Koldam Dam

Situated on the Satluj River and stationed some 18 kilometers from Bilaspur, Koldam Dam is quite a popular attraction and is one of the most recommended sites for tourists. Koldam Dam gained its hype and fame among traveler apps and engineering enthusiasts, owing to its marveling structure.
The dam is centered on natural wonders and most often thronged by picnickers as an ideal spot for an escapade. The top region of the dam offers a splendid sight, and a jaunt at the blissful reservoir just underneath the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur with open blue skies is surely one sight to cherish through a lifetime. The Koldam Dam’s surrounding beauty with an abundance of natural bounty and its skilled structure of engineering marvel should be chanced upon at least once in your lifetime.

Traveler Tips

• The viewpoint of the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur offers a mind-blowing view out to nature’s wonders.
• You can carry some of your favorite snacks and water to binge alone, as the dam lacks any proper vendor or food stalls.
• Tourists are allowed to scout through the power plant and explore all of it. However, you might have to seek permission to enter.
• Cars are not allowed into the dam sans identification.

Things to Do

The reservoir underneath the dam is encircled with the charming Rocky Mountains whose sighting you can enjoy and make a backdrop for your perfect snap. Upon availing a helicopter ride from Koldam to Delhi, you can enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters from above which looks absolutely breath-taking. The surrounding of the place is blessed with nature’s wonders, thus making it the perfect for a treat to your sore eyes. The Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is also fit for a picnic and can gift you with the most amazing experience ever with its amazing boating facilities. Away from the bustling city life, you can also enjoy peace of mind by the catchment area of the dam.

Availability

The Koldam Dam is opened for tourists from 9 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. If you plan to enjoy a family picnic or witness the beauty of the waters, it is advisable you hit the place during the daytime. However, if you wish to rejuvenate your mind and wish to spend some time alone by the sea, the evening time is fit for you. The entire dam takes about an hour to explore.

History

The decision to construct the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur was made back in the year 2000, whose foundation rock was first laid by Lt. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was then the Indian Prime Minister. The area covered the land of 68 villages. The engineers were brought from Italy and Thailand to pull off this project along with other Indian teams of engineers. A whopping amount of INR 4,527 crore was sanctioned for the Dam. The project however suffered a standstill when the team encountered overruns caused by environmental and geological setbacks like underground and internal seepage, unrest and visa problems. All of this led to the submerging of the Tata Pani’s hot water spring by the reservoir. This resulted in the rescheduling of the generator commissioning from 2009 to 2015.

Architecture

The height of the famous Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is about 320 meter which is inclusive of the 167 meters tall foundation. Koldam Dam’s total length is 474 meters with a width of about 14 metres. You would be astonished to learn about the total volume of the dam which is 12,000 m3 accompanied with 6 radial gates. The reservoir sitting beneath the dam is heightened at 642 meters and owns a capacity of 560,000 m3. Proud of four turbines of 200 MW each, the Hydroelectric Power Plant boasts of 800 MW capacity.

Festival

Keeping aside the important festivals, the locals of Bilaspur celebrate the local festivals like the Harley and Pola and Rout Dance. Apart from this the Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp and show at Shri Naina Dev Ji which is also a remarkable worship place in Bilaspur. It is thronged by worshippers for being known as one of the shakti peeths where the limbs of Shiva are believed to have fallen.

Popular Culture

Bilaspur is a potpourri of diverse cultural heritage, exclusive cuisine, dance forms, and native folk music. The Pathoni and Bihav songs are sung during the marriages, whereas the Sohar songs are sung during the childbirth. Bilaspur offers a scrumptious spread of cuisines that comprises of rice roll, thetri-khurmi, angular roti, chila, etc. Your trip to Bilaspur is definitely incomplete sans biting into their famous samosa which holds quite a different taste from the usual Punjabi samosa.

Best Time to Visit

The October season is actually the season for the tourists in Koldam Dam, Bilaspur. Hence, the perfect time to chance upon the dam is during the months of October and May which happen to be the winter months here. You can also visit the dam from October to February or during March-May. The encircling terrain is generally snow-clad during the winter months and is a sight to behold, however, the summers are also perfect as you can enjoy witnessing the density of water or experience fun boating activities.

How to Reach?

Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is some 18 kilometers away from the city of Bilaspur so you can easily board taxis from the city to visit the dam. Rented cabs are the most viable option to get to the dam. However, you can also enjoy getting behind the steering to embark on a long drive from the town of Bilaspur to the Dam through the NTPC Koldam Road.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Koldam Dam:

• The curvilinear arch construction of the Koldam Dam is simply jaw-dropping which calls for your appreciation.
• You can enjoy the breath-taking sights of the surrounding beauty standing at the View Point.
• The villages that existed in and around the dam sadly experienced a sink right after the dam was constructed.

Nearby Attractions

Gobind Sagar Reservoir

The reservoir sits pretty on the Satluj River which also shares close vicinity with the Bhakra Dam in the town of Bilaspur. The reservoir spreads across 170 sq. km and is one of the top best tourist attractions near Koldam Dam. The reservoir doles out some extraordinary natural wonders and is the ideal spot to restore fun during your weekends.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Laxmi Narayan Mandir is one of the beautiful spots, situated at Pathankot. The place is ideal to visit with your family and friends from Koldam Dam, Bilaspur. The weather and ambiance of Pathankot make it one of the best places to visit. The temple holds out some splendid landscapes and offers you the scope to take photographs of the forest animals, the mountains, water, etc.