Upper Kolab Dam
Upper Kolab Dam is a magnificent engineering marvel and a premier eco-tourism destination located on the Kolab River, a major tributary of the Godavari. Situated at an impressive altitude of about 3000 feet above sea level, the dam serves as a vital source of hydroelectric power, irrigation, and dr inking water for the entire southern Odisha region. The project, which was completed in the early 1990s, has created a vast and beautiful reservoir that stretches across the hilly landscape, surrounded by the verdant peaks of the Eastern Ghats. The scenic beauty of the reservoir is breath-taking, with the deep blue waters contrasting against the emerald green of the surrounding forests. One of the main attractions here is the Kolab Botanical Garden, which is meticulously maintained by the state government and features over 200 varieties of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. The garden is a favorite spot for families and nature lovers, offering well-laid paths, ornamental fountains, and viewpoints that overlook the massive expanse of the water. During the winter months, the reservoir becomes a haven for thousands of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, far removed from the hustle of urban life, with the only sounds being the gentle lap of waves and the chirping of birds. Boating facilities are often available, allowing visitors to venture out onto the reservoir and appreciate the scale of the dam and the beauty of the submerged hills. The sunset at Upper Kolab is a sight to behold, as the sky turns into a palette of orange and purple reflecting on the still waters. The area is also popular for weekend picnics, with dedicated spaces for groups to enjoy a day out in nature. The dam itself is a concrete gravity structure that stands as a symbol of regional development. Whether you are interested in civil engineering, botany, or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, Upper Kolab Dam offers a perfect blend of man-made utility and natural splendor.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Eco-Tourism & EngineeringEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Approximately 10 to 20 INR for adults.
Parking: Separate charges for bikes (10 INR) and cars (30 INR).
Boating: Varies from 50 to 100 INR per person depending on the type of boat. ...Entry Fee: Approximately 10 to 20 INR for adults.
Parking: Separate charges for bikes (10 INR) and cars (30 INR).
Boating: Varies from 50 to 100 INR per person depending on the type of boat.Special Events:
New Year Celebrations: Thousands of people gather here on January 1st for massive community picnics.
Monsoon Gate Opening: An informal event where locals gather to see the spectacular release of water. ...New Year Celebrations: Thousands of people gather here on January 1st for massive community picnics.
Monsoon Gate Opening: An informal event where locals gather to see the spectacular release of water.Best Photo Spots:
Dam Walkway: The long perspective of the dam road with the reservoir on one side and the valley on the other.
Flower Terraces: Colorful flower beds provide a vibrant foreground for portraits.
Reservoir Edge:Dam Walkway: The long perspective of the dam road with the reservoir on one side and the valley on the other.
Flower Terraces: Colorful flower beds provide a vibrant foreground for portraits.
Reservoir Edge: Capturing the reflection of the sunset in the still water.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating in the Reservoir: Take a motorboat or pedal boat ride to explore the vast expanse of the blue water.
Explore the Botanical Garden: Walk through the terraced gardens and admire the rare floral species.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot migratory and local aquatic birds near the water's edge.
Photography: Capture the panoramic views of the dam and the reflection of the hills in the water.
Evening Picnic: Spend quality time with family in the designated picnic areas with a view of the reservoir.
Watch the Sunset: Find a spot on the dam's walkway to watch the sun go down behind the mountains.
Visit the Fountains: Enjoy the musical or ornamental fountai...Boating in the Reservoir: Take a motorboat or pedal boat ride to explore the vast expanse of the blue water.
Explore the Botanical Garden: Walk through the terraced gardens and admire the rare floral species.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot migratory and local aquatic birds near the water's edge.
Photography: Capture the panoramic views of the dam and the reflection of the hills in the water.
Evening Picnic: Spend quality time with family in the designated picnic areas with a view of the reservoir.
Watch the Sunset: Find a spot on the dam's walkway to watch the sun go down behind the mountains.
Visit the Fountains: Enjoy the musical or ornamental fountains in the garden during the evening hours.
