Where the Sabarmati gathers
In the north of Mehsana district, where the Sabarmati river emerges from the Aravalli foothills, lies the Dharoi Dam — a large dam and reservoir built for irrigation and water supply that has become a scenic getaway. Set amid low hills, the wide blue reservoir is fringed by viewpoints and is being developed for tourism with boating, water sports and nature trails as part of a wider plan to make it an eco-and-adventure destination.
The surrounding area, near the forested hills and the upper Sabarmati’s ancient sites, offers birdlife, sunsets over the water and a refreshing change of scenery from the plains. For travellers in north Gujarat, Dharoi Dam is a pleasant natural detour — especially attractive after the monsoon when the reservoir is full and the hills are green.
(A public dam/reservoir area; some zones may be restricted.)
The Dharoi reservoir.
Damming the Sabarmati in the hills
Dharoi Dam in the hills.
Dharoi Dam is built on the Sabarmati.
It supplies water and irrigation.
Hills and water make it a getaway.
Being developed for eco-tourism.
Reasons to make the time
Sabarmati reservoir
The reservoir spreads wide behind the dam, and its scale against the low hills is the reason the site works as scenery at all.
Hill setting
This is where the Sabarmati comes out of the Aravalli foothills, so the country is hillier and greener than most of Mehsana district.
Water sports
Boating and water-sport facilities have been added, though availability varies with the season and the water level.
Birdlife
Waders work the shallows and the reservoir draws migratory birds through the winter months.
Sunsets
Viewpoints around the rim look out over the water to the hills beyond, best in the clear air after the rains.
Eco-tourism
It is still an emerging destination rather than an established one, with facilities being built out under a wider tourism plan.
What to look for inside
THE DAMReservoir
A large irrigation reservoir on the Sabarmati, held back among low hills.
THE SETTINGHills & lake
The Aravalli foothills that ring the water and give the site its setting.
How to spend an hour or two
Enjoy the views
Take in the reservoir from one of the viewpoints on the rim, where the water and hills read together.
Try water sports
Ask about boating on the day; operations run seasonally and depend on the level behind the dam.
Watch the birds
Watch the shallows for waders, and for migratory birds through the winter.
See the sunset
Walk a stretch of the shoreline, which is quiet on weekdays and largely undeveloped.
Walk nature trails
Look out to the Aravalli foothills, which are what separate this from an ordinary irrigation reservoir.
Visit post-monsoon
Come when the reservoir is full and the hills are green — roughly September to February.
The Dharoi reservoir & hills.
Reservoir, embankment, hills
Dharoi Dam is a large reservoir on the Sabarmati where the river meets the Aravalli foothills in northern Mehsana — built for irrigation and water supply, now a scenic getaway being developed with boating, water sports and nature trails. Fringed by low hills with birdlife and sunsets, it is loveliest after the monsoon when full and green. (A public reservoir; some zones may be restricted.)
For everything else the district holds, see our Mehsana travel guide.
Reservoir on the Sabarmati
In the Aravalli foothills
Boating & water sports
Birdlife & sunsets
When to go
November to February is best: comfortable weather, a full reservoir and the peak of the migratory bird season.
The monsoon fills the dam and greens the surrounding hills, though access roads can be rough in heavy rain.
April to June is hot and the water level drops noticeably; there is little shade around the rim.
⏰ Visit after the monsoon (Oct–Feb) when the reservoir is full and the hills are green; sunsets over the water are lovely.
Timings & entry
- Best in daylight hours
- Loveliest post-monsoon
- Some zones may be restricted
- Allow a half day
- Open areas are free
- Some dam zones restricted
- Take care near the water
- Carry water and sun cover
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~120 km).
By Rail
Mehsana / Vijapur railheads.
By Road
Northern Mehsana, near Satlasana.
At Dharoi
WATER & HILLS
A Sabarmati reservoir
What to shoot
The reservoir.
Setting
The fringing hills.
Wildlife
Waterbirds.
Best light
Sunset over the lake.
Know before you go
More to see close by
HERITAGEKirti Toran
Soaring 12th-century ceremonial arches
STEPWELLStepwell Country
Gateway to Patan’s Rani ki Vav & Adalaj
Modhera Sun Temple
India’s finest 11th-century solar temple
DAIRYDudhsagar Dairy
The milk-rich heartland behind Amul
ANCIENTVadnagar Excavations
Buddhist monastery & 2,000 years of history
BIRD LAKEThol Lake
A wetland sanctuary of flamingos & pelicans
Where to eat near Dharoi Dam
THALIGujarati Thali
Sweet-savoury full meals.
FARSANDhokla & fafda
Steamed and fried snacks.
STREETChaat & snacks
Lively market fare.
Dairy capital
Home of Dudhsagar Dairy & milk sweets.
Dharoi Dam FAQ
What is Dharoi Dam?
A large reservoir on the Sabarmati in northern Mehsana, set in the Aravalli foothills.
What can I do there?
Enjoy views, boating and water sports, birdwatching and sunsets.
When is it best?
After the monsoon (Oct–Feb), when the reservoir is full and the hills green.
Is there an entry fee?
Open areas are free; some dam zones may be restricted.
Where is it?
In northern Mehsana, near Satlasana.
What's nearby?
Taranga, Vadnagar and Ambaji.
Is it good for nature?
Yes — birdlife, hills and water, an emerging eco-spot.
How long should I spend?
A half day.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026