Ghunghutta Dam
A Major Irrigation and Picnic Spot in Surguja: The Ghunghutta Dam, also known as the Shyam Project, is a large-scale water reservoir constructed on the Ghunghutta River primarily for irrigation purposes in the surrounding agricultural areas of the Surguja district. It serves as a vital resource, sup porting the local farming community by providing perennial water supply, especially crucial during dry seasons. Beyond its utilitarian value, the dam site has naturally evolved into one of the most popular picnic and scenic spots near Ambikapur. The vast expanse of the reservoir, flanked by low-lying hills and lush greenery, offers a tranquil escape from the city. Visitors are drawn by the panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, and the cool, calm atmosphere. The site is frequented by families, students, and nature enthusiasts who come to enjoy the peaceful waterside environment. The dam's water body also supports local aquatic life and attracts various species of migratory and resident birds, making it a modest but appealing spot for bird-watching. The area surrounding the dam is generally well-maintained, providing a safe and accessible environment for recreational activities. The dam's role in local ecology and agriculture makes it a significant landmark in the region.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 Hours:Place Type:
Dam, Reservoir, Picnic Spot:Entry Fees:
Free Entry and Parking: There is generally no official entry fee to visit the Ghunghutta Dam itself. The area is public land used for irrigation.
Parking Fees and Maintenance: However, local bodies or caretakers may charge a nominal parking...Free Entry and Parking: There is generally no official entry fee to visit the Ghunghutta Dam itself. The area is public land used for irrigation.
Parking Fees and Maintenance: However, local bodies or caretakers may charge a nominal parking fee (e. g. , Rs.10 to Rs.30) for vehicles to manage the area, especially on weekends and holidays. These small fees contribute to the basic upkeep of the picnic spot area and are not technically an 'entry fee'.
Boating Charges: If locally operated boating is available, there will be a separate per-person charge (e. g. , Rs.50 to Rs.100) for a short ride, managed by local private operators. :Timing:
Regular Timings:
Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week: As an irrigation project, the dam site is always accessible, though security may patrol the main structure at night.
Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM i...Regular Timings:
Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week: As an irrigation project, the dam site is always accessible, though security may patrol the main structure at night.
Ideal Visit Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM is the ideal window for daytime sightseeing and picnicking. The best hours for natural beauty are the early morning (Sunrise) and late afternoon (Sunset) for optimal light and cooler temperatures. :Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri Festival: Though not on the dam site itself, nearby local temples celebrate Maha Shivaratri with great fervor, and the dam often sees a higher number of visitors who combine the temple visit with a dam excursion.
Annual Local Fai...Maha Shivaratri Festival: Though not on the dam site itself, nearby local temples celebrate Maha Shivaratri with great fervor, and the dam often sees a higher number of visitors who combine the temple visit with a dam excursion.
Annual Local Fairs: Small local fairs (Melas) are occasionally held in the nearby villages during the post-harvest season (January to March), attracting regional crowds who also visit the dam. :Best Photo Spots:
The Spillway Gates: The best time to photograph the spillway area is when the gates are open during the monsoon, creating a dramatic, powerful torrent of water.
Reservoir Panorama: The elevated viewpoint from the dam embankment offers a swee...The Spillway Gates: The best time to photograph the spillway area is when the gates are open during the monsoon, creating a dramatic, powerful torrent of water.
Reservoir Panorama: The elevated viewpoint from the dam embankment offers a sweeping panoramic view of the entire reservoir and the distant hills, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots, especially during the golden hour.
Sunrise/Sunset Point: The eastern and western horizons over the water offer stunning colors for capturing silhouettes and vibrant sky shots. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating and Water Activities: Local boats are sometimes available for short rides on the reservoir, offering a closer view of the dam structure and surrounding hills.
Picnicking and Relaxing: Carry your own food and enjoy a full day picnic by the waterside with family and friends. The open space is perfect for games and relaxation.
Sunset and Sunrise Viewing: The horizon over the water provides a spectacular canvas for the sunrise and sunset, which are must-see photo opportunities.
Nature Walking: Take a long, leisurely walk along the dam's embankment or the shoreline to enjoy the vast, open views and the cool breeze.
Photography: The dam and reservoir offer excellent landscape subjects for photography enthusiasts, especially th...
Information
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Why Famous:
Irrigation Significance: The dam is famous for being a crucial source of irrigation water, earning it the name Shyam Project, which is vital for the agriculture-dependent economy of Surguja.
Natural Beauty and Serenity: It is also highly pop...Irrigation Significance: The dam is famous for being a crucial source of irrigation water, earning it the name Shyam Project, which is vital for the agriculture-dependent economy of Surguja.
Natural Beauty and Serenity: It is also highly popular as a weekend getaway due to the picturesque views of the reservoir and the tranquil natural setting, making it an ideal picnic spot. The vast water body contrasting with the hilly backdrop is a major draw for tourists seeking peace and relaxation outside Ambikapur. : -
Architecture:
Dam Engineering and Design Features: The Ghunghutta Dam is an earth-fill dam, a common type of structure built for irrigation and water storage.
Dimension and Construction Details: The dam's design is focused on creating a large reservoir ar...Dam Engineering and Design Features: The Ghunghutta Dam is an earth-fill dam, a common type of structure built for irrigation and water storage.
Dimension and Construction Details: The dam's design is focused on creating a large reservoir area rather than achieving exceptional height. It involves a long earthen embankment to hold back the Ghunghutta River water, with spillway gates designed to manage water levels and prevent flooding during high monsoon flow. The overall length of the embankment is substantial, creating a wide water body that stretches for several square kilometers. The construction materials primarily include local soil, rock, and aggregates, compacted to ensure structural integrity and stability against water pressure. The reservoir volume is a key dimension, measured in thousands of cubic meters, vital for calculating the water available for irrigation. The architecture is purely functional, emphasizing durability and water management engineering over aesthetic appeal, typical of major irrigation projects. The surrounding catchment area and the man-made lake form the primary aesthetic element of the site. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur (approx. 20 KMs) which has domestic flights. From the airport, hire a prepaid taxi or cab to reach the dam. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
By Train: The nearest major railway... -
Near Tourist Places:
Jail Talab (15 KMs) Mahamaya Temple (18 KMs) Tattapani Hot Spring (100 KMs) Mainpat (80 KMs) Ramgarh Hill (50 KMs) Jogimara Caves (50 KMs) Surguja Palace (15 KMs) Thinthini Patthar (35 KMs) Banki Dam (40 KMs) Khokhaniya Picnic Spot (25 KMs)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Carry a First-Aid kit, especially with insect repellent. Be cautious near the water's edge, as there are no lifeguards. Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir.
Packing: Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, plenty of drinki...
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