Deras Dam: Travel Guide, Things to Do & Best Time

About Deras Dam

Deras Dam is an eco-tourism destination, reservoir and picnic spot near Bhubaneswar, located at the foot of the Chandaka forest and hills in Khordha district. The site combines a rainwater reservoir, forest surroundings, picnic areas and nature-based activities, making it suitable for short outings, birdwatching and quiet time in a forest environment.

The dam is part of the peripheral landscape of the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as an important water source for wildlife. Its natural setting and proximity to Bhubaneswar make it a popular weekend destination for visitors seeking a nearby nature retreat.

Key Attractions & Things to See

Deras Reservoir

The reservoir is the central attraction of Deras Dam. It holds rainwater collected from the surrounding Chandaka hill tracts and provides a scenic setting for nature observation and photography.

Forest Landscape

Deras Dam lies close to the Chandaka forest and low-lying forest hills. The surrounding landscape provides opportunities to observe forest vegetation and wildlife habitats.

Watchtowers

Forest department watchtowers near the reservoir perimeter provide locations for wildlife monitoring and birdwatching.

Deras Nature Camp

Deras Nature Camp provides eco-cottage accommodation close to the reservoir. The site also has visitor facilities, picnic sheds and resting areas.

Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

The dam forms part of the wider Chandaka forest landscape. The sanctuary area provides opportunities for forest walks, wildlife observation and guided safari activities where permitted.

Popular Activities & Things to Do

Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, nature observation, photography, forest walks and guided safari activities at Deras Dam and its surrounding forest areas.

Early morning is suitable for birdwatching and cooler weather, while the late afternoon provides opportunities for enjoying the reservoir landscape and observing wildlife activity near water edges.

Visitors should remain within marked public areas and follow forest department instructions. Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.

How to Reach

By Road

Deras Dam can be reached from Bhubaneswar through the Chandaka Road, Nandankanan–Chandaka route and Khandagiri–Chandaka Road.

The distance from Master Canteen in central Bhubaneswar is approximately 24 km. Taxis and pre-booked cabs are convenient options, particularly because return cabs may not be readily available at the reservoir gate.

Local buses can travel up to Chandaka Square, from where an auto-rickshaw can be hired for the remaining approximately 5–7 km.

By Train

Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, approximately 24 km from Deras Dam. The journey by car or taxi generally takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is approximately 20 km from Deras Dam. By car or taxi, the journey generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on city traffic.

Distance Chart

Best Time to Visit

The best season to visit Deras Dam is from October to March, with November to February offering particularly pleasant conditions.

Winter: November to February provides cool and pleasant weather, making it suitable for picnics, walking and birdwatching. December and January are especially suitable for outdoor activities.

Summer: March to June is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from approximately 28°C to 42°C. Outdoor activities can become uncomfortable during the hotter part of the day.

Monsoon: July to October brings moderate to heavy rainfall, greener surroundings and higher reservoir levels. Rain can restrict access to forest trails and outdoor activities.

Weekdays generally provide a quieter experience, while winter weekends and public holidays can attract larger picnic crowds.

Visitor Timings & Entry Information

Deras Dam is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry gates close around 4:30 PM for day visitors.

Entry tickets are required. Day visitor entry is approximately ₹20–₹50 per person, while vehicle and guided safari charges may apply separately.

Visitors must remain within designated areas. Entry into core forest areas without appropriate permission or a guide is prohibited.

Photography is permitted in public and visitor areas. Commercial videography, professional film shoots and drone use require prior permission from the Divisional Forest Officer, Chandaka Wildlife Division.

Swimming, open fires, loud sound systems, alcohol, weapons, hazardous materials and single-use plastic bags are prohibited.

Nearby Essential Facilities

At Deras Dam and Nature Camp:

• Drinking Water: Packaged drinking water and basic water facilities near forest sheds

• Food: Forest department canteen or eco-camp kitchen; basic snack stalls near the parking area

• Toilets: Available near the Nature Camp and Forest Visitor Center

• Parking: Designated parking near the check-post entrance

• Rest Areas: Picnic sheds, gazebos and benches

• First Aid: Basic first-aid facilities at the forest range office

• Guides: Forest guards and local EDC guides may be available for permitted forest walks and safaris

• Nearby Facilities: ATM and banking facilities are available along Chandaka Road and in nearby urban areas. Private hotels and other accommodation options are available towards Patia, Jaydev Vihar and NH-16.

Travel Tips & Visitor Advice

Carry a reusable water bottle, sun protection, mosquito repellent and binoculars if birdwatching is planned. Digital payment connectivity can be unreliable in forest areas, so carrying sufficient cash is advisable.

Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear because some paths are unpaved, rocky or uneven. Light, comfortable clothing is suitable, while muted or earthy colours are useful for forest activities.

Do not swim or enter the reservoir water. Submerged rocks, mud and wildlife presence make the water unsafe.

Families with children should maintain close supervision near the reservoir edge. Senior citizens can use the benches and resting areas near the entrance, although longer walks over uneven terrain may be difficult.

Visitors should remain on marked tracks, follow forest department instructions and avoid entering dense vegetation.

A visit generally requires around 2–3 hours. A full day can be planned when Deras Dam is combined with nearby attractions such as Jhumka Dam or Godibari.

Deras Dam is a convenient nature and picnic destination near Bhubaneswar, offering a reservoir landscape, forest surroundings, birdwatching opportunities, visitor facilities and access to the wider Chandaka forest environment. Its proximity to the city makes it suitable for a short nature outing or a longer day trip combined with nearby attractions.