Kadana Dam
A vast reservoir on the Mahi — the Kadana Dam, one of the major dams of Gujarat, holds back the waters of the Mahi river to form a great reservoir, a landscape of water and sky that is both a vital lifeline and a scenic destination in eastern Mahisagar.
A great dam on the Mahi river
The Kadana Dam, built across the Mahi river in the east of Mahisagar district, is one of the major dams of Gujarat — a massive structure that holds back the monsoon waters of the Mahi to form a vast reservoir, providing irrigation, hydroelectric power and water for the region. The dam and its reservoir are part of the larger Mahi river development, and the great expanse of water — stretching back into the surrounding hill country — creates a landscape of considerable scenic beauty, particularly when the reservoir is full after the monsoon.
The interplay of water, sky and the surrounding land makes it a rewarding destination for those who appreciate big-scale landscapes. Like many of Gujarat’s dams, Kadana is both infrastructure and destination — a place where the engineering of water management meets the natural beauty of a great river held in the landscape.
The area attracts visitors for the views, the scale of the reservoir, and the peaceful, open character of the water. For the traveller exploring the lesser-known eastern reaches of Mahisagar, the Kadana Dam and reservoir are among the district’s most impressive sights — a major dam and reservoir with viewing areas around the water, best after the monsoon and in winter.
Kadana Dam reservoir. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Damming the Mahi for power and fields
Kadana reservoir. Wikimedia Commons.
The Kadana Dam is part of the larger Mahi river development scheme, which harnesses the Mahi for the wider region.
Built as a massive structure across the Mahi, the dam provides irrigation, hydroelectric power and water supply.
The dam holds back the monsoon waters to form a great reservoir that stretches back into the surrounding hill country.
Kadana is both infrastructure and destination — a place where water management meets the natural beauty of a great river held in the landscape.
Reasons to make the time
Reservoir
A vast water expanse held back by one of Gujarat's major dams.
Landscape
Water and hills combine into big-scale scenery in eastern Mahisagar.
Power
A working hydroelectric dam and a vital regional lifeline.
Views
Big-scale scenery, especially when the reservoir is full after the monsoon.
Water
Open, peaceful water with a calm, uncrowded character.
Eastern Mahisagar
Off the trail, in the lesser-known eastern reaches of the district.
What to look for inside
THE RESERVOIRKadana
A vast expanse of water held back by the dam.
THE WATERMahi held
Scenic landscape where the Mahi is held in the land.
THE DAMA major dam
The massive structure across the Mahi providing power and water.
THE VIEWSBig-scale scenery
Open views across water and the surrounding hill country.
AFTER MONSOONFull reservoir
The fullest, most impressive water after the rains.
THE CALMOpen & peaceful
A quiet, uncrowded landscape off the usual trail.
How to spend an hour or two
See the reservoir
Take in the vast expanse of water held back by the Kadana Dam.
Take in the views
Soak up the big-scale scenery where water meets the surrounding hills.
Visit after the monsoon
Come when the reservoir is fullest and the landscape is at its most impressive.
Appreciate the scale
Stand before one of the major dams of Gujarat and take in its sheer size.
Enjoy the calm
Find the open, peaceful character of the water in eastern Mahisagar.
Explore eastern Mahisagar
Venture off the trail into the lesser-known eastern reaches of the district.
Kadana reservoir. Wikimedia Commons.
A major Mahi river dam
The Kadana Dam holds back the Mahi river in eastern Mahisagar to form a vast reservoir — part of the larger Mahi river development providing irrigation, hydroelectric power and water. The great expanse of water against the surrounding hill country creates a landscape of considerable scenic beauty, particularly after the monsoon when the reservoir is full.
A major dam and reservoir, with viewing areas around the water, it is best appreciated after the monsoon and in winter, when the Mahi runs strong and the reservoir is at its most impressive.
This is one of many places worth seeing here — the full guide to Mahisagar has the rest.
A major dam on the Mahi river in eastern Mahisagar
A vast reservoir for irrigation, power and water
Scenic landscape of water and surrounding hills
Most impressive when full after the monsoon
When to go
Cool and clear — the best season. Comfortable all day for unhurried sightseeing.
Mahi and Kadana in full flow. The reservoir fills and the landscape turns green.
Hot; early morning best. Still doable, but visit at the start of the day.
⏰ Winter is most comfortable; the monsoon fills the Mahi and the Kadana reservoir.
Timings & entry
- Open viewing areas around the reservoir
- No fixed gate hours for the surrounding landscape
- Allow 1–2 hours for an unhurried visit
- Best light in the early morning and late afternoon
- No ticket required to view the reservoir and dam area
- Respect any restricted zones around the dam works
- Carry water; facilities are limited in the area
- Best combined with other eastern Mahisagar sights
Getting there
By Air
The nearest airports are Vadodara (around 110 km) or Ahmedabad, both connected to cities across India.
By Rail
Godhra and Anand are the nearest major railheads; Lunawada station is closer to the area.
By Road
Reach the dam by road from Godhra and Vadodara, through the eastern reaches of Mahisagar.
Shooting the reservoir
BIG-SCALE LANDSCAPE
Water, sky and hills — best after the monsoon when the reservoir is full
Best light
Come at early morning or late afternoon, when low sun rakes across the water and hills.
What to shoot
The vast reservoir, the dam structure, and the interplay of water, sky and surrounding land.
After the monsoon
Visit when the reservoir is full for the most impressive expanse of water.
Gear tip
A wide lens captures the scale of the reservoir; a longer lens picks out the far hills.
Know before you go
More to see close by
TEMPLEWankaneshwar
A revered Shiva shrine of the region
RIVERMahi River
The broad, sacred river of the district
6Khanpur Forests
Green hill hideaways of eastern Gujarat
TOWNSantrampur
A forest-edge town of the highlands
FOSSIL PARKBalasinor Dinosaur Park
World-famous Raiyoli dinosaur fossil site
ROYAL TOWNLunawada
An old princely town of lakes & palaces
Where to eat near Kadana Dam
THALIGujarati Thali
Hearty home food — a generous spread of dal, sabzi, rotli and rice.
TRIBALTribal food
Maize and forest produce, reflecting the eastern district's tribal heartland.
DAIRYLocal dairy
Fresh milk and ghee from the surrounding rural countryside.
Simple & local
Expect simple, local vegetarian food — carry your own supplies for the dam area.
Kadana Dam FAQ
What is the Kadana Dam?
A major dam on the Mahi river in eastern Mahisagar district.
What is it used for?
Irrigation, hydroelectric power and water supply.
Is it scenic?
Yes — the vast reservoir and surrounding hills are beautiful.
Best time to visit?
After the monsoon and in winter, when the reservoir is full.
What river does it dam?
The Mahi river.
Is it off the tourist trail?
Yes — in the lesser-known eastern reaches of the district.
Related places across Gujarat
SERENEDunny Point
A peaceful 12th-c. shrine outside town
DAMHathmati Dam
A calm reservoir amid the hills
PALACEMorbi City
An ornate palace-temple of carved stone
Harsiddhi Mata Temple
A clifftop goddess temple by the sea
HERITAGEPrabhas Patan
An ancient holy town with a fine museum
HERITAGESayla
An old town of saints & havelis
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026