On our way to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, we crossed this spectacular area of the hydroelectric Chilla dam. Mostly, man-made and sits within a natural crucible.
near Chilla Dam, Rishikesh
This concrete gravity structure is 270 km northeast of Gurgaon.
Artificial wonder
A breathtaking sight greeted us as we drove towards Rishikesh along a mathematically designed canal that connected the dam.
On either side, you have the hills and the dense forests of Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
National Park, Rishikesh
Join us as we drive through them, stopping at the decorated circuit house before heading further north as we climb the Himalayan Shivalik.
Scenic Chilla dam
and were bordered by the small hills,
Chilla dam, Rishikesh
hills around the Chilla dam, Rishikesh
Driving through Rajaji
Shades of dry deciduous trees stood swaying in the hot wind as it stooped over a tabletop road that ran through the forest.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve
The forest guest house
within the forest range, Rajaji Tiger Reserve
The Chilla dam canal
by a straight ribbon of a road, Rishikesh
road that ran through the hills and forests, Rishikesh
a twin forest, marking the way to Rishikesh
scattered over the adjoining hills
Ratta Pani, Rishikesh at dusk and dawn
The streaks of light from the houses created an eerie glow
sun painted a diffused light over the hills at Rishikesh
Inference
- Chilla dam is a hydroelectric dam, built in the 1970s’
- Generates power for the surrounding areas
- The reservoir fulfills and quenches the thirst of the local agriculture
- You will definitely come across the dam on your way to Rishikesh
| Distance from New Delhi to Chilla dam, Rishikesh | 269 kms |
| Best time to visit | Mid-February to Early April |
| Time | Preferably early morning or late afternoon before sundown as the forest road closes to the traffic |
| Parking | The dam has parking facilities |
| Where to stay | Best option is to stay 40 kms away at Rishikesh in case you do not get to stay at the Rajaji Tiger Reserve guest house |
| Places to visit | Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, Neer Garh waterfall, Tera Manzil temple, Parmarth Niketan, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Rajaji National Park, Shivpuri |
| Pocket pinch | Spending Rs.1200 to Rs. 2000, you can get good accommodation at Rishikesh |
My Rishikesh experience series
| Part 1 – Images of Ganges River, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2WI |
| Part 2 – River rafting, Rishikesh – Navigating the dangerous waters | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2Wf |
| Part 3 – Pictures of Ganga Aarti, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2Xv |
| Part 4 – Experience the Beatles Connection at Chaurasi Kutiya, Rishikesh India | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2Yp |
| Part 6 – Rishikesh: A Haven of Yoga, Temples, and Nature | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-31H |
SPITFIRE GAUTAM 