The Bhakra Nangal Dam is actually two separate dams located on the Sutlej River in northern India. The Bhakra Dam is in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and the Nangal Dam is in Nangal, Punjab, downstream of Bhakra Dam. Together, they are known as the Bhakra Nangal Dam complex.
The Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam, the highest straight gravity dam in Asia at 226 meters (740 feet) tall. Its reservoir, Gobind Sagar, is the third largest in India and stores up to 9.34 billion cubic meters of water. It is a popular tourist destination, but due to security reasons, visitors are no longer allowed on the dam itself.
Here's a possible itinerary for a day trip to Bhakra Nangal Dam:
- Start your day early and drive to Bhakra Nangal Dam from Chandigarh, which is about a 90-minute drive.
- Take in the views of the dam from the Gobind Sagar Lake. You can also try boating on the lake.
- Visit the nearby Nangal Dam, which is smaller but also quite impressive.
- If you're interested in learning more about the history of the Bhakra Nangal Dam project, you can visit the Bhakra Nangal Dam Administration Office Museum.
- On your way back to Chandigarh, you can stop at the Naina Devi Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Bhakra Nangal Dam:
- The best time to visit Bhakra Nangal Dam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
- The dam is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- You will need to carry a valid ID proof to enter the dam complex.