Educational Walk: Read about the hydroelectric process and the history of the Kolab project on the information boards.
Hiking Nearby: Explore the small trails leading into the surrounding forest for a bit of adventure.
Meditate by the Water: The calm and quiet environment is ideal for morning yoga or meditation.
Observe the Spillway: During the monsoon, watch the majestic release of water from the dam gates.
Try Local Street Food: Enjoy snacks like 'Gupchup' and roasted corn sold by local vendors near the entrance.
Relax on the Benches: Simply sit and enjoy the cool breeze that constantly blows across the high-altitude reservoir.
Botany Study: For students, identifying the 200+ species of plants is a great learning activity.
Evening Stroll: The well-lit paths of the garden make for a romantic evening walk.
Information
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Why Famous:
Hydroelectric Power: Famous as one of the largest power-generating stations in southern Odisha.
Botanical Garden: Known for its diverse collection of over 200 flower species.
Migratory Birds: Famous for att...Hydroelectric Power: Famous as one of the largest power-generating stations in southern Odisha.
Botanical Garden: Known for its diverse collection of over 200 flower species.
Migratory Birds: Famous for attracting rare Siberian cranes during the winter.
Picnic Hub: Known as the most popular weekend destination for the people of Koraput and Jeypore. -
Architecture:
Concrete Gravity Dam and Landscape Design: The Upper Kolab Dam is a primary concrete gravity dam designed to withstand the immense pressure of the reservoir at high altitudes.
Dimensions: The dam has a height of approximately 40 meters and ...Concrete Gravity Dam and Landscape Design: The Upper Kolab Dam is a primary concrete gravity dam designed to withstand the immense pressure of the reservoir at high altitudes.
Dimensions: The dam has a height of approximately 40 meters and a length of over 600 meters. The reservoir has a massive catchment area that supports the 320 MW hydroelectric power plant.
Botanical Garden Layout: The adjacent garden is designed in a terraced fashion, utilizing the natural slope of the hill to create different levels of floral displays.
Spillways: The dam features several radial gates that are opened during the monsoon, creating a spectacular sight of rushing water.
Power House: The hydroelectric power house is located downstream and features large turbines and modern electrical infrastructure. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Visakhapatnam or use the Jeypore domestic airport.
By Train: Jeypore Railway Station is the nearest major railhead (15 KM).
By Road: Well-connected by road from Koraput (20 KM) and Jeypore (1...By Air: Fly to Visakhapatnam or use the Jeypore domestic airport.
By Train: Jeypore Railway Station is the nearest major railhead (15 KM).
By Road: Well-connected by road from Koraput (20 KM) and Jeypore (10 KM).
By Local Transport: Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are easily available from Jeypore and Koraput. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to February): Best for bird watching and pleasant weather.
Monsoon (July to September): Best for seeing the dam in its full glory and lush surroundings.
Parts of Day: Late afternoon is most ...Winter (October to February): Best for bird watching and pleasant weather.
Monsoon (July to September): Best for seeing the dam in its full glory and lush surroundings.
Parts of Day: Late afternoon is most scenic. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Jeypore Palace (10 KM), 2. Bagra Waterfall (15 KM), 3. Tribal Museum (20 KM), 4. Koraput Jagannath Temple (20 KM), 5. Sunabeda (25 KM), 6. Maliguda Tunnel (25 KM), 7. Gupteswar Cave (60 KM), 8. Duduma (75 KM), 9. Deomali (50 KM), 10. Jagannath Sagar (20 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir as it is very deep and dangerous.
Packing: Carry a light jacket as it gets windy and cool near the water.
Accommodation: Stay in Jeypore town for bet...Health & Safety: Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir as it is very deep and dangerous.
Packing: Carry a light jacket as it gets windy and cool near the water.
Accommodation: Stay in Jeypore town for better hotel options.
Cash & Connectivity: ATMs are available in Jeypore (10 KM). Mobile connectivity is good but can be spotty near the water.
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