There are copious of water streams in the state of Orissa which will craft your trip of this state as an enjoyable and exciting escapade. These water streams range from salt water to fresh water lagoons to mock basins next to enormous hydel power plants and dams; hot sulphur water leaps to the extravagant Waterfalls.
Lots of streams run through this state’s countryside with exactitude of a sharp saw, rippling river gorges and fertile fields as it budges for meeting with the saline waters of the Bay of Bengal.
These streams particularly Rushikulya, Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha, generate stunning cascades as they fall through the undulating ranges enclosed in the dense jungles.
Joranda and Barehipani placed in (National Park of Simlipal), Badaghagra and Sanaghagar located in (Keonjhar), Padhanpuri located in (Deogarh), Khandadhar placed in (Sundargarh) and Rabandhara,Khandabaladhar and Phurlijharan located in (Kalahandi), Kentamari placed in (Boudh), Putudi positioned in (Phulbani), Duduma placed in (Malkangiri), and Bogra positioned in (Koraput) are several of the well-known cascades which you can stopover on your trip to Orissa.
Moreover cascades, there are scorching Sulphur springs placed at (Atri) also scorching water spring placed at Tarabalo,Taptapani and Deulajhari, which pulls visitors towards it.
Ansupa Lake and Chilika Lake are the two of the well-liked lakes of this state which is a safe haven for endangered and migratory aboriginal birds. The Indravati and Hirakud basins are also well-liked visitors favorite place for the striking landscape and amusement amenities such as boating and fishing.
Sightseeing of this state offers modified tour correspondences to Orissa which can be distorted to embrace some of the exceeding destination for your trip to this state while taking all the considerations like your interests, and convenience.
Ansupa Lake
- Location: 35 kms from the Cuttack District of Orissa
- Type of Lake: Freshwater
- Size: 5 km in Length and 1.6 km in width
- Surface area: 141 ha
The Ansupa lake is a horseshoe shaped freshwater lake which is located on the left bank of the Mahanadi river. The lake is located at a proximity of 70 kms from the city of Cuttack and acts as a shelter for migratory birds. This is a small and extremely picturesque lake which holds a prominent position in the tourist map.
The Ansupa is like a horse shoe shaped freshwater lake on the left bank of the Mahanadi in the Cuttack District which is 1.6 kms wide.
The area of the water spread has decreased from 176 ha by about 50% in the year 2008. The lake is reputed for its unique Bio-diversity.
Accommodation:
The lake is a great tourist attraction and accolade for its proximity and beauty. There are number of guest houses and hotels that are close to the lake. A number of visitors can reach the lakeside.
Travel:
It is a major freshwater lake in India. In recent times the lake is going through a makeover. This attention grabbing tourist attraction is well connected by road, rail and air.
Conservation of the Lake:
State Government of India has initiated an integrated Sustainable Environmental management programme. The Government has provided financial assistance worth Rs 6.14 crores.
Some soil conservation measures such as gully control taps and water harvesting structures have been constructed at the catchment areas.
The arrest eroded soil comes into the lake and is an arrangement for flushing water.
Mahanadi River
- Overall length of the River: 560 miles
- Flows: Parts of Orissa, Jharkhand and Madyapradesh
- Tributaries: Sambalpur, Somnath and Telen
- Landmarks: Satkosia Gorge
- Length Basin: 900 km (599miles)
- Source: Dhamtari, Dandakaranya and Sihawa
The course of the Mahanadi River runs north draining the Chhattisgarh Plain. The Seonath River flows east and enters the state of Orissa. At Sambalpur the Hirakud Dam on the river is formed by a man made lake which is 55-km and has many hydroelectric plants. The dam of the Mahanadi turns south and has a torturous course which pierces through the Eastern Ghats.
The course of the rivers bends in the east it enters Orissa near Cuttack and enters the Bay of Bengal through several channels at False Point.
The Mahanadi flows at stretch of 35 miles which has an estimated drainage area of 51,000 square miles. Like most seasonal rivers of India Mahanadi is also a combination of many mountain rivers.
The river supplies water to several irrigation canals near Cuttack and is situated on the famous pilgrimage site of Puri.
The river Mahanadi flows into the eastern portion of the Raipur District. The Mahanadi River flows through the eastern portion of the Raipur district.
