Mandira Dam
Purpose and Lifeline:The Mandira Dam is a significant civil engineering project built across the Sankh River. It is famously known as the lifeline of Rourkela as its primary purpose is to supply water to the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and also for agricultural and municipal needs of the city.Scenic Beauty and Picnic Spot:The dam is located about 16 KM upstream from the old Mandira village. Its vast reservoir is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of hills and dense green forests, transforming it into one of the most popular scenic picnic spots near Rourkela.Leisure Activities:The tranquil environment attracts visitors for relaxation, photography, and fishing. The reservoir is known to have boating facilities, offering a way to explore the vast water body and enjoy the views.Surrounding Attractions:A small Shiva Temple and a well-maintained Nature Park are located near the dam, adding to its appeal as a full-day excursion destination.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
3 Hours:Place Type:
Dam, Picnic Spot, and Water Sports:Entry Fees:
Standard Entry Fee:A nominal entry fee (typically under Rs.30) may be charged for entry to the Nature Park or for parking, but generally, access to the dam area is Free.
Boating Charges:Charges apply for Boating, depending on the type of boat (...Standard Entry Fee:A nominal entry fee (typically under Rs.30) may be charged for entry to the Nature Park or for parking, but generally, access to the dam area is Free.
Boating Charges:Charges apply for Boating, depending on the type of boat (motorboat, paddle boat) and duration, usually between Rs.100–Rs.300 per person.
Parking Fees:A small fee is charged for Vehicle Parking at the site.Timing:
Regular Timings:8 AM to 6 PM Daily. The dam is closed after sunset for safety.
Ideal Visit Time:The Ideal Visit Time is during Winter (November to February) for the best climate and picnic conditions. The best part of the day is the Late Af...Regular Timings:8 AM to 6 PM Daily. The dam is closed after sunset for safety.
Ideal Visit Time:The Ideal Visit Time is during Winter (November to February) for the best climate and picnic conditions. The best part of the day is the Late Afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM) for beautiful sunset viewing and boating.Special Events:
New Year's Day Celebration:Similar to Kansbahal, Mandira Dam is heavily frequented on New Year's Day (January 1) for massive picnics, turning the area into a lively outdoor carnival.
Local Winter Picnics:The entire winter season, particularly...New Year's Day Celebration:Similar to Kansbahal, Mandira Dam is heavily frequented on New Year's Day (January 1) for massive picnics, turning the area into a lively outdoor carnival.
Local Winter Picnics:The entire winter season, particularly Sundays, sees numerous organized school trips and corporate picnics at the site.Best Photo Spots:
The Dam Wall and Gates:The long, linear perspective of the dam wall and the rugged beauty of the spillway gates provide a strong subject for architectural and landscape photography.
Water's Edge and Reflection:Capture the perfect reflection o...The Dam Wall and Gates:The long, linear perspective of the dam wall and the rugged beauty of the spillway gates provide a strong subject for architectural and landscape photography.
Water's Edge and Reflection:Capture the perfect reflection of the surrounding hills and the sky on the calm reservoir water, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
Boating Perspective:Take photographs from a boat to get a unique, water-level perspective of the dam and the distant shoreline.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Boating on the Reservoir:Hire a boat or a small cruise to explore the vast expanse of the reservoir. This is a must-do activity to fully appreciate the dam's scale and the surrounding scenery.
Picnicking and Group Fun:Organize a large group picnic or a family gathering at one of the shady spots near the water's edge. Bring games and sports equipment for group enjoyment.
Sunset Photography:Walk to the designated viewpoint or an elevated spot on the dam periphery to capture the dramatic sunset over the hills and the water.
Visiting the Shiva Temple:Take a small detour to visit the ancient or relatively old Shiva Temple and offer prayers for a peaceful experience.
Nature Walks and Exercise:Take a brisk nature walk along the dam's cres...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Water Supply to RSP:The dam is fundamentally famous for its industrial utility, as it is the major source of water for the massive Rourkela Steel Plant, a key part of the city's identity.
Boating and Sunset:It is one of the few places near Ro...Water Supply to RSP:The dam is fundamentally famous for its industrial utility, as it is the major source of water for the massive Rourkela Steel Plant, a key part of the city's identity.
Boating and Sunset:It is one of the few places near Rourkela that offers proper boating facilities on a large reservoir, making it a popular destination for leisure and romantic sunset views.
Picnic Destination:Its vast open spaces, shade from trees, and scenic backdrop make it a premier and easily accessible picnic spot for families and large groups from Rourkela. -
Architecture:
Engineering and Functionality:The architecture is a classic example of post-independence Indian dam engineering, built primarily with concrete and earth fill for structural integrity. It is an embankment dam focused on creating a stable, large reservoir.
Read MoreEngineering and Functionality:The architecture is a classic example of post-independence Indian dam engineering, built primarily with concrete and earth fill for structural integrity. It is an embankment dam focused on creating a stable, large reservoir.
Key Dimensions:The dam has a length of approximately 426. 8 meters and a height of about 35. 37 meters. It impounds the Sankh River and is crucial for maintaining the water supply capacity needed for the RSP.
Associated Structures:The complex includes the spillway with its gates, the power generation/water intake structure, and the adjacent Shiva Temple (a small vernacular temple structure).How To Reach:
By Air:Nearest major airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JHG) in Jharsuguda, ~108 KMS away. Hire a taxi to Rourkela and then local transport to the dam.
By Train:Nearest major railway station is Rourkela Junction (ROU), ~25-30 KMS away. T...Near Tourist Places:
Kansbahal Dam (~10 KMS), Vedvyas Temple (~15 KMS), Rourkela Steel Plant (~25 KMS), Hanuman Vatika (~30 KMS), Vaishno Devi Temple, Rourkela (~25 KMS), Laxmi Narayan Temple (~25 KMS), Indira Gandhi Park (~30 KMS), Khandadhar Waterfall (~70 KMS), Pitamahal Dam (~65 KMS), Rani Sati Temple (~35 KMS).Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety:Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir. Be careful while boating and ensure life jackets are worn. Stay within the permitted areas on the dam wall.
Packing:Carry sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. Bring a picnic hampe...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(711+) of Odisha Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Ahirabandh
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Badaghagra Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Badalgiri Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Birsa Munda Intl Hockey Stadium
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhatri Hill
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Darjing Picnic Spot
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Deodarha Picnic Spot
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gayatri Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghoghar Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities