Are you planning a visit to Himachal Pradesh or Punjab? If so, you should make it a point to visit the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which is standing on the borders of both these states. This dam is a confluence of a couple of dams built on the Sutlej River. It is in the northern part of India.
As mentioned earlier, this dam is a confluence of two dams. One of them is the Bhakra Dam, a distinct gravity dam. It stands as the giant straight gravity dam on earth. It is standing in the Bilaspur District of the state of Himachal Pradesh at a gorge near the Bhakra Village. The length of this dam is 1700 feet long, and its height is 740 feet. From these values, you can judge how long and how high the dam stands.
The other dam is Nangal Dam, which is standing downstream of the Bhakra Dam. It is a smaller dam on the eastern part. It is on the Nangal Village on the state of Punjab. This dam is 43000 feet long and 36 feet high. Both of them together are called Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
Bhakra Nangal Dam – An Introduction
In 2013, the Government of India approved the release of a stamp remembering the 50th anniversary of the dam. Not only the 50th year but also to honour the dam for being the only dam to produce 1500 MW Power during that time, a stamp was released.
History of the Dam
The Bhakra Nangal dam project holds the pride of being one of the initial river valley development projects that commenced after Indian Independence. The dam was established in 1963. In 1909, the Lieutenant Government of Punjab, Sir Louis Dane, suggested the development of a reservoir on the Sutlej River. He gave this suggestion to build a dam to store water and develop power. Nevertheless, due to lack of funds then, the project was not instigated.
In 1948, after Indian Independence, the project started to take shape. The objective of its construction is to generate power and provide irrigation. Also, it was built to prevent flooding of the Sutlej-Beas River Valley. Finally, the construction of the Bhakra dam began in 1948, and the construction was completed on the 22ndnd of October 1963. For the success of this project, 300 engineers and 13000 workers came together.
How to Reach Bhakra Nangal Dam?
You can choose one of the following modes to reach the Bhakra Nangal Dam:
By Bus
If you would like to drive by bus, you can find regular bus services from Shimla, Delhi and Chandigarh to Nangal. Both private and government-run buses connect these cities to the dam. From Nangal Town, the Bhakra Dam is located around 11.6 km away. You can take bus services that connect both these dams.
By Train
The nearest railway station to the Bhakra Dam is the Nangal Railway Station in Punjab. From this railway station, the dam site is located at around 12 4 km. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi. Otherwise, you can also catch a public bus to reach the Bhakra Dam.
By Flight
The nearest airport to the dam site is Chandigarh International Airport. This airport is located around 125 km from the dam. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi to reach the dam. Otherwise, you can also travel by bus to reach the dam.
By Car
You can access Bhakra Dam by road from nearby cities like Shimla, Delhi and Chandigarh. If you are travelling from Chandigarh, the distance is about 115 km. You will have to travel via the NH503 and NH205 routes to reach the dam, which is take around 5 hours drive. This route offers a scenic drive through the foothills of the Himalayas.
Key Attractions and Things to Do
You might be interested in knowing the key attractions and entertainment to get in Bhakra Nangal Dam:
Bhakra Dam
The Bhakra Dam stands at a height of 226 meters. It holds the pride of being a dam with the highest gravity in the world. You can marvel at the massive structure of the dam during this visit. Also, you can learn about the construction and the role played by the dam in this region by taking guided tours.
Gobind Sagar Lake
This vast reservoir formed by the dam offers chances for picnicking, fishing and boating. The serene atmosphere surrounded by the lush hills makes this spot ideal for relaxation.
Nangal Dam
Nangal Dam is located downstream of Bhakra Dam. Apart from regulating, it also diverts water for irrigation. The area that surrounds the dam is well maintained. Yes, you can spend time in parks and viewpoints here.
Bhakra-Nangal Train Ride
One of the interesting things you can do at this dam site is to experience a piece of history by taking the free train ride between Bhakra and Nangal. This 13-km journey will take you through scenic vistas of the surrounding hills and the Sutlej River, and it has been operational since 1948.
