Leshka Dam
Power and Beauty at Leshka: Leshka Dam, officially known as the Myntdu Leshka Hydel Project, is a massive concrete gravity dam. It is built at the confluence of the Myntdu, Lamu, and Amshariang rivers. The dam is surrounded by high, vertical cliffs and dense tropical forests, creating a dramatic lan dscape. It is a multi-purpose project aimed at generating electricity and providing water for the region. The sound of the rushing water against the concrete gates is powerful and echoing. The reservoir created by the dam is a calm expanse of deep blue water. Visitors are often struck by the contrast between the grey industrial concrete and the vibrant green hills. The drive to the dam is a winding descent into the valley, offering spectacular views. It is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Jaintia Hills. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with many rare birds found in the surrounding woods. Security at the dam is strict, but tourists are allowed to view the structure from designated points. The dam plays a vital role in the economy of Meghalaya by feeding the power grid. It is a testament to modern engineering successfully co-existing with nature. Exploring the base of the dam allows one to see the sheer scale of the construction. It is a quiet destination, far from the typical tourist crowds.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Infrastructure & Industrial TourismEntry Fees:
Free Entry with Permission: There is no entry fee to view the dam from the public road and viewpoints. However, entering the restricted powerhouse area requires Prior Written Permission from the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL). Parking on the roadside is free ...Free Entry with Permission: There is no entry fee to view the dam from the public road and viewpoints. However, entering the restricted powerhouse area requires Prior Written Permission from the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL). Parking on the roadside is free but should be done carefully to not block the narrow hilly paths.Timing:
Daylight Hours: The dam area is accessible from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Ideal Visit Time is around 11:00 AM when the sun is directly overhead, lighting up the deep valley. During the monsoon, checking for weather alerts is important as the road can be prone to small landsl...Daylight Hours: The dam area is accessible from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Ideal Visit Time is around 11:00 AM when the sun is directly overhead, lighting up the deep valley. During the monsoon, checking for weather alerts is important as the road can be prone to small landslides.Special Events:
Engineers’ Day Celebration: Every September 15, the project staff and local community celebrate Engineers' Day with small ceremonies. It is a day when the contribution of the dam to the state is honored. Sometimes, local cultural troupes perform traditional dances near t...Engineers’ Day Celebration: Every September 15, the project staff and local community celebrate Engineers' Day with small ceremonies. It is a day when the contribution of the dam to the state is honored. Sometimes, local cultural troupes perform traditional dances near the project colony. It is a unique time to see the dam’s human side beyond the concrete and steel.Best Photo Spots:
The High Viewpoint: The best photo spot is the hair-pin bend on the road leading down to the dam. Another great angle is from the Leshka Bridge, which provides a side profile of the massive dam wall. For close-ups, the area near the spillway gates (from a safe distance) of...The High Viewpoint: The best photo spot is the hair-pin bend on the road leading down to the dam. Another great angle is from the Leshka Bridge, which provides a side profile of the massive dam wall. For close-ups, the area near the spillway gates (from a safe distance) offers a sense of the dam's power. Symmetry shots of the dam’s crest are a favorite for architectural photographers.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Technical and Nature Exploration: Visiting Leshka Dam offers a variety of unique experiences for the curious traveler. One of the top things to do is Industrial Sightseeing, where you can observe the massive gates and turbine halls from afar. Landscape Photography is highly popular due to the sharp contrast of the dam against the steep cliffs. Bird Watching is rewarding here, as the water attracts various kingfishers and predatory birds. Picnicking is allowed in the designated areas near the entrance of the project. Educational Tours for students are common to understand the process of hydroelectric power generation. Nature Walks along the access roads provide views of the confluence of the three rivers. Fishing in the downstream areas is a popular local pastime that tourists can observe. Botany Exploration in the surrounding cliffs reveals many varieties...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Hydro-Power Hub: Leshka Dam is famous for being a key renewable energy source for Northeast India. It is renowned for its strategic location at the tri-junction of rivers, which is a rare geographical feature. The dam is often featured in regional news for its massive ...The Hydro-Power Hub: Leshka Dam is famous for being a key renewable energy source for Northeast India. It is renowned for its strategic location at the tri-junction of rivers, which is a rare geographical feature. The dam is often featured in regional news for its massive spillway discharge during the rainy season. It serves as a study point for engineering students and researchers interested in Himalayan river systems. -
Architecture:
Technical Specifications: The dam is a Concrete Gravity Dam standing at a height of approximately 63 Meters from the deepest foundation. The length of the dam at the crest is about 310 Meters. It has a storage capacity designed to handle the high rainfall of the region. T...Technical Specifications: The dam is a Concrete Gravity Dam standing at a height of approximately 63 Meters from the deepest foundation. The length of the dam at the crest is about 310 Meters. It has a storage capacity designed to handle the high rainfall of the region. The spillway consists of multiple radial gates that are opened during the peak monsoon. The powerhouse is located downstream and houses units with a capacity of 42 MW each. The construction utilized over 500,000 Cubic Meters of high-grade concrete. -
How To Reach:
The Valley Route: To reach the dam, fly into Shillong (Umroi) and then take a taxi to Jowai. From Jowai, hire a private vehicle as there are no regular bus services to the dam site. The drive takes about 1. 5 Hours through lush landscapes. The nearest railway station is G... -
Near Tourist Places:
Krang Suri Falls (25 km), Amlarem Town (15 km), Shnongpdeng (45 km), Dawki (50 km), Muktapur Village (20 km), Phe Phe Falls (30 km), Tyrshi Falls (45 km), Thadlaskein Lake (48 km), Syntu Ksiar (40 km), Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake (28 km).
Tourism Tips
-
Safety First: Health and Safety is critical; never attempt to climb the dam walls or enter restricted zones. Packing should include sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water. Cash is essential as the nearest ATM is in Amlarem or Jowai. Connectivity is very weak in the dee...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(433+) of Meghalaya Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Hangne Die Cave SystemIalong Park Iooksi Kupli ParkJarain Pitcher Plant LakeLalong ParkLarang ViewpointLeshka DamMuktapur VillageNartiang MonolithsPhe Phe FallsSajar Nangli Syntu KsiarThadlaskein LakeThlumuwi Stone BridgeTluh FallsUmlap FallsUmlawan CaveByrdaw FallsMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Byrdaw Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Byrdaw Falls Viewpoint
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Darrang River
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki River
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki suspension bridge
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hangne Die Cave System
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ialong Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ialong Pynthor
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ialong Sacred Grove
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ialong Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities