Mandira Dam

About Mandira Dam

Mandira Dam, located near Rourkela in Odisha, is a crucial irrigation structure built across the Sankh River. It plays a vital role in supplying water to the Rourkela Steel Plant and supporting local agriculture. Surrounded by verdant landscapes, the dam offers a peaceful and scenic retreat, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. Its tranquil setting amidst greenery makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities, contributing to the region’s natural beauty and environmental significance…

Official name – Mandira Dam
Impounds - Sankh river
Locale - Sundargarh
Maintained & Operated by - Deputy G.M.,WATER Management,RSP,Rourkela
Length - 426.8mtrs
Height - 35.37mtrs
Opening date - In 1993
Construction Cost -
Capacity – 8494 cumec
Catchment area - 25,250km2
Surface area -
Geographical Data (Location of map) - Lat. 220 16′ N & Long. 840 40′ E

Location information Mandira Dam

Mandira Dam is located in Kuanrmunda, Sundargarh District, Odisha, with the pincode 770039. It is situated approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Rourkela, offering a scenic retreat surrounded by lush greenery and hills, easily accessible by road from Rourkela.

History of Mandira Dam

Mandira Dam was constructed in 1959 across the Sankh River primarily to provide water to the Rourkela Steel Plant, which played a pivotal role in India’s industrial development. The dam also supports irrigation and hydroelectric power generation for the surrounding regions. Over the years, it has contributed significantly to the agricultural growth of nearby areas, while also emerging as a scenic tourist attraction. The construction of the dam was part of India’s post-independence industrialization efforts, with Rourkela becoming one of the key hubs for steel production.

Languages in Mandira Dam

• Odia
• Hindi
• English
• Sambalpuri
• Bengali

Interesting Things to Do at Mandira Dam

• Boating: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the calm waters of the dam, offering a scenic view of the surrounding greenery and hills.
• Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching local freshwater fish in the reservoir, with the necessary permits.
• Picnicking: The serene atmosphere around the dam makes it an ideal spot for picnics with family and friends.
• Birdwatching: The area around the dam is home to various bird species, especially during the monsoon, making it a perfect spot for birdwatchers.
• Photography: Capture stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the dam’s surroundings are bathed in natural light.
• Trekking: Explore the nearby hills and trails that offer a mild trekking experience with breathtaking views of the dam and the surrounding forest.

Interesting Things to Visit Nearby Mandira Dam

Mandira Dam is located in a region rich with natural beauty and cultural significance. You can explore a variety of temples, waterfalls, and dams in the vicinity, offering both spiritual and scenic experiences. These places are all within a 30-50 km radius of the dam.

Mobile Range Info

The area surrounding Mandira Dam is well-covered by major telecom providers, including 4G services. Both BSNL and Jio offer reliable network connectivity, with Airtel also providing good service in nearby regions. Tourists can expect stable mobile coverage for calls and internet usage, even in more remote areas near the dam. 5G services are gradually being rolled out in nearby urban centers, including Rourkela, which is around 20 km from the dam.

Nearest Visiting Places from Mandira Dam

• For Heritage Enthusiasts: Vedavyas Temple – A serene and spiritual site at the confluence of two rivers, located about 15 km from the dam.
• For Pilgrimage Lovers: Rani Sati Mandir and Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Rourkela – Both temples are popular among devotees, located approximately 20 km from Mandira Dam.
• For Adventure Seekers: Khandadhar Waterfall – One of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha, located around 80 km from Mandira Dam, perfect for trekking and nature exploration.
• For Wildlife Lovers: Darjing and Deodhar Falls – Nestled in nature, about 40 km from the dam, offering scenic views and chances to spot local wildlife.

Nearest Petrol Pump Nearby Mandira Dam

• Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Kalunga: Located about 15 km from Mandira Dam on the Rourkela-Kalunga road, this is the closest petrol station offering fuel and other services.
• HP Petrol Pump, Panposh: Around 20 km away from the dam, situated in the Panposh area of Rourkela, this petrol pump provides both petrol and diesel services.
• BPCL Petrol Pump, Vedvyas: Approximately 18 km from Mandira Dam, near the Vedvyas Temple, this is another nearby option for refueling.