Brahmani River
This river was formed with the integration of South Koel River. The Brahmani flows for about 300 miles and winds up generally in the south east part of Bonaigarh and talcher which turns east to join the Mahanadi River just before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
The Mahanadi has gained notoriety for its ability to create devastating floods. However the construction of the Hirakud Dam has helped in altering a catastrophe. There is a network of canals dams and barrages which have been built to keep the river in control.
Hirakud Dam
- Location: 10 km from Sambalpur in Orissa
- Type of Dam: Dam and Reservoir
- Height: 60.96 m (200 ft)
- Impounds: Mahanadi
- Spillways: 64 sluice gates
- Spillway capacity: 42,450 cu. Mt
- Date of Construction: 1948
- Construction Cost: Rs 101 crore in the year 1957
The Hirakud dam is built across the Mahanadi River which is located in Sambalpur in the State of Orissa in India. The Dam was completed in the year 1948 and is the longest earthen dam ever. The Hirakud Reservoir is 55 km long and is one of the longest dams in the world.
After India became independent, the Hirakud dam became one of the first major river valley projects.
The dam is basically a composite structure made of concrete earth and masonry. It is also the longest earthen dam in Asia. It includes dykes and stands across the river Mahanadi. The major dam has an overall length of around 4.8 km.
The dam was completed in 1953 and was formally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal who laid the foundation stones on 12 April 1948. Power generation with agricultural irrigation had started in the year 1956 and reached optimum potential in the year 1966.
The Hirakud dam was initially built as precautionary measure to protect the massive flood that affected the coastal part of Orissa. The construction of the dam affected the native part of Orissa.
Wildlife:
The Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located near the dam. There are number of species of migratory birds that visit the reservoir during winter.
Cattle Island:
The Cattle Island is located in one of the extreme points of the Hirakud Reservoir which is a natural wonder. The island is located near the kumarbandh village of Belpahar Banharpalli mountain range which is at least 90 km from Sambalpur.
The city of Sambalpur can be approached via the Hirakud dam. It is closer by 10 km via the river.
Sorada Ghai :
- Also Known as: Sarada Ghai
- Famous as: A place for an Excursion
Sorada Ghai is an ideal place for an outing and the water of this reservoir is channelized to the Rushikulya River for immigration. At times the water of this irrigation is channelized to the Rushikulya River for irrigation.
Danaher and upper Jonk are irrigation projects that are ideal places for outing.
Upper Jonk :
- Location: Near Patora Village from the Nawapara district of Orissa
Upper Jonk is located near the Patora Village which is 16 km from Nawapara District Headquarters in Orissa. The irrigation project near village Patora from Nawapara is place of uncommon scenic charm and was an asylum to aquatic fauna.
Surrounded by Greenclad hills it preserves a Culture which dates back to the pre-Christian era at Manikagarh.
Rengali :
- Location: 92 km from Angul Orissa
- Famous as: An Outing Place
The machkund hydro electric project was created through a lovely reservoir which was definitely worth a visit.
The Brahmani River shelters a dam and reservoir at Rengali amidst picturesque environs. The Rengali reservoir which is situated in the midst of nature’s beauty is a popular picnic spot for localities and visitors alike.
At a distance of 92 km from Angul the Rengali lake acts as a quite place for an outing.
Kolab Reservoir :
- Location: Approximately 15 km from Koraput, Orissa
- Famous as: An Outing Place
It is only 15 km from koraput and forms a reservoir called the Upper Kolab Irrigation Project. An ideal place for outing is the panacea of city dwellers.
The Kolab dam is at an altitude of about 3000 ft which is currently above the sea level on the river kolab. The place is highly admired for its scenic beauty and for attracting people for boating and weekend picnics.
Indravati River
- Located: Near Tentuli Khunti which is 20 km from Nawarangpur in Orissa.
The river rises from the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi district of Orissa. The Chitrakoot falls is located near the Indravati River which is about 40 km from Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Indravati is called the lifeline of the Bastar District and is now one of few green Districts of India.
The Indravati river makes is well known for being a great Hydro-electric Project in the state of Orissa. The dam is also a major Picnic spot and generates ample of hydroelectric power. The Indravati Dam has a catchment area of 2630 kilometers. Balimela is known as a joint project of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh Governments and the inflow into the Balimela Reservoir.
The vast blue expanse of the Indravati river is guarded by a green capped soaring hill which provides visitors with once in a lifetime experience.
