Biggest Dams in India

After independence we have made lots of progress in Dam and water reservoirs, Now India is one of the world’s most prolific dam-builders. Around 4300 large dams already constructed and many more in the pipeline, Almost half of which are more than twenty  years old. These dams are major attraction of tourists from all over India. Some facts about the Indian dams are: Tehri Dam is the eighth highest dam in the world. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam in Periyar River Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. The Grand Anicut, Kallanai, located on Holy Cavery River in Tamil Nadu, is the oldest dam in the world. Indira Sagar Dam is the Largest Reservoir in India. These dams with the channel provides an ideal environment for wildlife.

Tehri Dam - Uttaranchal

Tehri Dam located on the Bhagirathi River, Uttaranchal Now become Uttarakhand. Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India,With a height of 261 meters and the eighth tallest dam in the world. The high rock and earth-fill embankment dam first phase was completed in 2006 and other two phases are under construction. The Dam water reservoir use for irrigation, municipal water supply and the generation of 1,000 MW of hydroelectricity.

Tehri-Dam-Uttaranchal

• Height: 260 meters
• Length: 575 meters
• Type: Earth and rock-fill
• Reservoir Capacity: 2,100,000 acre·ft
• River: Bhagirathi River
• Location: Uttarakhand
• Installed capacity: 1,000 MW

Bhakra Nangal Dam - Himachal Pradesh

Bhakra Nangal Dam is a gravity dam across the Sutlej river Himachal Pradesh. Bhakra Nangal is the largest dam in India, with a height of 225 meters and second largest Dam in Asia. Its reservoir, known as the “Gobind Sagar Lake” it is the second largest reservoir in India, the first being Indira Sagar dam.

Bhakra-Nangal-Dam-Himachal-Pradesh

• Height: 226 meters
• Length: 520 meters
• Type: Concrete gravity
• Reservoir Capacity: 7,501,775 acre·ft
• River: Sutlej River
• Location: Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
• Installed capacity: 1325 MW

Hirakud Dam - Orissa

Hirakud dam built across the Mahanadi River in tribal state Orissa. Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world about 26 km in length. There are two observation towers on the dam one is “Gandhi Minar” and another one is “Nehru Minar”. The Hirakud Reservoir is 55 km long used as multipurpose scheme intended for flood control, irrigation and power generation. It was one of the major multipurpose river valley project after Independence.

Hirakud-Dam-Orissa

• Height: 60.96  meters
• Length: 25.8 km
• Type: Composite Dam
• Reservoir Capacity: 4,779,965 acre·ft
• River: Mahanadi River
• Location: Orissa
• Installed capacity: 307.5 MW

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam - Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the world’s largest masonry dam with a height of 124 meters, built across Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is certainly the pride of India-considered the largest man-made lake in the world. The 1.6 km long with 26 gates dam was symbol of modern India’s architectural and technological triumphs over nature.

Nagarjuna-sagar-Dam-Andhra-Pradesh

• Height: 124 meters
• Length:1,450 meters
• Type: Masonry Dam
• Reservoir Capacity: 9,371,845 acre·ft
• River: Krishna River
• Location: Andhra Pradesh
• Installed capacity: 816 MW

Sardar Sarovar Dam - Gujarat

Sardar Sarovar Dam also known as “Narmada Dam” is the largest dam to be built, with a height of 163 meters, over the Sacred Narmada River in Gujarat. Drought prone areas of Kutch and Saurashtra will get irrigate by this project. The gravity dam is the largest dam of Narmada Valley Project with power facilities up to 200 MW. The dam is meant to benefit the 4 major states of India Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Sardar-Sarovar-Dam-Gujarat

• Height: 163 meters
• Length:1,210 meters
• Type: Gravity Dam
• Reservoir Capacity: 7,701,775 acre·ft
• River: Narmada River
• Location: Gujarat
• Installed capacity: 1,450 MW

Camel Festival in Bikaner

Rajasthan is an arid state known for extreme weather conditions, barren lands and the expansive desert at Jaisalmer. But Rajasthan is also the state enriched with deep traditions and culture, history, art, architecture and mythology. The state has promoted tourism in a focused manner. Even a casual visitor returns smitten by the imposing forts and palaces, brightly coloured folk traditions, and amazing natural beauty.