Nearby Attractions
When you go to the Bhakra Nangal Dam, you can plan your visit to the nearby towns of Naina Devi and Anandpur Sahib. These are important religious sites that offer a combination of spiritual and cultural experiences. Also, if you would like to explore more places in Himachal Pradesh, you can visit places like Dharmashala, Shimla, Manali and the Great Himalayan National Park. From these places, you can gain deeper insights into the natural beauty, culture and rich history of the state.
Best Time to Visit
Bhakra Dam is an excellent destination to visit any time of the year. You can expect different experiences across varied seasons by visiting this attraction.
The best day you can choose to visit this attraction is during weekdays. The reason is that weekends tend to draw huge crowds. So, your experience can become congested when you choose weekends. On a weekday, you can experience the place quietly. Also, you can gain better knowledge about the architecture and history of the dam at your own pace. Above all, during weekdays, the waiting time for boating and other activities will be lesser.
Would you like to know about the best time of the day to visit? You can plan to arrive early, between 9 and 10 am. The reason is that the morning hours will have fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. So, you can expect a peaceful environment to admire the dam and the lake. Also, when you visit early, you will have a lot of time to explore the dam until 5 pm.
Duration to See
You can comfortably explore the Bhakra Nangal Dam and its surrounding attractions within 1 to 2 days. Within these days, you will have sufficient time to explore the dam, take a boat ride, take the historic train ride and visit nearby towns.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around Bhakra Nangal Dam
You will be interested in knowing about the restaurants in Bilaspur and Nangal. Here are some options to consider:
Best Restaurants near Bhakra Dam
- Bhakra Fish Fry
- Dhall’s Hotel Hillview Bar and Restaurant
- Welcome Punjabi Dhaba
- Aakriti Hunger Point
Best Restaurants in Nangal
- Lemonade Restaurant
- Chiefs Bar and Restaurant
- Daawat Restaurant and Dhaba
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Entry to Bhakra Nangal Dam is free to all. Also, the train ride is offered free of cost. Access to the lake is also free. However, for boating, you will have to incur a nominal cost.
FAQ
What is Bhakra Nangal Dam Known For?
Bhakra Nangal Dam is popular for its engineering excellence, impressive height, and considerable role in power generation and irrigation.
The dam serves different purposes, including flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. So, the dam plays a considerable role in the industrial and agricultural development of North India.
How Many Hours Can I Spend in Bhakra Nangal Dam?
You can allocate around 2-3 hours to completely appreciate the Bhakra Nangal Dam and its nearby landscapes.
Are There Any Tips To Follow When Visiting the Dam?
Make sure to wear comfortable footwear. The reason is that the attraction requires a considerable amount of walking. Also, make sure to take appropriate sun protective measures and carry a water bottle.
Are There Accommodation Facilities Near the Dam?
There is no accommodation directly at the dam site. However, nearby towns like Anandpur Sahib and Nangal offer different lodging options that range from budget hotels to guest houses.
Is Photography Permitted Inside the Dam?
For security reasons, photography within the dam premises is generally not allowed. Make sure to adhere to the guidelines provided by the dam authorities during your visit.
Is Prior Permission Needed to Explore the Dam?
Yes, visitors should get prior permission from the Bhakra Beas Management Board to tour the dam. It is better to arrange this in advance to ensure a smooth visit to the dam site.
Check out my other posts on Himachal Pradesh and Punjab:
All You Need to Know About Khajjiar
Mcleodganj Itinerary – How to spend 4 Days in Paradise!
Himachal Pradesh Itinerary – Best of Himachal in 10 Days
Remembering the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A Detailed Guide for Visitors
My 9-day Punjab Itinerary – Unveiling The Wonders of Punjab
A Culinary Journey Through the Best Restaurants in Amritsar