramatic and powerful backdrop for photography.
Temple Stairs: The winding path up to Ujjaleswar Temple offers great perspective shots of the dam below.
Read MoreThe Spillway: The rushing water during the monsoon provides a dramatic and powerful backdrop for photography.
Temple Stairs: The winding path up to Ujjaleswar Temple offers great perspective shots of the dam below.
Crocodile Banks: Use a zoom lens to capture the prehistoric look of the muggers against the reservoir water.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Crocodile Spotting: Take a boat ride or walk along the designated viewpoints to see the mugger crocodiles resting on the banks.
Visit Ujjaleswar Temple: Climb the small hill to the cave temple and enjoy the spiritual peace and the aerial view of the reservoir.
Boating: Use the forest department's boating facility to cruise the reservoir, which is especially beautiful during the late afternoon.
Nature Walk: Explore the eco-tourism park maintained by the Odisha government, featuring manicured gardens and children's play areas.
Photography: Capture the symmetry of the dam's sluice gates and the majestic backdrop of the forested hills.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot water birds like cormoran...Crocodile Spotting: Take a boat ride or walk along the designated viewpoints to see the mugger crocodiles resting on the banks.
Visit Ujjaleswar Temple: Climb the small hill to the cave temple and enjoy the spiritual peace and the aerial view of the reservoir.
Boating: Use the forest department's boating facility to cruise the reservoir, which is especially beautiful during the late afternoon.
Nature Walk: Explore the eco-tourism park maintained by the Odisha government, featuring manicured gardens and children's play areas.
Photography: Capture the symmetry of the dam's sluice gates and the majestic backdrop of the forested hills.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot water birds like cormorants and egrets that frequent the reservoir for fish.
Picnicking: Set up a lunch spot in the designated picnic areas; it's a favorite for Berhampur locals during the New Year.
Fishing Observation: Watch the local villagers use traditional nets to catch freshwater fish, providing a glimpse into rural livelihoods.
Visit Digapahandi: Explore the nearby town of Digapahandi, known for its traditional 'Ganjapa' card making and folk arts.
Eco-Stay: Book a night at the Ghodahada Nature Camp to experience the wilderness after dark and enjoy the starry sky.
Information
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Why Famous:
Mugger Crocodiles: Famous for the large population of mugger crocodiles that can often be seen sunbathing on the reservoir banks.
Ujjaleswar Temple: A renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in a scenic hill cave near the dam.
<...Mugger Crocodiles: Famous for the large population of mugger crocodiles that can often be seen sunbathing on the reservoir banks.
Ujjaleswar Temple: A renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in a scenic hill cave near the dam.
Picnic Spot: Widely recognized as one of the best picnic destinations in Ganjam due to its lush greenery and cool micro-climate. -
Architecture:
Engineering Details: The dam is an earth-fill structure with a length of 1724 meters and a maximum height of 27. 23 meters.
Reservoir Capacity: It has a storage capacity of 20. 3 million cubic meters, serving a catchment area of 138 square k...Engineering Details: The dam is an earth-fill structure with a length of 1724 meters and a maximum height of 27. 23 meters.
Reservoir Capacity: It has a storage capacity of 20. 3 million cubic meters, serving a catchment area of 138 square kilometers.
Temple Architecture: The Ujjaleswar Temple is a simple yet elegant structure built into a natural cave on the Badapada hill, featuring traditional Odia temple motifs.
Eco-Park: The modern additions include a well-designed eco-park with viewpoints and walkways constructed using sustainable materials. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Bhubaneswar, then drive 190 KM to Digapahandi via Berhampur.
By Train: Berhampur (BAM) is the nearest major station (47 KM); hire a taxi or take a bus to Digapahandi.
By Road: Well-connected ...By Air: Fly to Bhubaneswar, then drive 190 KM to Digapahandi via Berhampur.
By Train: Berhampur (BAM) is the nearest major station (47 KM); hire a taxi or take a bus to Digapahandi.
By Road: Well-connected via the Berhampur-Digapahandi state highway; the road is smooth and scenic.
By Local Transport: Regular buses ply from Berhampur to Digapahandi; from there, hire an auto for the remaining 15 KM. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: November to February is perfect for sightseeing and crocodile spotting in pleasant weather.
Monsoon Season: July to September makes the landscape incredibly lush, and the dam gates may be open.
Ti...Winter Season: November to February is perfect for sightseeing and crocodile spotting in pleasant weather.
Monsoon Season: July to September makes the landscape incredibly lush, and the dam gates may be open.
Time of Day: Early mornings for wildlife; late evenings for the cool breeze and sunset. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Ujjaleswar Temple (1 KM), 2. Digapahandi (15 KM), 3. Tara Tarini (45 KM), 4. Gopalpur (60 KM), 5. Berhampur (47 KM), 6. Surada Dam (55 KM), 7. Jaugada (50 KM), 8. Budhakhol (75 KM), 9. Mahuri Kalua (40 KM), 10. Tampara Lake (65 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Keep a safe distance from the water's edge due to the presence of crocodiles; do not feed the animals.
Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, sunblock, and light snacks.
A...Health and Safety: Keep a safe distance from the water's edge due to the presence of crocodiles; do not feed the animals.
Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, sunblock, and light snacks.
Accommodation: Stay at the Ghodahada Nature Camp for an immersive experience or in hotels at Berhampur.
Cash and Connectivity: Digapahandi (15 KM away) has ATMs; mobile signal is decent (Jio/Airtel), but data speeds vary.
Food: The nature camp serves meals to residents; others should carry food or eat at Digapahandi town.
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