Decorated-Camel-for-Festival

Bikaner is a small town on the north west side of this culturally drenched state. It dates back to the 15th century, about 330 km from Jaipur, the state capital. If you love the spicy Rajasthani food, you must have heard of Bikaner, for it is the paradise for foodies.

Well connected by road and railways to major cities in the hinterland and neighboring states, Bikaner is also famous for its art and culture. The State Government, through its Department of Tourism, Art and Culture promotes many cultural festivals in Bikaner. The next one on the calendar is the International Camel Festival – something you cannot afford to miss! Make use of the long weekend and enjoy this festival from 26 – 27th January. Its Id-e-Milad on Friday the 25th, so most of us would be having a holiday! So book your tickets accordingly!

Want-a-Camel-ride

Experience the folk culture of Rajasthan in its true colours in this two day festival. Camels have been associated with the history of Rajasthan since times in memorial. When modern modes of transport were not available, camels proved to be handy as they could survive without water for long stretches and did not buckle under extreme weather conditions. They were used to move both people and goods, and are called “Ships of the Desert”, even today. Even many a hero has won wars on camels. This festival is to celebrate the association of camels with the land, their strength and beauty.

Folk-Dance-during-Camel-Festival

The festival begins with a parade of camels, beautifully decorated, from the mighty Junagadh fort to the vast open sandy lands. The camels are so well decked up that you would forget their otherwise ugly versions. There is lot of music, fun and frolic in the air. Different events, revolving around the camels, take place. They are so unique that you have to witness them yourself! Why, have you ever heard of a beauty pageant for camels? You will find one here in Bikaner, a town that has India’s only camel breeding centre.

Camel-Hair-Style

On the first day of the camel festival, there is a competition for the best groomed animal – and you would be surprised by the creativity of the local people. There are unique styles of fur cutting, and designs are made on the skin of the monstrous animal.  Then comes the tug of war, and camel dances. Can you believe it? The camels actually dance in synchronized movements in tune with the music, such is their training. On the second day, camel races are held. Needless to say, these festivities attracts tourists from all over the world and local residents to Bikaner in huge numbers!

Camel-Race

While you enjoy all the action, you get the opportunity to taste the rustic cuisine of the state. Gulp down tons of health as you consume tea made from camel milk, which is extremely tasty. Every evening there are folk dances and music recitals – performances that take you to rural Rajasthan, and spreads a trance in the air.

Camel-stage-show

So, what are you waiting for? 

Gujarat Tourism: Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair

In the era of the legendary epic Mahabharata, Pandavas King Arjun pierced the eye of the fish above him by only looking at its reflection in the water in order to win Draupadi’s hand for marriage; this swayamvar was organized at the Trinetreshwar Temple at Tarnetar village of Gujarat. Such goes the regional folklore about one of Gujarat’s and India’s most famous Tribal festivals- The Tarnetar Mela or as it is more formally called Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair.

This three-day “Tarnetar Fair” is held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar popularly known as Tarnetar

This fair held every year in the Bhadrapad (August-September) month of the Hindu calendar, is attended by all of the nearby tribal groups of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Khati and Charan. About hundred thousand people attended the event in the previous edition.

The Tarnetar Fair

About 75 km from Rajkot, in the Surendragarh District of Gujarat, lies this small hamlet called Tarnetar, which is host to a magnificent festival that celebrates tribal art, dance and music, but that’s just the crux of it, the major motive of the fair is a big community wide Swayamvar where girls choose their prospective bridegrooms for an eventual marriage. The prospective bridegrooms wear rich, embroidered traditional tribal costumes and carry an umbrella with them. These umbrellas and the hair style of the young boys are the distinguishing factor, and end up becoming the decisive factor in winning the most beautiful bride. The youth of the tribal groups work for almost a year on designing, coloring and embroidering the umbrellas for this very day.

Unmarried Men stand under exquisitely embroidered ‘Chatris’ signifying their marital status while young Women go around the chatris hunting for their grooms

The most precious thing of the fair is the spontaneity with which everyone just breaks into dancing upon listening to tribal folk music, the atmosphere is so immersing that you feel as if you are bound to the place, its culture and people. The color, the beautiful folk costumes, dance, music everything seems like a celebration of being one with the other. 

