Tuesday, 06 October 2009 04:24

Dantiwada Dam

About:

Dantiwada Dam is an important irrigation and flood control structure built on the West Banas River near Dantiwada in Gujarat. It was constructed mainly for agricultural purposes, supplying water to the arid regions of Banaskantha and surrounding areas. Apart from its functional role, the dam has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.

 



The dam currently a prime tourist attraction of the district and pulls hoards of visitors to its scenic surroundings and natural beauty. Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary is located nearby which forms the separation point between the Dantiwada Dam and Dharoi Dam.

Location info:

Location:Dantiwada Dam,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India
Coordinates: 24.2089° N, 72.6075° E
Langauge: Gujarati,Hindi
Best time to visit: October - March

Climate/Weather:

Summers 23°- 44°C. Winters 10°-36°C

History:

Dantiwada Dam was constructed in 1965 to serve as a crucial irrigation and flood control project. It has played a vital role in transforming the agricultural landscape of the Banaskantha region, ensuring water supply to farmlands and helping control seasonal floods. The dam has since become an integral part of the local economy and agriculture.

Interesting things to do:

Enjoy boating on the reservoir during the monsoon and winter seasons. Spot various species of migratory and local birds around the reservoir, especially during winter.

Interesting things to Visit:

Gabbar hills:
The Gabbar hills close to the Gujarat-Rajasthan border are an important pilgrimage trail and attract lakhs of pilgrims from the two states. The popular folk dance Garba is said to have originated here. The word Garba is derived from the word garbha deep, meaning a lamp inside a perforated earthen pot. Since this dance was performed at the hill at Ambaji, it was called Garbhar hill and subsequently as Gabbar.

 

Ambaji temple:
The Ambaji temple located at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains and at the mouth of the Saraswati River is a revered place. The original abode of the goddess Ambaji is considered to be on top of the Gabbar hills. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati's heart fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her burning body from the sacrificial fire of Daksha's yagna. The temple is considered a major Shakti Peeth of India and a large number of devotees throng here every year especially on Purnima (full moon) days. A large mela is also held here on Bhadarvi Poornima.

Jami Masjid:
The Jami Masjid, located at Malan in the Palanpur district is an important historical place. Built during the Sultanate period by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423 A.D, the stately mosque stands on a high pedestal with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes.

Agricultural University:
The town is most famous for its marble quarries and copper deposits. It also houses one of Gujarat's prestigious universities called Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University. The headquarters of Banaskantha is Palanpur, the origin of the diamond industry in India.

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage is available in the area, but the signal might be weaker as you move towards more remote sections of the dam.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Disa Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad,airport
Road Transport:State palanpur has a good road network with good network of State Highways. The State Transport Corporation connects it to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ambaji Temple:
A famous pilgrimage site located about 50 km from Dantiwada.

Mount Abu: A popular hill station around 85 km away, known for its cool climate and scenic beauty. 

The area is characteristically rich in floral diversity- particularly medicinal plants. It has numerous floral and faunal species of global conservation significance. The rare flora comprises Kadaya (giving medicinal gum), Gugal, and Musali etc. The predominant trees are- Khair, Salai, Modad, Dhavada, Khakhara, Timru. During late winters (February-March) Khakhara- the flame of the forests- known by many different names such as- Palash, Tesu, Kesudo, Dhak etc. is generally in bloom with its striking red colour resembling flames in the forests.

Palanpur:
This place was previously the capital of this princely state and today as the district headquarters has its credits that still speak about historical values from centuries together. This old city is blessed with nature around like encamping hillocks and Aravali Mountains that accelerate tourist visit every year from all over the world. The name Palanpur was given after the name of Palansi Chauhans who dwelled here during the 14th century, later the city came under control of Muslim legends till India’s independence. Palanpur began to prosper during the reign of Nawab Shaeb Sher Khan Lohnai and Nawab sahib Talej Muhammed Khan Lohani in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Mansurbhai Mohasinbhai Master Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

 

Shiv Shakthi Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

RM Petrol Pump:Patan,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Cappal:State Highway,Palanpur,Gujarat,India,Ph:02742 250777

 

Lajwanti Hotel:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

Hotel Hilltone:Opp.Polo Ground,Mount Abu,Rajasthan,Gujarat,India,Ph:02974 238391

Things to carry:

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes Water bottles and snacks Camera/binoculars for bird watching and photography Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats (especially in summer) An umbrella or raincoat (during monsoon) Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit

Tips & Suggestions:

The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant. Carry sufficient water and snacks as there are limited facilities near the dam. Be cautious of slippery areas near the water, especially during the monsoon. Respect the natural environment and avoid littering. Be aware of your surroundings, as some sections may be isolated.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Gandhi - Lincoln Hospital:Disa,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India
Dr.Nagin's Gayatri Hospital:Disa,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India,Ph:02744 220789
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:www.india9.com

Video

Dynamic View

Nearest Attraction

Ambaji Temple
At a distance of 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mt. Abu near Gujarat Rajasthan border the religious town of Ambaji is located. This town is famous for the Maa Ambaji temple, one of the richest and holiest temple in Gujarat attracting lakhs of pilgrims from Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan every year. The original seat of Ambaji Mata is on Gabbar Hilltop, which is 3 Kms away from Ambaji town. Ambaji Mata temple is one of the 51 shakti peeths where it is believed the heart of Goddess Parvati fell.....more
Ambaji Gabbar Hill
Gabbar Hill is in Gujarat, near the Rajasthan border about 5 km away from Ambaji Temple. It is about 480 m high and has an area of over 8 sq km. This pilgrim center near the origin of the Saraswati River is steeped in legends. It is believed to be the original abode of the Hindu goddess Ambaji. Ambaji's 'footprints' on this hill is a major pilgrim attraction. Devotees are said to hear Ambaji's voice at the cave of Ambaji. On the hill, there is also a small temple.The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has also a small temple fortified from the western side and there are 999 steps to go up to the mountain and reach this holy temple at the top of Gabbar Hill. A Holy Lamp is constantly burning on this hill temple facing exactly in front of Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. An aerial ropeway also connects the temple at the hilltop.The fort was made in the 15th century near the joining confluence of two holy rivers. One can see the local tribal villages working as silversmiths, potters, arrow makers as well as basket weavers....more
Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary
Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Banaskantha District of Gujarat, along Gujarat Rajasthan border.Ambaji Bhadra Purnima is celebrated in Gujarat with pomp and grandeur. The main event takes place at the shrine of goddess Ambaji near the foothills of Aravalli mountain ranges. Ambaji Bhadra shrine is one of the oldest and attractive shrines in Gujarat. The festival takes place on the full moon night in the month of August or September. The festival and the fair attract tourists from different corners of the country as the devotees have a strong belief on the goddess.Undulating hills of Aravali, supporting the dry deciduous forests of North Gujarat, provide an unimaginable beautiful ambience to Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary derives its name from two historical temples- Balaram and Ambaji, situated at the opposite corners of the sanctuary.....more
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Wildlife tour of Gujarat will bring you close to the diverse and colorful flora and fauna of the state. Out of several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the most popular. The sanctuary is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat and is famed for its population of Sloth Bears.The Jessore hills of Aravali ranges cut across the fringes of the sanctuary, from which it derives its name. The area was officially declared a sanctuary in May 1978. It is a transition zone between the desert ecosystem and the dry deciduous forest ecosystem.Sloth Bears, unlike other species of bears, move in groups. Other than these the next most important animal found at Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat is the Leopard. There are a number of other animals too that thrive in these forests including Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine, Indian Civet Cat, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Fox, Jackal, Blue Bull, Hare and Langur....more