Hotels/Lodges/Accommodation Nearby Mandira Dam

• Mayfair Rourkela: A luxury hotel located about 25 km from Mandira Dam in the heart of Rourkela. It offers premium amenities, comfortable rooms, and excellent dining options.
• Hotel Radhika, Rourkela: A mid-range hotel approximately 20 km from Mandira Dam. It provides clean rooms, good service, and is a popular choice for travelers visiting the area.
• Panthnivas Rourkela: A budget-friendly accommodation option managed by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, located around 22 km from Mandira Dam. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• Hotel Shubham, Rourkela: A comfortable and affordable hotel located about 23 km from the dam, offering modern amenities and easy access to major attractions in Rourkela.
• Hotel Anurag, Rourkela: Another budget-friendly option situated about 24 km from Mandira Dam. Known for its basic yet clean rooms and proximity to the city’s key locations.

Things to Carry for Mandira Dam

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as there may be limited drinking water facilities near the dam.
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful surroundings and panoramic views of the dam.
• Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
• Insect Repellent: To avoid insect bites, especially if you’re visiting during the monsoon or near dusk.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, particularly if you plan to explore the area on foot.
• Light Snacks: Carry some snacks as there might be limited food options near the dam.

Tips & Suggestions for Mandira Dam

The local community around Mandira Dam is friendly and welcoming, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious with your valuables. Here are some helpful tips:

• Keep an eye on your expensive belongings, such as cameras, smartphones, and wallets, especially in public areas.
• Avoid carrying too much cash or unnecessary valuables when exploring the dam and surrounding areas.
• It’s best to travel light and carry only what you need for the day.
• If possible, secure your belongings in a backpack or bag that can be kept close to you at all times.
• Be aware of your surroundings and ensure your belongings are not left unattended.

Help Line/Phone Number in Mandira Dam

For any assistance during your visit to Mandira Dam, you can use the following contact details:

• Emergency Services: Dial 100 for police or 108 for medical emergencies.
• Tourism Information Office (Rourkela): +91 661-2500385
• Odisha Tourism Contact: +91 9437032345 / info@odishatourism.gov.in

If you have any booking inquiries or need assistance related to your stay, you can also contact:

Email: booking@odishatourismcentre.com

For more information and a virtual experience of the dam, you can visit:

Youtube Links:

• Mandira Dam Overview Video 1
• Mandira Dam Overview Video 2

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Climate & weather

• Summer - March to May

• Average Maximum Temperature - 40°C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 28°C

• Average Precipitation - 40 mm

• Monsoon - June to October

• Average Maximum Temperature - 32°C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 25°C

• Average Precipitation - 220 mm

• Winter - November to February

• Average Maximum Temperature - 28°C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 12°C

• Average Precipitation - 23 mm

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Odia thali, temple prasad, and local snacks like chhena poda are regional specialities.

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.

Best time to visit Mandira Dam

October to March offers pleasant weather. The post-monsoon period (October–December) is ideal to see the dam at full capacity with water overflowing.

Timings & opening hours

Open during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Restricted access may apply near dam operational areas.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee for general viewing areas. Some view points or parks near the dam may have a nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to view the dam, reservoir, and surrounding scenery.

Safety tips

Do not venture into restricted operational areas. Swimming near dam outlets is dangerous and prohibited. Follow all safety signage and instructions from dam authorities. Supervise children closely.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (100–300 km). Nearest Railway Station: Rourkela Railway Station (10–40 km). Nearest Bus Stand: Rourkela Bus Stand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the dam at any time? The dam area is open during daylight hours. Some operational areas have restricted access for safety reasons.

Is there an entry fee? No, there is no fee to view the dam from public areas.

What is the best time to see the dam? October to January is the best time when the reservoir is full after the monsoon and the surrounding landscape is lush green.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Odisha
• Category: Dams

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.