Mahanadi River
The Mahanadi River flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and it is 858 kilometers long. It is a major river in eastern central India. This river is made up of several hilly rivers and is situated at the top of the hill of Dhmatri district. These are the expanses of the Eastern Ghats of the hills and many other streams emerge from the source and in the Mahanadi. Then the Mahanadi river flows and meets zonk and Hasdeo rivers and reaches Odisha. Near the Sambalpur of Odisha, the…

Quick facts
| Location information Mahanadi River | It is located Sihawa, Dhamtari, Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh, India, 493778. It is located Sihawa, Dhamtari, Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh, India, 493778. |
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About Mahanadi River
The Mahanadi River flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha and it is 858 kilometers long. It is a major river in eastern central India. This river is made up of several hilly rivers and is situated at the top of the hill of Dhmatri district. These are the expanses of the Eastern Ghats of the hills and many other streams emerge from the source and in the Mahanadi. Then the Mahanadi river flows and meets zonk and Hasdeo rivers and reaches Odisha. Near the Sambalpur of Odisha, the world’s largest dam Hirakud dam blocks its water, Lamdangi and Chandili spreads between Dungari hills.
Importance of Mahanadi River
- Mahanadi Valley is the most famous for its rich agriculture and the soil here is very fertile. Nowadays agriculture mainly relies on different canals from the river. Here mainly crops like rice, oilseeds and sugarcane.
- This river was notorious for its devastating flood, but the Hirakud dam has been constructed here, then situation here has changed.
Languages in Mahanadi River
- Chhattisgarhi
- Odia
- Hindi
- English
- Bengali
Nearest Visiting places from Mahanadi River
- Gangrel Dam - It is located near Mahanadi River, Dhamtari, India and this is one of the biggest dams of Chhattisgarh. This dam supplies water to Raipur, Bhilai and other cities.
- Madamsilli Dam - This Dam is situated Dhamtari, Odisha. It is one of the oldest dam of chhattisgarh. It was developed around 70-80 years ago.
- Dudhawa Dam - It is located Dudhawa Village and near the Mahanadi River, Dhamtari, India. It is perfect place to enjoy the peace.
- Sondur Dam - It is situated a tributary of Mahanadi, in the district of Dhamtari, near Nagri village. You can see thrilling view in Monsoons.
- Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary - Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary located Raipur-Deobhog State Highway, Dhamtari, India. This Sanctuary in real is a Naxal occupied Sanctuary and whole of the sanctuary is now controlled by CRPF Forces.
Nearest Petrol Pump near by Mahanadi River
- HP petrol station
Dhamtari Rd; Achhota; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
- HP PETROL PUMP - SHRI BALAJI FUELS
Hpcl Petrol Pump Khasra NO. 172/2; Arjuni Raipur; Raipur-Abhanpur Rd; Raipura; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
- HP PETROL PUMP - B BANSILAL
HPC Dealer Station Road; Dist Dhamtari (CG); Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
- Shree Danteswari Fuels
Khapri; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
- M H M NAZAF ALI
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Mahanadi River
Arihant Shree Apartments
Add: Bhairudan Manaklal Nahar; Itwari Bazar; Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773
Hotel imperial
Add: sihawa chowk; Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
Gajpal Sadan
Add: shradha; Sharda Nagar; Nirman Nagar; Maharashtra; India
SONU HOTEL
Add: Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
Hotel Mittal
Add: Industrial Area; Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
shimon inn
Add: NH26; Subhash Nagar; Dhamtari; Chhattisgarh 493773; India
Help Line/Phone Number in Mahanadi River
- Dhamtari Christian Hospital
Contact - 096301 94055 - Dhamtari police Station
Contact - +(91)-7705-223134 - Fire Services
Contact - 94252-60168 - Railway Enquiry
Contact - 139 - Swami Vivekananda Airport
Contact - 077124 18167 - City Blood Bank
Contact - 077140 96061
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Location info
- It is located Sihawa, Dhamtari, Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh, India, 493778.
It is located Sihawa, Dhamtari, Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh, India, 493778.
Climate & weather
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Summer - March to May
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Average Minimum Temperature - 36° C
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Average Minimum Temperature - 24° C
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Average Precipitation - 40 mm
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Monsoon - June to October
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Average Minimum Temperature - 32° C
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Average Minimum Temperature - 25° C
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Average Precipitation - 220 mm
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Summer - March to May
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Average Minimum Temperature - 28° C
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Average Minimum Temperature - 17° C
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Average Precipitation - 23 mm
Mobile network coverage
Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Odisha. 4G is reliable in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and along the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Coverage may be weaker in remote tribal areas, interior forests, and certain coastal stretches. Most hotels in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.
Food & restaurants nearby
Food options are available in the nearest town. Odia thali, temple prasad, and local snacks like chhena poda are regional specialities.
Best time to visit Mahanadi River
October to March offers pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after monsoon (July–December). Summer months (April–June) may see reduced water levels.
How to reach Mahanadi River
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is the nearest major airport. By Train: The nearest railway station is Cuttack Railway Station. By Road: Accessible by state highways and local roads from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Timings & opening hours
Accessible 24 hours. Best visited during daylight hours for safety.
Entry fee & tickets
No entry fee. Boat rides or fishing permits may have charges.
Duration needed
1–2 hours at a ghat or river viewpoint; half a day if boating or fishing.
Safety tips
Avoid swimming in deep or unknown stretches of the river. Be cautious during monsoon when water levels rise rapidly. Do not venture into the river during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Things to carry
Drinking water, camera, hat, sunscreen. For boating: life jacket (ensure provided by operator).
Nearest airport, railway & bus
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (60–200 km). Nearest Railway Station: Cuttack Railway Station (5–30 km). Nearest Bus Stand: Cuttack Bus Stand.
History of Mahanadi River
Mahanadi River is an important river in Odisha, flowing for approximately 858 kilometres through the state before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The river has sustained agricultural communities along its banks for centuries and holds cultural significance in local traditions and festivals.
Things to do at Mahanadi River
Enjoy riverside walks along the ghats, observe daily life of local communities, indulge in birdwatching (many bird species are found along riverbanks), and take boat rides where available.
Things to visit & highlights
The scenic riverbanks, bathing ghats, temples situated along the river, and villages that showcase the traditional riverine lifestyle of Odisha. The river meets the sea at its mouth, creating picturesque estuaries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a boat ride on the river? Boat rides are available at select ghats and stretches of the river. Inquire locally for boating options.
Is fishing allowed? Fishing is permitted in most stretches of the river. Local fishing communities are active along the riverbanks.
What is the best time to visit the river? October to March offers pleasant weather. The river is fullest after the monsoon, making it very scenic.
Map & location view
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Photo gallery of Mahanadi River
Video gallery
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