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NATURE · RESERVOIR · ARAVALLIMeshvo Reservoir
A lake of reflected hills — Meshvo Reservoir, the serene impoundment of the Meshvo river in the Aravalli hills, also of archaeological significance as the site beneath which Dev ni Mori's ancient Buddhist stupa was found.
A serene Aravalli reservoir
The Meshvo Reservoir is a calm, expansive reservoir formed by the Meshvo Dam on the Meshvo river in the Aravalli hills — a scenic body of water set against the undulating ancient hills, with good birdwatching and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
The reservoir has a unique archaeological significance: the site of Dev ni Mori — the 4th–5th century CE Buddhist stupa complex that was one of the most important Buddhist sites in Gujarat — now lies submerged beneath the Meshvo Dam. Before the dam was built, excavations recovered a remarkable collection of Buddhist relics and carvings (now in the Vadodara Museum), giving the site a poignant dimension for those who know the story.
Today, the Meshvo Reservoir is a pleasant destination for birdwatching (waterbirds, waders, kingfishers in the surrounding scrub), scenic drives along the dam road, and a peaceful stop in the Aravalli landscape. (Free; open access.)
Meshvo Dam and Reservoir, Aravalli.
The dam that submerged Dev ni Mori
Meshvo Dam and Reservoir, Aravalli.
A fourth-to-fifth-century Buddhist stupa and monastery stood in the Meshvo valley below.
Before the dam, archaeologists excavated the site and recovered its relics and terracottas.
The dam was then built and the valley — Dev ni Mori — passed under the water.
The finds went to Vadodara's museum, and the reservoir keeps the site's memory.
Reasons to make the time
Scenic reservoir
The Aravalli hills ring the water, reflected on calm mornings.
Birdwatching
Waterbirds and waders work the reservoir's edges, best in winter.
Dev ni Mori
A sunken Buddhist history lies beneath the surface — Dev ni Mori's stupa.
Landscape
Hill and water together make it the district's most scenic stretch.
Quiet
It is a peaceful stop — no gate, no crowd, no noise.
History
For Buddhist Gujarat, this quiet water marks a major chapter.
What to look for inside
THE RESERVOIRMeshvo Dam
Aravalli reflected.
THE STUPADev ni Mori below
A sunken Buddhist site.
How to spend an hour or two
See the dam & reservoir
Take in the scenic views from the dam road across the water.
Walk the dam road
Watch the hills meet the water — the Aravalli at its gentlest.
Watch the birds
Bring binoculars for the waterbirds and winter waders.
Learn about Dev ni Mori
Learn the sunken stupa's story before you come; it changes the view.
Photograph the hills
Catch the Aravalli reflected on a still morning.
Explore the banks
Enjoy the quiet; this is contemplative country.
Meshvo Dam and Reservoir, Aravalli.
A reservoir over a Buddhist stupa
The Meshvo Reservoir was formed when the Meshvo Dam was built in 1969 — submerging the site of Dev ni Mori, a 4th–5th century CE Buddhist stupa that was one of Gujarat’s most important Buddhist sites. The relics excavated before the dam are now at Vadodara Museum. (Free; open access.)
This is one of many places worth seeing here — the full guide to Aravalli has the rest.
Meshvo Dam — formed 1969
Submerged site of Dev ni Mori Buddhist stupa
4th–5th century CE Buddhist relics now at Vadodara Museum
Scenic Aravalli hill reservoir with waterbirds
When to go
October to March is the ideal season for the reservoir — cool, clear and beautiful across the Aravalli district.
The monsoon turns the hills lush green and fills the reservoir, though some approach roads can flood.
April to June is hot and dry; come at first light, when the water is still and the birds active.
⏰ October to March is the ideal season for Aravalli — cool, clear and beautiful.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime hours
- Cool season preferred
- Morning best
- Check locally
- Free access
- Good road links
- Pair with nearby sights
- Cool months best
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~130 km).
By Rail
Himmatnagar / Modasa.
By Road
NH-48 / Modasa.
Capturing Aravalli
ARAVALLI HILLS
Meshvo Reservoir
What to shoot
The reservoir stretching between its Aravalli shores.
Hills
The hills reflected on a windless morning.
Birdlife
Waterbirds working the margins, best in winter.
Best time
Morning light, the reservoir's finest hour.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Bhiloda Tribal Haat
Gujarat’s most vivid weekly gathering — the Bhiloda tribal haat, where Bhil and Garasia women arrive…
Aravalli Hills Traverse
The world’s oldest mountains — the Aravalli range in Gujarat, ancient Pre-Cambrian ridges rolling through Aravalli…
TOWNModasa
The bustling district headquarters
PILGRIMKartik Fair Ground
Site of the great riverside mela
Trimandir Modasa
A serene modern three-in-one temple
RIVERVatrak Riverfront
Calm banks of the Vatrak river
Where to eat near Meshvo Reservoir
THALIGujarati Thali
Hearty home cooking.
FARSANKhaman & farsan
Gujarat's famous snacks.
STREETStreet food
Local dhabas in Aravalli.
Adivasi cuisine
Maize, millets and forest produce from Bhiloda.
Meshvo Reservoir FAQ
What is Meshvo Reservoir?
The Meshvo Reservoir is a calm, expansive reservoir formed by the Meshvo Dam in the Aravalli hills — scenic in its own right, and historic for what lies beneath: the excavated Buddhist site of Dev ni Mori, whose stupa and monastery were submerged when the valley flooded.
Where is it?
On the Meshvo river in Aravalli district, near Shamlaji, and easily combined with Polo Forest.
Is there an entry fee?
Free — the dam road and viewpoints are open, with no ticket or gate.
When should I visit?
October to March, the cool season.
What's nearby?
Shamlaji Temple, Polo Forest, Meshvo Dam.
How long does it take?
Half a day.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026