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DAM · RESERVOIR · LANDSCAPEHathmati Dam
Water in the north Gujarat plains — the Hathmati Dam, built across the Hathmati river near Himatnagar, holds a broad reservoir that irrigates the surrounding country and offers a scenic, peaceful waterside landscape in the heart of Sabarkantha.
A reservoir on the Hathmati river
The Hathmati Dam, built across the Hathmati river near Himatnagar, is one of the irrigation dams of Sabarkantha district — a structure that holds back the monsoon waters of the river to form a broad reservoir, supporting the agriculture of the surrounding country.
Like many of Gujarat’s dams, Hathmati combines its practical role with the appeal of a scenic waterside destination. When the reservoir is full after the monsoon, the broad expanse of water against the gentle north Gujarat landscape creates a peaceful and attractive setting, drawing local visitors for the views, the open water and the calm.
The dam and reservoir are part of the network of water-management structures on the rivers flowing out of the Aravalli hills, which together sustain the agriculture of the district. For the visitor, Hathmati offers a quiet, scenic spot — a place to pause by the water, particularly in the post-monsoon and winter months. It is best combined with the other attractions of the Himatnagar-Idar area as part of an exploration of central Sabarkantha.
Aravalli water spread across the plain
Hathmati Dam.
The river rises in the Aravalli hills and flows down across the north Gujarat plains.
A dam built across the river to hold back its monsoon waters for the surrounding land.
Behind the dam the held water spreads into a broad reservoir across the gentle country.
The reservoir now doubles as a quiet, scenic destination for local visitors.
Reasons to make the time
Reservoir
A broad expanse of water held behind the dam.
Landscape
Open water set against the gentle north Gujarat plains.
Irrigation
A working dam that sustains the surrounding farms.
Views
A peaceful waterside outlook, best after the monsoon.
Calm
A quiet spot away from the busier tourist trail.
Near Himatnagar
Easy to reach in central Sabarkantha.
What to look for inside
Hathmati
A broad expanse of water held behind the dam near Himatnagar.
North Gujarat
A scenic waterside spot set against the gentle north Gujarat plains.
How to spend an hour or two
See the reservoir
Take in the broad expanse of water held back behind the dam.
Enjoy the views
Look out across the open water and the gentle north Gujarat plains.
Visit after the monsoon
Come once the rains have filled the reservoir to its fullest.
Pause by the water
Find a quiet spot along the water and simply slow down.
Combine with Idar
Pair the dam with the forts and temples of central Sabarkantha.
Visit in winter
Come in the cool, clear months when the setting is calmest.
A north Gujarat reservoir
The Hathmati Dam holds back the Hathmati river near Himatnagar to form a broad reservoir, part of the network of water-management structures on the rivers flowing out of the Aravalli that sustain the agriculture of Sabarkantha.
When full after the monsoon, the expanse of water against the gentle landscape makes a peaceful, scenic waterside destination. A dam and reservoir with viewing areas around the water, it is best after the monsoon and in winter.
It sits within Sabarkantha district — browse more places to visit in Sabarkantha.
An irrigation dam on the Hathmati river
A broad reservoir near Himatnagar
Part of the Aravalli-river water network
A scenic, peaceful waterside spot
When to go
Cool and clear — ideal. Comfortable all day for unhurried time by the water.
Green and lush. The rains refill the reservoir and the country turns fresh.
Hot and dry. Still doable — just come in the early morning for the best of it.
⏰ Winter is ideal; the Polo-Vijaynagar forest is greenest after the monsoon.
Timings & entry
- A dam and reservoir with viewing areas around the water
- No fixed gate hours — best visited in daylight
- Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit
- Best after the monsoon and in winter
- No ticket required to view the reservoir
- A quiet local waterside spot, not a developed resort
- Carry your own water and refreshments
- Combine with the Himatnagar–Idar area
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 85 km away, the nearest airport with regular flights.
By Rail
Himatnagar railway station is the nearest railhead, from where the dam is a short road journey.
By Road
Reachable by road from Ahmedabad and Shamlaji, roughly 20 km from Himatnagar in central Sabarkantha.
Shooting the reservoir
POST-MONSOON FRIENDLY
Broad open water against the gentle north Gujarat plains.
Best light
Come at first light or late afternoon, when low sun catches the open water.
What to shoot
The broad reservoir, the dam wall and the flat sweep of the north Gujarat landscape.
When to come
After the monsoon, when the water is at its fullest and most photogenic.
Gear tip
A wide lens suits the open expanse; bring a longer lens for birds on the water.
Know before you go
More to see close by
WETLANDHathmati & Guhai
Calm dam reservoirs alive with waterbirds
LAKERanmal Lake
A scenic lake below Idar’s rocks
TEMPLESharneshwar Mahadev
A 15th-century Shiva shrine in Polo
Idar Jain Derasar
Hilltop Jain shrines above the town
DAMGuhai Dam
Quiet backwaters rich in birdlife
2Idariyo Gadh Climb
Scramble over giant boulders for sweeping views
Where to eat near Hathmati Dam
Gujarati Thali
Comfort home cooking — an unlimited spread of dal, sabzi, rotli and sweets.
Sabar Dairy
Sabarkantha's famous cooperative milk and dairy, a mainstay of the district.
Farsan
Savoury Gujarati snacks — fafda, khaman and other teatime favourites.
A vegetarian district
Sabarkantha is dairy country — expect wholesome vegetarian thalis and farsan.
Hathmati Dam FAQ
What is the Hathmati Dam?
An irrigation dam and reservoir on the Hathmati river near Himatnagar.
What is it used for?
Irrigation of the surrounding agricultural country.
Is it scenic?
Yes — the broad reservoir makes a peaceful waterside spot.
Best time to visit?
After the monsoon and in winter, when the reservoir is full.
What is nearby?
Himatnagar and the Idar area.
Is it developed for tourism?
It is a quiet local waterside spot, not a developed resort.
Related places across Gujarat
QUIETChorwad Beach
A former royal seaside retreat
WETLANDChari Dhand
Seasonal wetland of flamingos, pelicans & raptors
WATERFALLZarwani & Ninai
Forest cascades that roar in the monsoon
LAKEKhan Sarovar
A grand medieval stepped water tank
TOWNGodhra
The district’s bustling headquarters
1Kumbhariya Marble
Five jewel-like Jain temples of breathtaking carving
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026