Tawa Reservoir

About Tawa Reservoir

Tawa Reservoir is a large reservoir on the Tawa River in central India. It is located in Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam, which began in 1958 and was completed in 1978. The dam provides for irrigation to several thousand hectares of farming land in Hoshangabad and Harda districts. It is also a big tourist attraction during the monsoon months. A Cruise boat service has been started by the tourism department for visitors to the dam and reservoir.

The dam has brought prosperity to the Hoshangabad district.The Tawa River is a tributary of the Narmada River of central India.

The Tawa is the Narmada’s longest tributary, at 172 km. It rises in the Satpura Range of Betul and Chhindwara districts, flowing north and west to join the Narmada at the village of Bandra Bhan in Hoshangabad District.

In 1958, construction began on Tawa Dam, which was completed in 1978 to create Tawa Reservoir in southern Hoshangabad District. Forty-four villages were submerged by the reservoir.

India’s oldest forest preserve, the Bori Reserve Forest, was established in 1865 along the Tewa. The Bori Reserve Forest is presently part of the Bori Sanctuary, which is part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Preserve, established in 1999, which covers much of the upper watershed of the Tawa.

Tawa Reservoir forms the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Therefore, through the case of Tawa reservoir, we are trying to understand the fisheries resource and the production scenario. Tawa reservoir has undergone operation through different management regime, and hence, provides an opportunity to comprehend the performance of these regimes and their implications on fisheries resources. In this paper, our attempt is therefore, to understand the dynamics of the fisheries resource of Tawa reservoir.

With the limited available data, we analyse the catch and stocking relationship, predator- prey relationship and also to identify the determinants that influence the productivity of the Tawa reservoir. Based on the time-series data available a model was developed to determine the production possibility of the fish resource in Tawa. Our finding suggests that among different regimes existed in Tawa fisheries management, the cooperative form under Tawa Matsya Sangha (TMS)’s performance is better.“ Hence creates a lot of opportunities for economic development of the rural people. Reservoir fisheries are classic case of Common Pool Resources (CPRS) and hence require comprehensive institutional arrangement that can ensure productivity of the fish resources without compromising with the ecological needs.

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Best time to visit Tawa Reservoir

October to March for pleasant weather

How to reach Tawa Reservoir

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal) / Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) / Dumna Airport (Jabalpur) / Gwalior Airport are the nearest airports with regular flights from major Indian cities. By Rail: Well-connected via Indian Railways network with regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and other major cities. By Road: Regular state bus services and private taxis available from nearby cities. Madhya Pradesh has a well-maintained network of national highways.

Timings & opening hours

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry; nominal parking fee

Duration needed

1-2 hours

Location info

Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state.

Safety tips

Stay behind safety barriers; do not enter restricted areas; no swimming near dam walls

Things to carry

Camera; water bottle; walking shoes

Nearby visiting places

Reservoir catchment area, gardens, viewpoints, and nearby temples

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Accommodation options available in the nearest town/city. MP Tourism hotels, private resorts, and budget lodges are available near major tourist destinations. Advance booking recommended during peak season (October-March).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Tawa Reservoir

Tawa Reservoir is a large reservoir on the Tawa River in central India. It is located in Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam, which began in 1958 and was completed in 1978. The dam provides for irrigation to several thousand hectares of farming land in Hoshangabad and Harda districts. It is also a big tourist attraction during the monsoon months. A Cruise boat service has been started by the tourism department for visitor

Things to do at Tawa Reservoir

View the dam structure, enjoy the reservoir views, take photographs, visit nearby gardens and parks, and learn about water management at interpretation centres.

Things to visit & highlights

Main attraction, surrounding natural or cultural sites, local markets, and nearby points of interest in the region.

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Emergency Services: Police - 100, Ambulance - 108, Fire - 101. District helpline numbers available at local tourist information centres. For wildlife/national park emergencies, contact the forest department control room. MP Tourism helpline: 1800-233-6500 (toll-free).

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum retail outlets are available in the nearest town or city. Major highways have fuel stations at regular intervals. It is advisable to fill fuel before entering remote areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks where fuel stations may be limited.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of this dam? Capacities vary; most MP dams serve irrigation and hydroelectric purposes for surrounding regions.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing requires permission from local authorities.

Are there boating facilities? Boating is available at some reservoir dams (check local arrangements).

What is the best viewing point? The dam wall and the upstream reservoir area offer excellent views.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Dams And Reservoirs

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.