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Thengo Dam / Irrigation Project

Sonepur, Odisha, India
A Blend of Utility and Nature: Thengo Dam is a medium irrigation project that has evolved into one of the most popular eco-tourism and picnic spots in the Subarnapur district. Built to conserve water for local agriculture, the reservoir is surrounded by dense forests and the majestic Trikut Hills. T he tranquil environment, away from the noise of the city, makes it a haven for nature lovers. During the winter, the reservoir becomes a home for various migratory birds, their chirping filling the air. The dam's structure provides a beautiful view of the water body reflecting the green hills. It is a common sight to see locals and tourists enjoying weekend outings here. The forest department has taken initiatives to promote the area as an eco-tourism site, highlighting the biodiversity of the region. Visitors can often spot peacocks and other wildlife in the periphery of the forest, making it an exciting destination for children and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:

    4 to 5 Hours
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    Place Type:

    Dam, Eco-Tourism, and Picnic Spot
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    Entry Fees:

    Minimal Entry Fee: Usually, there is no fee to enter the dam site, but a small parking fee of Rs.20-Rs.50 may be charged.

    Eco-Camp Charges: If you stay at the forest guest house, standard government rates apply. ...
    Minimal Entry Fee: Usually, there is no fee to enter the dam site, but a small parking fee of Rs.20-Rs.50 may be charged.

    Eco-Camp Charges: If you stay at the forest guest house, standard government rates apply.
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    Timing:

    Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for picnics; 7:30 AM for bird watching. ...
    Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for picnics; 7:30 AM for bird watching.
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    Special Events:

    Eco-Tourism Meets: Local environmental groups often host awareness camps and nature meets here during the winter.

    New Year Celebrations: The dam is the busiest on January 1st, with thousands of people arriving for year-opening feasts. ...
    Eco-Tourism Meets: Local environmental groups often host awareness camps and nature meets here during the winter.

    New Year Celebrations: The dam is the busiest on January 1st, with thousands of people arriving for year-opening feasts.
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    Best Photo Spots:

    The Spillway: Capturing the water flow during the rainy season.

    Forest Backdrop: The view of the reservoir with the Trikut Hill in the background is the most photographed scene. ...
    The Spillway: Capturing the water flow during the rainy season.

    Forest Backdrop: The view of the reservoir with the Trikut Hill in the background is the most photographed scene.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Bird Watching: Bring your camera to capture the migratory birds that arrive in thousands during the cold months.

    Nature Walks: Explore the forest trails around the reservoir, but stay close to the dam for safety.

    Wildlife Spotting: Keep a quiet eye out for peacocks and spotted deer that often come to the water's edge in the evening.

    Picnic Fun: Set up a traditional wood-fire cooking spot (in designated areas) to enjoy a classic Odia picnic meal.

    Sunset Viewing: Watch the sun dip behind the Trikut Hills, casting a golden glow over the reservoir water.

    Photography: The dam wall provides an elevated platform for capturing the vastness of the irrigation project.

    Botany E...
    Bird Watching: Bring your camera to capture the migratory birds that arrive in thousands during the cold months.

    Nature Walks: Explore the forest trails around the reservoir, but stay close to the dam for safety.

    Wildlife Spotting: Keep a quiet eye out for peacocks and spotted deer that often come to the water's edge in the evening.

    Picnic Fun: Set up a traditional wood-fire cooking spot (in designated areas) to enjoy a classic Odia picnic meal.

    Sunset Viewing: Watch the sun dip behind the Trikut Hills, casting a golden glow over the reservoir water.

    Photography: The dam wall provides an elevated platform for capturing the vastness of the irrigation project.

    Botany Exploration: Identify the various species of indigenous trees like Sal, Teak, and Mahua that thrive in the surrounding forest.

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:

    Picnic Paradise: It is famous as the best picnic destination near Sonepur due to its shade-providing trees and scenic water views.

    Wildlife Corridor: Famous for being a spot where one can occasionally see elephants and bears from the nearby ...
    Picnic Paradise: It is famous as the best picnic destination near Sonepur due to its shade-providing trees and scenic water views.

    Wildlife Corridor: Famous for being a spot where one can occasionally see elephants and bears from the nearby Birmaharajpur jungles.
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    Architecture:

    Modern Masonry and Earthwork: The dam is a combination of a concrete spillway and earthen embankments.

    Dimensions: The reservoir covers a significant area, with the main dam wall spanning several hundred meters to hold back the catchment wat...
    Modern Masonry and Earthwork: The dam is a combination of a concrete spillway and earthen embankments.

    Dimensions: The reservoir covers a significant area, with the main dam wall spanning several hundred meters to hold back the catchment water.

    Eco-Friendly Design: The surrounding areas feature small watchtowers and thatched resting sheds that blend with the forest environment.
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    How To Reach:

    By Air: Jharsuguda (132 KM) is the nearest airport.

    By Train: Rairakhol (60 KM) is the most convenient railway station.

    By Road: Accessible via the Sonepur-Birmaharajpur road.

    B...
    By Air: Jharsuguda (132 KM) is the nearest airport.

    By Train: Rairakhol (60 KM) is the most convenient railway station.

    By Road: Accessible via the Sonepur-Birmaharajpur road.

    By Local Transport: Private cars or hired taxis from Sonepur town are recommended as public buses are less frequent.
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    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Winter: October to March is the absolute best time for picnics and birds.

    Monsoon: July to September shows the dam at its full capacity with lush surroundings.

    Summer: Generally avoided as the water level re...
    Winter: October to March is the absolute best time for picnics and birds.

    Monsoon: July to September shows the dam at its full capacity with lush surroundings.

    Summer: Generally avoided as the water level recedes and the forest becomes very dry.
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    Near Tourist Places:

    1. Patali Srikhetra (15 KM), 2. Lankeswari Temple (34 KM), 3. Champeswar Temple (30 KM), 4. Birmaharajpur (28 KM), 5. Sureswari Temple (34 KM), 6. Subarnameru Temple (35 KM), 7. Pancharatha Temple (35 KM), 8. Rameswar Temple (34 KM), 9. Mahanadi Ghat (34 KM), 10. Gokarneswar Temple (36 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: Do not venture deep into the forest without a guide due to wild animals; avoid swimming in the deep reservoir.

    Packing: Carry all picnic supplies including waste bags to keep the area clean; bring binoculars.

    Health and Safety: Do not venture deep into the forest without a guide due to wild animals; avoid swimming in the deep reservoir.

    Packing: Carry all picnic supplies including waste bags to keep the area clean; bring binoculars.

    Connectivity: Mobile network is patchy near the forest areas.

    Cash: No ATMs nearby; ensure you have enough cash for transport and food from Sonepur.

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