Sapua Dam: A perfect blend of nature and engineering in Odisha

Sapua Dam is a concrete barrage situated in the Hindol block of the Dhenkanal district about 90 km from Bhubaneswar. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and serene surroundings. The dam was built as a medium irrigation project and completed in 2006. It attracts thousands of tourists for activities such as camping, sightseeing, and picnics.

The dam stands at a height of 44.8 meters and has a length of 590 meters. It has a storage capacity of 1,130 million cubic meters of water. The dam’s irrigation system serves over 12,000 hectares of land in the nearby areas. It also provides flood protection to the surrounding areas during the monsoon season. The dam’s hydroelectric power station has a generation capacity of 2.5 MW.

In addition to its practical uses, the Sapua Dam also serves as a popular tourist destination. The dam’s reservoir provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and the surrounding area offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Have a look at some breathtaking photos of Sapua Dam in this Instagram post

It is a major source of irrigation and power generation in the region. However, it has also faced criticism from environmentalists who argue that the dam has caused significant damage to the local ecosystem and displaced communities living in the area.

Overall, the Sapua Dam is an important infrastructure project that has provided numerous benefits to the people of Odisha. While addressing the criticism, it remains a crucial source of irrigation and power generation in the region

Consider reading – 20 Must Visit Best Tourist Places in Odisha

How to reach Sapua Dam?

To reach Sapua Dam here are some possible options:

By Road: If you are travelling by car or bus, you can take National Highway 55 to reach Dhenkanal and then take the road towards Hindol Block; from there, you can take local transportation or hire a taxi to reach the dam. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack to Dhenkanal, and then take another bus or taxi to reach the Hindol block, and finally take a local transportation or hire a taxi to reach the dam.

By Train: The nearest railway station is in Dhenkanal, which is well-connected to major cities in Odisha as well as other parts of India. From the railway station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Hindol Block, and from there take local transportation or hire a taxi to reach the dam.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, From there you can take a taxi or bus to reach Dhenkanal, and then take a local transportation or hire a taxi to reach Hindol block and finally reach the dam.

What to expect in Sapua Dam?

Here are some things you can expect to see and do at the dam:

• Scenic views: The dam and reservoir offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. You may be able to see the water and the greenery around it.
• Boating: Some facilities may be available to take a boat ride on the reservoir.
• Fishing: You may also be able to fish in the reservoir, with proper licenses and permissions.
• Picnic and recreation: The area around the dam may have picnic spots and recreational facilities like parks, playgrounds etc.
• Irrigation: The dam is also used for irrigation purposes, you may see the irrigation channels and farmers working in the fields.

It’s worth noting that the availability of these activities and facilities may vary depending on the time of year and local regulations. You may want to check with local authorities or the dam’s management before visiting to confirm.

Sapua Dam Distance from Major destinations

Let’s look at Sapua Dam’s Distance from Major destinations:

What is the best time to visit Sapua dam?

The best time to visit Sapua Dam would depend on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do there. Here are a few things to consider:

• Weather: The weather in Odisha can be hot and humid during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Winter months are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, making it more comfortable to visit the dam.
• Monsoon: The dam area may be closed during the monsoon season as the water level increases and there may be a risk of flooding.
• Irrigation season: The irrigation season in the area is also an important factor, you may see the irrigation channels and farmers working in the fields if you visit during the irrigation season.
• Festivals: If you are interested in experiencing local culture and festivals, you may want to plan your visit around a time when there are festivals happening in the area.

Overall, the best time to visit Sapua Dam would be during the winter or pre-monsoon months, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is low. You may want to check with local authorities or the dam’s management about the current situation before planning your visit.

Places to visit near Sapua dam

List of places to visit near Sapua Dam in Dhenkanal:

1. Kapilash Temple: The Kapilash Temple is located about 65 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a popular destination for pilgrims. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape as it is situated on top of a hill.
2. Saptasajya: Saptasajya is located about 45 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a scenic hill station that is surrounded by lush green forests. The place is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekking and camping.
3. Deojhar Waterfall: The Deojhar Waterfall is located about 40 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a stunning waterfall that is surrounded by dense forests. The waterfall is perfect for picnics and offers a peaceful and serene environment.
4. Ansupa Lake: The Ansupa Lake is located about 45 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a beautiful freshwater lake that is surrounded by lush green forests. The lake is perfect for boating and offers a serene environment for picnics and relaxation.
5. Dhenkanal Palace: The Dhenkanal Palace is located about 45 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a beautiful palace that was built in the 19th century. The palace is known for its unique architecture and is a popular destination for history buffs.
6. Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 65 kilometres from Sapua Dam and is a popular destination for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.

In conclusion, Dhenkanal is a beautiful district that offers visitors a wide range of attractions to explore. From stunning waterfalls and freshwater lakes to ancient temples and palaces, there is something for everyone near Sapua Dam. Be sure to visit these nearby attractions to make the most of your trip.

FAQs on Sapua Dam