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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.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Meshvo Dam and Reservoir, Aravalli.
4th–5th century CE stupa.
Before the dam.
Dam built; site submerged.
At Vadodara Museum.
Reasons to make the time
Scenic reservoir
Aravalli hills.
Birdwatching
Waterbirds & waders.
Dev ni Mori
A sunken history.
Landscape
Hill & water.
Quiet
A peaceful stop.
History
Buddhist Gujarat.
What to look for inside
Meshvo Dam
Aravalli reflected.
Dev ni Mori below
A sunken Buddhist site.
How to spend an hour or two
See the dam & reservoir
Scenic views.
Walk the dam road
Hills & water.
Watch the birds
Waterbirds & waders.
Learn about Dev ni Mori
The sunken stupa.
Photograph the hills
Aravalli reflected.
Explore the banks
Quiet & peaceful.
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.)
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
Cool & beautiful — the ideal season.
Lush green; some roads can flood.
Hot and dry — early start.
⏰ 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.
Hills
Aravalli reflected.
Birdlife
Waterbirds.
Best time
Morning.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Hearty home cooking.
Khaman & farsan
Gujarat's famous snacks.
Street 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 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.
Where is it?
Meshvo, Aravalli
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
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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