The Dance at the Tarnetar Fair

The village is also host to a Kund or artificial lake called ‘Papanshu’, whose water is believed to be as pure as that of holy River Ganges. After the Uttrayan Kite Festival, this is the next major festival Gujarat offers to the people who come to be enchanted by it.

Spot an original ‘Hudo’ folk dance in Tarnetar fair

Journey to Shri Hemkund Sahib

Shri Hemkund Sahib is the sacred place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a long time meditating in his previous birth, as mentioned in Bachittar Natak. Journey to Hemkund Sahib is a heavenly experience and full of lifetime memories because of its importance and adventure. Whole journey starting from Rishikesh is a travel along river Ganges.

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Shri Hemkund Sahib ji

Mesmerizing Onwards Journey

The journey  to Hemkund Sahib can be very comfortable if planned in advance and properly. I followed this itinerary from Delhi and found it to be most comfortable and time saving Delhi to Haridwar – By Train is ~4 Hrs. Haridwar station to Rishikesh Gurudwara – By road is ~45 minutes. You have 2 major options from Rishikesh Gurudwara to start the Yatra. One is Gurudwara Buses and other one is you can hire a dedicated Taxi.

Shri Hemkund Sahib-Route-Map

Rishikesh to Govindghat By Road  11 – 12 Hrs (This estimate is of travelling by Sumo Taxi). It is Via Joshimath, Joshimath to Govindghat is only ~2 Hrs. This time may vary significantly because of landslides on the way. All this route should be covered during day light, as otherwise it may be very dangerous because of landslides, narrow roads and steep valleys.  Ample Boarding/lodging arrangements available at Govind-Ghat in Gurudwara and nearby lodges.

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On-the-way-to-Joshimat

Govind-Ghat to Govind-Dham is ~ 13 KMs. You can to go Trekking or hire a Pony. Palki can be hired for aged people who cannot sit on Pony. For small kids  Pitthus  are also available.  Trekking time is dependent on your fitness level and Pony takes ~4.5 Hrs. This travelling also has to be completed in Day time and should be started as early as possible so that you get maximum rest for the final trekking to Hemkund Sahib next morning. You have ample Boarding/lodging options available at Govind-Dham in Gurudwara and nearby lodges. Luggage has to left here (Gurudwara Cloak room can be used for this if checking out from lodge. From here only Towels and essentials should be carried.

Gobind Dham

Govind-Dham to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is ~ 6 KMs. You can to go Trekking or hire a Pony. Palki can be hired for aged people who cannot sit on Pony. For small kids  Pitthus  are also available. You have to start Early morning and must return back same day. Pony takes around ~2 Hrs and Trekking time strictly dependent on your fitness levels. You have Langar available at Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and a First aid Centre with a Doctor  is also available. Snaan and Darshan does not takes much time but you would like to spend anything less than 2 Hrs.

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Hemkund Sahib

Spell Binding Backward Journey

Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara  to Govind-Dham. You have to return same day after Snaan and Darshan and Trekking down is much more convenient. Trekking down to Govind-Dham takes  ~2.5 Hrs, Pony may take ~1 Hour. Govind-Dham to Flower Valley is ~ 3 KMs. Govind-Dham to Hemkund Sahib and Back requires one day and Govind-Dham to Flower Valley and back requires another day. You can go to Flower Valley from Govind-Dham next day and distance and conditions are similar to Hemkund Sahib Trekking. Flower Valley closes down at 2:00 pm.

Valley in Hemkund Sahib

Govind-Dham to Govind-Ghat - It will take ~3.5 Hrs on Pony. Trekking down would depend on your fitness conditions. In case health is good trekking should be preferred to hiring a Pony as it Pony comes down at a speed and is not a very comfortable experience. If returning by Pony you can consider of reaching same day to Govind-Ghat (On the day of Darshan  or on the day of Flower Valley Visit) Govindghat to Rishikesh   This Journey depends upon how have you come either by Taxi or By Gurudwara Bus you have both the options.

Inside-of-Hemkund-Sahib

Important Notes:

Delhi to Hemkund Sahib and back is ~6 days Journey but very much dependent on weather conditions which is impacted primarily by landslides. You must have 2-3 days in hand. Above details does not include travel by Jathaas which originate from most of the big Indian Cities and are well guided travels. Essentials to be carried apart from woollens is rain coat, cheap raincoats are available at Govind-Ghat also.

Shri Hemkund Sahib