Upper Kolab Dam

• Grand Engineering on a Magnificent Scale: Marvel at one of eastern India’s premier multipurpose river valley projects. Spanning the gorge between green hills, the massive dam structure and its 320 MW powerhouse showcase the impressive scale of hydroelectric generation and water engineering in Odisha.
• The Lush Kolab Botanical Garden: Step into a vibrant terraced garden terraced along the slopes flanking the dam crest. Maintained with meticulous care, the park showcases manicured floral beds, ornamental shrub sculptures, shaded bougainvillea arbours, and over 200 varieties of flowering plants that burst into brilliant bloom during the winter months.
• Breathtaking Reservoir Panoramas & Sunsets: The vast, mirror-like waters of the 110-square-kilometre reservoir reflect the passing clouds and surrounding forested peaks. The western outlook makes it one of the premier sunset photography viewpoints in the district, as the evening sun dips behind distant blue mountain ridges.
• Enchanting Lake Islands and Submerged History: The expansive reservoir is dotted with tranquil, tree-covered islands. Most famous among them is the historic island of Kechela (Kanspabali), where during the dry summer months, receding waters reveal the ancient submerged stone ruins of early medieval Jain temples that once stood along the ancient banks of the Kolab.
• Ideal Family Picnic & Weekend Leisure Haven: Shaded lawns, paved promenades, stone gazebos, clean mountain air, and cool breezes off the water make Upper Kolab the foremost family picnic destination in the Koraput - Jeypore corridor.

A visit to Upper Kolab Dam offers a delightful combination of lakeside relaxation, botanical sightseeing, and panoramic photography:

1. The Kolab Nagar Approach and Entrance

Departing National Highway 26, a smooth, tree-lined asphalt road winds through gentle hillocks toward Kolab Nagar. As you reach the dam complex, the road bifurcates: one branch leads toward the secure administrative colonies and powerhouse access gates, while the tourist road leads directly to the wide parking clearing fronting the Kolab Botanical Garden. The soothing sound of rustling pine needles and splashing water greets visitors as they enter the landscaped park grounds.

2. Strolling the Terraced Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is laid out in multi-tiered terraces descending gracefully toward the reservoir shoreline:

• Floral Displays: Vibrant beds of marigolds, dahlias, salvias, petunias, and chrysanthemums create dazzling geometric tapestries during the winter months.
• Ornamental Hedges & Topiary: Skilfully pruned boxwood and bougainvillea bushes carved into elephant and peacock motifs add whimsical charm along the promenades.
• Illuminated Water Fountains: Centrally positioned fountains spray delicate cooling mist into the air during daylight hours, while on weekend evenings and festival holidays, multi-coloured lights illuminate the water jets to create an enchanting evening spectacle.
• Shaded Pine Glades: Towering stands of whispering pine trees and weeping eucalyptus provide deep, fragrant shade where visitors can unfurl picnic mats, relax on stone benches, and soak in the serene montane climate.

3. The Dam Crest and Spillway Viewpoint

From the elevated garden promenades and dedicated viewpoint pavilions, visitors enjoy commanding views across the upstream reservoir and downstream canyon:

• Upstream Reservoir: An endless sheet of deep blue water stretches to the horizon, lapping gently against forested headlands and rocky peninsulas.
• The Sluice Gates & Spillway: Massive radial steel crest gates control the outflow of the river. When gates are opened during peak monsoon inflows (July to September), colossal torrents of white water surge into the rocky gorge below with a deafening roar and clouds of glistening mist.
• The Powerhouse Canal: Below the dam, deep tailrace canals channel the turbine discharge back into the natural riverbed, which winds westward through rocky hills toward Bagra Waterfall and Jeypore.

4. Seasonal Boating and Watersports

During the post-monsoon and winter months when the reservoir maintains optimal water levels, authorized tourism and fisheries concessionaires operate recreational boating services from a dedicated boat jetty near the garden. Visitors can embark on pedal-boat excursions or motorized lake cruises that glide past forested shorelines and circle peaceful uninhabited islands, offering an intimate perspective of the lake's rich aquatic birdlife, including cormorants, egrets, and migratory winter ducks.

Upper Kolab Dam is a rewarding year-round attraction, but seasonal changes dramatically influence water volumes, floral bloom, and outdoor comfort:

Recommended Hours of the Day: The premier time to visit is late afternoon between 15:30 and 17:30. Arriving during these hours allows you to explore the botanical terraces in pleasant, softening sunlight, experience the tranquil reservoir breeze, and witness a magnificent golden-amber sunset across the water. On weekend evenings, staying until 18:00 to 18:30 allows you to enjoy the illuminated garden fountains before heading back to Koraput or Jeypore.

