Paralkot Reservoir
Detailed Overview: Paralkot Reservoir, officially known as the Kherkatta Dam, is the largest water management project in the Kanker district, situated near the town of Pakhanjur. This massive artificial lake was created by damming the Kotri River, a major tributary that sustains the agriculture of t he western part of the district. The reservoir serves as a critical source of irrigation for thousands of acres of farmland, primarily supporting the cultivation of rice and maize by the local Bengali and tribal communities. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the reservoir has evolved into a popular eco-tourism destination due to its vast expanse of blue water surrounded by low-lying hills and dense forests. The area is particularly famous for its sunset views, where the reflection of the sky on the still water creates a mesmerizing visual experience. It is a site of historical resilience, as the name "Paralkot" is associated with the brave tribal revolts against colonial rule in the 19th century, making it a place of both natural beauty and cultural pride.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
02 to 03 HoursPlace Type:
Dam / Reservoir / Picnic SpotEntry Fees:
There is no official ticket required to visit the Paralkot Reservoir, making it an accessible spot for all travelers and local families.
Vehicle Entry: A nominal maintenance fee of 20 INR to 40 INR may be charged by the local irrigation department for vehicles ente...There is no official ticket required to visit the Paralkot Reservoir, making it an accessible spot for all travelers and local families.
Vehicle Entry: A nominal maintenance fee of 20 INR to 40 INR may be charged by the local irrigation department for vehicles entering the dam's restricted perimeter.Timing:
Standard Timings: The reservoir is open for public viewing from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM; visitors are generally asked to leave the dam wall after dark for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: The late afternoon, from 04:00 PM onwards, is the best...Standard Timings: The reservoir is open for public viewing from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM; visitors are generally asked to leave the dam wall after dark for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: The late afternoon, from 04:00 PM onwards, is the best time to visit to enjoy the cool breeze and the spectacular sunset without the midday heat.Special Events:
Nara Narayan Mela: This massive annual fair held in nearby Pakhanjur during January sees thousands of visitors who also flock to the reservoir for ritual baths and picnics.
Monsoon Gate Opening: A spectacle occurs when the dam reaches its fu...Nara Narayan Mela: This massive annual fair held in nearby Pakhanjur during January sees thousands of visitors who also flock to the reservoir for ritual baths and picnics.
Monsoon Gate Opening: A spectacle occurs when the dam reaches its full capacity and the spillway gates are opened, creating a thunderous artificial waterfall that attracts locals from all over the district.Best Photo Spots:
The Spillway Bridge: The area directly above the main gates provides a dramatic perspective of the rushing water and the misty spray during the discharge period.
The Sunset Bank: The western shore of the reservoir is the best place to captur...The Spillway Bridge: The area directly above the main gates provides a dramatic perspective of the rushing water and the misty spray during the discharge period.
The Sunset Bank: The western shore of the reservoir is the best place to capture the sun setting directly over the water, creating a perfect golden reflection.
Migratory Bird Island: Small mounds of land that appear in the middle of the reservoir during winter serve as the best spots for long-lens wildlife photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating: Visitors can engage in local boat rides provided by the fishing community to explore the farther reaches of the reservoir and get closer to the forest edges.
Bird Watching: During the months of December and January, carry binoculars to spot Bar-headed Geese and Pintails swimming in the shallows.
Photography: The long walk along the dam's crest offers perfect opportunities for capturing wide-angle shots of the water meeting the horizon during sunset.
Fishing: Observe the traditional fishing techniques used by the local Bengali settlers, who use large nets and small wooden boats to harvest the day's catch.
Picnicking: The lush gardens near the dam's main gate are ideal for family outings, providing shaded areas and a cool ...Boating: Visitors can engage in local boat rides provided by the fishing community to explore the farther reaches of the reservoir and get closer to the forest edges.
Bird Watching: During the months of December and January, carry binoculars to spot Bar-headed Geese and Pintails swimming in the shallows.
Photography: The long walk along the dam's crest offers perfect opportunities for capturing wide-angle shots of the water meeting the horizon during sunset.
Fishing: Observe the traditional fishing techniques used by the local Bengali settlers, who use large nets and small wooden boats to harvest the day's catch.
Picnicking: The lush gardens near the dam's main gate are ideal for family outings, providing shaded areas and a cool breeze from the water.
