Deras Dam (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)

Category	Details
Entry Fee	₹40 per person
Parking Charges	₹20 for two-wheelers
Phone	0674 235 5400
Rating	⭐ 4/5 (Based on 47 reviews)
Address	Kantabada – Deras Dam Rd, Barapita, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 752054, India
Timings	Sunday – Sunday

Deras Dam, located around 20 km away from Bhubaneswar, is considered among the largest dams in Odisha. Established in the year 1967 as a water reservoir, the dam’s main source of water is rain water. This dam was constructed mainly for irrigation purposes. Few canals that originate from the dam also serve as the source of water for the animals living in the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary.

Access to the dam is controlled by the Forest Department as it comes under the area of the sanctuary. Perfect weekend getaway spot for the people of Bhubaneswar, this dam is flocked by tourists and locals, mostly in the winter season for picnics.

Things to do in Deras Dam Bhubaneswar

Deras Dam is surrounded by hills and lush green trees that make for a brilliant scenic view. The natural beauty and the peaceful environment of the place mesmerizes everyone. Hence, people enjoy picnicking at this spot. The view of the sanctuary, the dam and the green foliage from the hilltops is a serene experience altogether. Thus, those interested in photography love it here as there is so much to capture, starting from wildlife and hills to the vast water stretch of the dam.

There are few cottages available on the hilltop in the area, where visitors can stay by seeking prior permission from the Forest Department Office. As the dam lies close to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, a guided safari facility is also available for tourists to visit inside the sanctuary for about 40 km.

Another interesting attraction to visit nearby is the Jhumka Dam. It lies in proximity to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary and is a popular picnic spot.

Deras Dam Image

Deras Dam Bhubaneswar Entry fee and Timings

Entry fees charged for visiting Deras Dam is Rs 40 per person. It remains open all days of the week from 10 am till 5 pm. For photography and video shooting, there may be additional charges. Parking charges for two wheelers is about Rs. 20.

How to Reach Deras Dam Bhubaneswar?

Deras Dam is located approximately 20 km away from Bhubaneswar, which is well connected to all the major cities of the country through regular flights, trains and buses. From the airport and railway station, tourists can avail local buses, private taxis and auto rickshaws till Deras Dam.

Distance between Bhubaneswar Railway Station and Deras Dam is approximately 20.9 km and it takes almost 1 hour to reach here with a private cab from top car rental companies in Bhubaneswar. On the other hand, the Biju Patnaik International Airport is around 19.5 km away, and it takes about 53 minutes to reach the dam.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting to Deras Dam Bhubaneswar

• Paid parking facility is available
• Visitors are advisable to carry their own food and drinks
• Bathing in the dam is prohibited
• Proper precautions should be taken before going close to the water
• Guided safari facility is available to visit around 40 km near the dam

Deras Dam Near by Places

Place Name	Distance from Deras Dam	Highlights
Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary	2 km	Wildlife spotting, nature trails
Jhumka Dam	5 km	Scenic reservoir, picnic spot
Nandankanan Zoological Park	13 km	Famous zoo & botanical garden
Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves	20 km	Ancient rock-cut Jain caves
Dhauli Shanti Stupa	26 km	Historic Buddhist peace pagoda
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens	17 km	Beautiful garden with diverse flora
Lingaraj Temple	22 km	Ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva
Bhubaneswar Tribal Museum	23 km	Cultural insights into Odisha’s tribes
Mukteshwar Temple	22 km	Architectural marvel of Odisha
Rajarani Temple	23 km	Famous for its intricate carvings

FAQs

Where is Deras Dam located?

• Deras Dam is located in the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

What is the best time to visit Deras Dam?

• Best time to visit is during the winter and monsoon seasons (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and the reservoir is full.

How to reach Deras Dam from Bhubaneswar?

• Deras Dam is about 15-20 km from Bhubaneswar. You can reach it by car, bike, or taxi via the Chandaka forest route.

Is there any entry fee for Deras Dam?

• Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for visitors, which helps in the maintenance of the sanctuary and dam area.

What are the visiting hours of Deras Dam?

• Deras Dam is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it’s best to check for any updated timings before visiting.

Is Deras Dam a picnic spot?

• Yes, Deras Dam is a popular picnic spot, but visitors should follow the rules to maintain cleanliness and avoid littering.

Can I swim in Deras Dam?

• No, swimming is strictly prohibited for safety reasons due to deep waters and strong currents.

Are boating and other water activities available at Deras Dam?

• No, boating is not available as the dam is primarily used for water conservation and wildlife purposes.

Is Deras Dam safe for family trips?

• Yes, it is a safe and peaceful place for family outings, but visitors should be cautious as it is inside a wildlife sanctuary.

Are there any accommodations near Deras Dam?

• There are no accommodations near the dam itself, but Bhubaneswar has many hotels and resorts within a short distance.

Can we spot wildlife near Deras Dam?

• Yes, since it is inside the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, you may spot deer, elephants, peacocks, and various bird species.

Is Deras Dam a good spot for photography?

• Yes, the scenic views of the reservoir, forest, and wildlife make it a great spot for nature photography.

Are there any restaurants or food stalls near Deras Dam?

• No, there are no food stalls nearby, so it’s advisable to carry your own food and water.

Is there any restriction on carrying plastic at Deras Dam?

• Yes, visitors are encouraged to avoid plastic to maintain the ecological balance of the sanctuary.

Are group tours available for Deras Dam?

• Yes, some travel agencies offer group tours and nature excursions to Deras Dam from Bhubaneswar.