Madhya Pradesh


Gandhi Sagar Dam

Gandhi Sagar Dam

About:

Gandhi Sagar Dam is one of the four major dams built on the Chambal River, situated in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. The dam plays a vital role in irrigation, water supply, and electricity generation for the region, forming a large reservoir called Gandhi Sagar Lake. It is also a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic surroundings, wildlife sanctuary, and water sports opportunities.



Below the fort, not far from the banks of the Betwa is a gigantic black-painted statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain pontiffs whose symbol, as at Gwalior, is an Antelope.

Location info:
State: Madhya Pradesh
District: Ashoknagar
Coordinates: 24.45° N, 75.56° E
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:
Summer: Hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40-45°C from March to June. Monsoon: The region experiences moderate rainfall from July to September, which helps replenish the reservoir. Winter: Mild and pleasant weather from October to February, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it the ideal time to visit. 

History:
Gandhi Sagar Dam was constructed as part of the Chambal Valley Development Project in the early 1960s. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960. The dam is named after Mahatma Gandhi and is one of the earliest multi-purpose dams in India. Its construction helped transform the agricultural landscape in the surrounding areas by providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Interesting things to do:

Boating:
Enjoy boat rides on Gandhi Sagar Lake, taking in the stunning views of the dam and surrounding nature..

Wildlife Safari:
Explore the nearby Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to various species like leopards, deer, and migratory birds.

Photography:
Capture the scenic beauty of the dam, lake, and the Chambal River, especially during sunrise or sunset.

 

Interesting things to Visit:

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Adjacent to the dam, this sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare bird species and forested landscapes.

Chambal Garden:
A beautiful garden near the dam, perfect for picnicking and relaxation.

Chourasgarh Fort:
An ancient fort located on a hill near the dam, offering panoramic views of the lake and dam.

Mobile range info:
Mobile networks are generally available near the dam and the surrounding areas. However, deeper inside the wildlife sanctuary or near the reservoir, the signal may be weak.  

How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, about 250 km away.
By Train: Kota Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, located about 140 km away.
Road Transport:Bus and Cars for hire

Nearest Visiting places:

Jain Temples at Thubon:
A popular pilgrimage site located 32 km from Chanderi.

Badal Mahal Gate:
A monumental gate in Chanderi that showcases excellent craftsmanship.

Shahazadi ka Rauza
Built by the Malwa Sultans in the memory of a princess, the building has intriguing arches and geometrical designs. The exterior of the Shahazadi ka Rauza is decorated with ornate arches and a band of geometrical designs.

Parmeshwar Tal
The Placid Parmeshwar Tal rests half a mile to the north-west of Chanderi town. The credit goes to the Bundela Rajput Kings for the construction of this impressive tank. An ancient temple and many memorials built in the honor of the royal Rajput kings are also present here.

Battisi Baowdi
Built in 1485 by Sultan Ghyasuddin Shah, the place derives its name from a flight of thirty-two steps.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The nearest petrol pump is located in Chanderi town, around 2-3 km from the fort.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Check out the Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and Rest House near the bus stand. Also

  • Hotel Shrikunj
  • Hotel Sadabahar
  • Shri Digambar Jain Dharamshala
  • Shri Parshunath Dharamshala
  • Shri Yugal Kishore Dharamshaladeri is connected by regular bus services with Gwalior, Indore, Guna, Shivpuri, Ashok Nagar, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Tikamgarh, Vidisha, Sanchi and Bhopal.

Things to carry:
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun. Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and exploring the area. Binoculars and a camera for bird watching and capturing the scenic landscape. Snacks and water, as there are limited food options near the dam. Insect repellent, especially if you plan to visit the wildlife sanctuary.

Tips & Suggestions:
The best time to visit is during the winter months (October to February) to avoid the intense summer heat. It is advisable to plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best views and to avoid the midday sun. Respect wildlife regulations while visiting the sanctuary, and avoid disturbing the animals or their habitat. Be cautious near the dam and lake, as the area can be slippery during the monsoon season. Carry enough cash, as card facilities may not be available in the nearby areas.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

1.Habib Ganj Police Station
MP Nagar Zone-II, MP Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

2.Police Station
Nishat Pura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462030

3.Police Thana
Gotame Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001

4.Piplani police station
Piplani, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

5.Cantonment Police Station
NH 26, Sagar Cantt., Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Society/Community Phone Number:9678543675