Mahanadi River

Mahanadi River

Mahanadi River is about 885 kms long, running through Central India. Rising from Central Chattisgarh, it passes through Eastern Ghats Mountains and ends at Bay Of Bengal, near Cuttack, Orissa. It forms a Delta at the Bay of Bengal. The Mahanadi's catchment area is estimated at 113,440 square kilometers. In the rainy season it carries an immense amount of water, up to 51,000 cubic meters per second especially at at the Naraj gorge.

As the river flows at high speed, the Rivers Tel and Hasdo contribute as the main tributaries to the Mahanadi River. The Hirakund Dam, the Worlds Highest Dam is constructed on Mahanadi. There is a high Gandhi Tower for the introspection of the Dam. As this Dam is the lifeline of Orissa, Mahanadi contributes a lot in fertilizing the chief crops – oilseed, rice and sugarcane. The Hirakund Dam is also the main source of running Hydroelectric Plant at Sambalpur. Though the river flows at high speed, still in the months July to February, one can navigate the river on boat.( In any case one should not go very near Bay of Bengal, the point where Mahanadi merges in the Sea).

The drainage of the Mahanadi is shared by the Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.

Suggestions

• The river Mahanadi has a religious significance, but in the smaller sense. It has a lot of devotees in Cuttack.
• Mahanadi does not have any Ghats in particular, however one can go to see it in Hirakund Dam. Hirakund Dam is in itself an attraction.
• Most of the eateries around Mahanadi are not very clean. It is advisable to have the food in your hotel. In religious places there are very less options of food. Non – Vegetarian Food in particular is not allowed.
• While travelling, keep your important documents like driving license, address proof, passport with you. Do not share these information with any stranger.
• Convert your currency only from Standard Banks or Government Banks. Do not rely on strangers.
• For you own good, go to such places either in a group or at least two people should be there. Avoid travelling alone.
• For any other information contact us.