Upper Kolab Dam is exceptionally accessible thanks to its prime location directly off National Highway 26 between Koraput and Jeypore:

By Road (Private Car, Taxi, Auto-Rickshaw, or Motorcycle)

Road transport is fast, scenic, and convenient:

• From Koraput Town (18 km, 25 minutes): Head west along National Highway 26 (NH-26) heading toward Jeypore. After approximately 15 km of smooth highway driving across rolling hill country, turn left at the prominent signposted junction for Kolab Nagar. Follow the wide, paved link road for 3 km directly to the dam parking area.
• From Jeypore Town (20 km, 30 minutes): Drive east along NH-26 heading toward Koraput. Turn right at the Kolab Nagar junction and proceed 3 km along the access road.
• From Sunabeda (38 km, 50 minutes): Follow NH-26 through Koraput town toward Jeypore.
• From Visakhapatnam (190 km, 4.5 to 5 hours): Ascend the Salur Ghat via NH-26 through Sunki, Pottangi, Sunabeda, and Koraput.

By Public Bus & Auto-Rickshaw

Buses operating between Koraput and Jeypore run along NH-26 every 10 to 15 minutes. Travellers using public transport can board any Koraput - Jeypore bus, disembark at the "Kolab Nagar Chhak" (highway junction), and hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 3-km drive to the dam. Alternatively, private auto-rickshaws can be hired directly from Koraput bus stand or Jeypore market for a round-trip excursion.

By Rail

• Koraput Junction (KRPU, ~18 km): Major railway junction connected to Visakhapatnam, Rayagada, Rourkela, and Raipur. Taxis and auto-rickshaws can be booked directly outside the station.
• Jeypore Railway Station (JYP, ~20 km): Railway stop along the scenic Kottavalasa - Kirandul (K-K) line, receiving passenger and express services.

By Air

• Jeypore Airport (PYB, ~22 km): The closest airport, operating scheduled UDAN regional flights to Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam.
• Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ, ~190 km): The major commercial aviation hub offering comprehensive daily flight connectivity across India.

Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.

• Admission Charges:
  • Lake Viewpoints & Public Promenade: Free open access.
  • Botanical Garden Entrance Ticket: Nominal municipal/panchayat maintenance fee of ₹5 to ₹10 per person (children under 5 are free).
  • Vehicle Parking Fees: Formal open parking clearing at the garden entrance charges approximately ₹10 to ₹20 for two-wheelers and ₹30 to ₹50 for cars and four-wheelers.
  • Boating Charges: When active, pedal boats cost approximately ₹50 per person, while shared motorboat cruises cost roughly ₹80 to ₹100 per passenger for a 15-to-20-minute ride.
• Operating Hours:
  • The botanical garden and dam tourist promenades are open daily from 09:00 to 17:30.
  • On weekends and major holidays, garden illuminations and fountain displays typically remain active until 18:30.
• Security & Permitted Zones:
  • The botanical garden, designated lakeside promenades, picnic lawns, and public viewpoints are fully open to all visitors.
  • Critical Infrastructure Security Restrictions: Entering the active powerhouse complex, walking across the operational spillway control gates, or climbing onto the intake towers is strictly prohibited under state critical infrastructure security regulations.
  • Swimming, diving, or unauthorized boat launching in the reservoir is strictly forbidden due to deep underwater currents, submerged trees, and sudden water releases.
• Permits: No special government permits or forest passes are required for general leisure visitors. Commercial filmmaking, drone videography, or professional photography shoots require prior written authorization from the Koraput District Collectorate and OHPC project authorities.

Because Upper Kolab sits right in the centre of the Koraput - Jeypore corridor, it naturally anchors a diverse regional day-trip itinerary:

• Bagra Waterfall (14 km northeast): A scenic triple-tiered cascade formed by the Kolab River dropping through rocky sal forest glades, located along the road toward Koraput.
• Jeypore Royal Palace & Jagannath Sagar (20 km west): The historic capital of the Kingdom of Jeypore, featuring the heritage royal palace ruins, ancient step-wells, and the vast Jagannath Sagar lake with an illuminated evening promenade.
• Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath Temple & Tribal Museum (18 km east): The iconic hilltop temple in Koraput town celebrated for its casteless universal welcome, and the adjoining museum showcasing indigenous Bonda and Gadaba tribal material culture.
• Gupteswar Cave Temple (75 km west): The sacred limestone cavern shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva situated deep in the Ramgiri forest on the bank of the Sabari River.
• Maliguda Railway Tunnel (35 km northwest): India's highest broad-gauge railway tunnel, situated along the scenic K-K railway line amidst rolling hills and lush paddy terraces.