Evening Strolls: Walking across the 610-meter length of the dam provides a refreshing exercise with scenic views on both sides—the vast lake on one and the flowing river on the other.
Rural Exploration: Visit the nearby Kherkatta village to see the local "Haat" (market) and experience the unique blend of Bengali and Chhattisgarhi cultures.
Information
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Why Famous:
Fame and Recognition: Paralkot Reservoir is famous for being the largest dam in the Kanker district and a vital hub for the Dandakaranya development project which resettled thousands of families in the 1950s. It is well-known among birdwatchers as a wintering ground for mig...Fame and Recognition: Paralkot Reservoir is famous for being the largest dam in the Kanker district and a vital hub for the Dandakaranya development project which resettled thousands of families in the 1950s. It is well-known among birdwatchers as a wintering ground for migratory water birds that travel from as far as Siberia to the wetlands of Chhattisgarh.
Engineering Marvel: The dam is also recognized for its robust construction that has withstood numerous heavy monsoon seasons since its completion in 1981, serving as a model for irrigation projects in tribal areas. -
Architecture:
Architectural Design and Structure: The Paralkot Reservoir architecture features a medium-sized Embankment Dam made of earth-fill materials with a central masonry spillway. The dam includes a series of vertical lift gates that regulate the flow of the Kotri River into a wel...Architectural Design and Structure: The Paralkot Reservoir architecture features a medium-sized Embankment Dam made of earth-fill materials with a central masonry spillway. The dam includes a series of vertical lift gates that regulate the flow of the Kotri River into a well-planned canal system that stretches for several kilometers into the surrounding plains.
Physical Dimensions: The dam has a total length of 610 meters and stands at a height of 20 meters from its deepest foundation. The reservoir itself covers a sprawling area of approximately 1,300 acres, with a gross storage capacity of over 6. 5 million cubic meters of water, making it a formidable engineering feat in the region. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The closest major airport is in Raipur (250 KM); travelers usually take a long-distance bus or private taxi via Kanker and Bhanupratappur.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Dalli Rajhara (90 KM), which is connected to the main Howra...By Air: The closest major airport is in Raipur (250 KM); travelers usually take a long-distance bus or private taxi via Kanker and Bhanupratappur.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Dalli Rajhara (90 KM), which is connected to the main Howrah-Mumbai line via Durg; from there, buses to Pakhanjur are frequent.
By Road: The reservoir is situated on State Highway 25; it is a scenic 3-hour drive from Kanker town through dense forests and tribal heartlands.
By Local Transport: Within Pakhanjur, shared autos and "Vikram" tempos are the most common ways to reach the dam site, located about 10 KM from the town center. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Post-Monsoon Season: October and November are the most beautiful months as the reservoir is full, the surrounding hills are green, and the air is fresh.
Winter Season: From December to February, the weather is perfect for bird watching and l...Post-Monsoon Season: October and November are the most beautiful months as the reservoir is full, the surrounding hills are green, and the air is fresh.
Winter Season: From December to February, the weather is perfect for bird watching and long picnics under the mild winter sun.
Evening Hours: Regardless of the season, the time between 04:30 PM and 06:00 PM offers the most comfortable temperature and the best lighting for sightseeing. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Pakhanjur Town (10 KM), 2. Kapsi Gateway (12 KM), 3. Kali Mandir (11 KM), 4. Shiv Mandir (11 KM), 5. Nara Narayan Sevashram (12 KM), 6. Ram Vatika (10 KM), 7. Satyanand Nagar (10 KM), 8. Durgukondal (45 KM), 9. Bhanupratappur (65 KM), 10. Malajkudum Falls (105 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Swimming in the reservoir is strictly prohibited due to deep silt and unpredictable underwater currents; stay within the designated viewing areas on the dam wall.
Packing Tips: Carry a good pair of sunglasses and sunblock...Health and Safety: Swimming in the reservoir is strictly prohibited due to deep silt and unpredictable underwater currents; stay within the designated viewing areas on the dam wall.
Packing Tips: Carry a good pair of sunglasses and sunblock as the sun reflects strongly off the water; also bring a light jacket for the cool evening breeze.
Communication: Mobile network can be spotty near the water; it is advisable to download offline maps of the Pakhanjur area before heading out from Kanker.
Food and Water: While there are small kiosks near the dam selling snacks, it is better to carry your own drinking water and a full meal from Pakhanjur town.
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