Top Lake & Backwater Places in Madhya-Pradesh

At a distance of 39 km from Bhopal, Halali Dam is a manmade reservoir located at Khoha village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the famous picnic spots near Bhopal, and among the best places to visit near Bhopal.

Also known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project, Halali Dam is constructed in 1973 across Halali River, a tributary of the Betwa river. The river was earlier known as the Thal River. According to local legends, Dost Muhamad Khan a Nawab ruler killed a rival force from Rajput near Jagdishpur on the bank of the tributary. In consequence, since it appeared red with the victim's blood, hence the name Halali which means the river of slaughter.

The dam is 945 m long with a maximum height of 29.57 m above the foundation level. With a catchment area of around 699 sq. km, the colossal dam is quite popular among the locals of Bhopal as an excellent spot for picnics and boat rides. Apart from this, the reservoir is home to aquatic life. Mainly used for irrigation and fishery, the reservoir attracts a large number of birds during winter. The dam has an MP tourism hotel - Halali Retreat that has about 6 - 8 rooms with nice ambiance, a restaurant, playground for children, Meeting and Party Hall.

Timings: 8 AM - 4 PM

Entry: Free

At a distance of 20 km from Gwalior, Tighra Dam or Tigra Dam is a fresh water reservoir situated at Tighra near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. It is the primary source of drinking water to the city of Gwalior and also one of the popular picnic places to visit near Gwalior.

Tighra Dam was constructed in 1916 on the Sank River and is a major source of water for the city of Gwalior. This dam has been constructed in the vicinity of eleven villages. The villagers depend on this dam for their irrigation, drinking and domestic purpose. The dam is an engineering marvel and is 24 meters high at its crest, and 1341 m long. The reservoir has a capacity of 4.8 million cubic meters. The dam was failed twice due to infiltration in 1917 & in 1970 respectively. However, today it has emerged as a favourite destination for families to spend some good time together.

As tourism gained popularity, the tourist department started a boating club here. One can enjoy speed boating, jalpari boat, paddle boating and water scooty rides at Tighra Dam. Apart from adventure, it also offers serenity with the picturesque view that surrounds the dam. After the construction of the dam, the area became a suitable habitat for several birds and this area was later declared as a Bird Sanctuary. The reservoir is home to many crocodiles and many different fishes can be seen during boating.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Boating Cost: Rs. 50 per person for Speed Boat, Rs. 50 per person for Jalpari Boat, ...

At a distance of 29 km from Khajuraho and 50 km from Panna, Gangau Dam is a natural dam situated at the confluence of the Ken and Simiri rivers, in Madhya Pradesh. Situated inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, Gangau Dam is one of the popular picnic places for the people of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

The Gangau Dam is an engineering marvel of the British Era in India built between 1909 - 1915 at the confluence of Ken and Simiri rivers in the deep forests of Panna Tiger Reserve. There is a tunnel from one end to the other. Walking through the tunnel is once in a lifetime experience. The dam is abandoned but the condition is still great.

Offering beautiful views of surroundings, this place is an ideal destination for nature lovers, anglers and the adventure lovers. Surrounded by Panna National Park and Gangau Sanctuary, this dam is thronged by various species of migratory birds during winter season. The land in the surrounding areas of the dam are very fertile, hence, the revenue authorities offer irrigation facilities to the local villagers for cultivation of the land. As the flow of water in the Ken River is stopped by this dam, tourists can enjoy water sports activities such as angling and boating.

The best time to visit is during the monsoons when the rivers are in full flow.

At a distance of 9 km from Bamniya Kund, and 41 km from Indore Junction, Choral Dam is an earthen dam situated at Mhow near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the ideal places to visit near Indore for a picnic.

Choral Dam was built across the Choral river, a tributary of the holy Narmada River. This dam water is mainly used for irrigation as well as drinking purposes. A large number of lush green trees and small hills surround the place making it even more attractive. Sunrises and sunsets are quite beautiful at the dam when different hues of the sky make for an amazing backdrop for the lush green trees.

Choral Dam is the perfect place to spend some time relaxing and unwinding. The clear blue water, lush green trees, and the endless cloudy sky provide a great backdrop to have a picnic. You can sit by this enchanting water body with your feet dangling in the cool water and enjoy a scrumptious meal in the lap of nature, a perfect way to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Visitors can also enjoy a ride in a speed boat or paddle boat. The boating experience will let you witness the beauty of the water more closely and help you appreciate it better. This place also has a resort where you can spend some quality time with your friends and family and a picturesque view of the pious River Choral.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

At a distance of 33 km from Jabalpur, Bargi Dam is an earthen dam situated at Bargi near Jabalpur. It is one of the biggest dams in Madhya Pradesh and among the major tourist places to visit near Jabalpur.

Bargi Dam is a massive dam constructed on the river Narmada near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The construction of the dam started in 1974 and was completed in 1990. Bargi Dam is one of the first dams built on the Narmada River, out of the 30 proposed dams. The dam has a height of 226 feet and it extends over a length of 5.4 km. The dam holds great significance as it is one of the major sources of water supply in Jabalpur and the surrounding areas. Two major irrigation projects, named Bargi Diversion Project and Rani Avantibai Lodhi Sagar Project, have been developed by the Bargi Dam administration.

Besides irrigation projects and power generation, the dam is also used for tourism purposes. The backwater of the dam has been converted into a lake that offers various water activities like speed boating, water scooters, and paddle boating. Besides, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken the initiative and opened a resort facing the dam which gives a breathtaking view of the entire dam and the reservoir. The dam is also popular for bird-watching activities, especially in the evenings during the migratory season.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 10 for Person, Rs. 100 for Speed Boat, Rs. 80 for Mechanized Boat, Rs. 500 for Water Scooter

Cruise ...