Tandula Dam
Tandula Dam is one of the oldest and most significant water reservoirs in Chhattisgarh, located near the town of Balod. Constructed in 1910 on the confluence of the Tandula and Sukha Nala rivers, the dam was completed in 1921. It serves as a vital source of water for the Bhilai Steel Plant and prov ides drinking water to the twin cities of Durg and Bhilai. The dam is an engineering feat of the early 20th century, featuring a massive catchment area of over 800 square kilometers. Beyond its industrial importance, Tandula Dam is a premier tourist destination known for its vast expanse of blue water and the scenic hills that surround it. The reservoir looks like a massive inland sea, especially during the monsoon when it is filled to capacity. The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has developed the Sua Resort nearby to cater to tourists, offering comfortable stays and dining options with views of the water. The dam is a favorite spot for sunset watchers, bird enthusiasts, and families looking for a spacious outdoor location for a day trip.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Nature & EngineeringEntry Fees:
Free Public Access: There is generally no fee to walk on the public parts of the dam embankment.
Resort Entry: If you are not staying at Sua Resort, there might be a nominal fee for using their garden or restaurant facilities. ...Free Public Access: There is generally no fee to walk on the public parts of the dam embankment.
Resort Entry: If you are not staying at Sua Resort, there might be a nominal fee for using their garden or restaurant facilities.Timing:
General Visiting Hours: The dam is accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Best Time of Day: Sunset is the most popular time as the sky reflects beautifully in the still waters of the reservoir. ...General Visiting Hours: The dam is accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Best Time of Day: Sunset is the most popular time as the sky reflects beautifully in the still waters of the reservoir.Special Events:
Monsoon Water Release: Though not a formal festival, the day the dam gates are opened to release excess water is a major local event that attracts crowds to watch the thunderous flow.
New Year Celebrations: The dam area is a popular spot fo...Monsoon Water Release: Though not a formal festival, the day the dam gates are opened to release excess water is a major local event that attracts crowds to watch the thunderous flow.
New Year Celebrations: The dam area is a popular spot for locals to gather and celebrate on January 1st.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Spillway: The best spot for dramatic photos, especially when water is flowing over the gates.
Reservoir Horizon: Taking a photo from the embankment toward the horizon makes the dam look like an endless ocean.
Read MoreThe Main Spillway: The best spot for dramatic photos, especially when water is flowing over the gates.
Reservoir Horizon: Taking a photo from the embankment toward the horizon makes the dam look like an endless ocean.
Sua Resort Gardens: The well-maintained gardens offer a structured green foreground against the blue water of the dam.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sightseeing on the Embankment: Walk along the long dam wall to enjoy the breeze and the panoramic view of the vast reservoir.
Picnicking by the Water: There are several shaded spots near the dam and at the Sua Resort where families can enjoy a meal together.
Photography: Capture the massive spillways during the monsoon when water is released, or take wide-angle shots of the 'mini-sea' during the golden hour.
Stay at Sua Resort: Book a room at the tourism department's resort to experience the tranquility of the dam overnight. Boating (Subject to Availability) Occasionally, local authorities or the resort offer boat rides, providing a closer look at the vast water expanse.
Visit the Control Gates: Observe the mechanical engineeri...
Information
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Why Famous:
Historical Significance: It is famous for being one of the first major irrigation and industrial water projects in the region, dating back over 100 years.
Lifeline of Bhilai Steel Plant: The dam is globally recognized as the primary water s...Historical Significance: It is famous for being one of the first major irrigation and industrial water projects in the region, dating back over 100 years.
Lifeline of Bhilai Steel Plant: The dam is globally recognized as the primary water source for one of India's largest steel plants, marking its economic importance. -
Architecture:
British-Era Masonry and Design: The dam is a prime example of early 20th-century British engineering. It is primarily an earthen dam with a solid masonry spillway structure. The design focuses on maximizing storage capacity within the natural valley.
Read MoreBritish-Era Masonry and Design: The dam is a prime example of early 20th-century British engineering. It is primarily an earthen dam with a solid masonry spillway structure. The design focuses on maximizing storage capacity within the natural valley.
Technical Dimensions: The dam has a gross storage capacity of approximately 302 million cubic meters. The highest flood level is recorded at about 333 meters. The massive concrete spillways and the control gates are architectural highlights, showcasing the durability of the materials used over a century ago. The vast embankment offers a long walkway for visitors to appreciate the scale of the reservoir.How To Reach:
By Air: Raipur Airport is about 125 KMS away. One can take a taxi directly to Balod.
By Train: Balod Railway Station is just 5 KMS from the dam. Durg Junction is 60 KMS away and serves as a major hub.
By Road...Near Tourist Places:
1. Ganga Maiya Temple (10 KMS), 2. Siyadevi Waterfall (25 KMS), 3. Kukurdev Temple (15 KMS), 4. Kharkhara Dam (35 KMS), 5. Durg (60 KMS), 6. Maitri Bagh (65 KMS), 7. Raipur (125 KMS), 8. Dongargarh (75 KMS), 9. Dhamtari (45 KMS), 10. Rajnandgaon (60 KMS)Tourism Tips
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Stay Hydrated: The dam area is vast and open, so carry water as there is quite a bit of walking involved.
Safety Warnings: Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir; the water is deep and the currents near the gates can be dangerous.
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