Introduction:
Boating at Hirakud Dam is a popular and scenic experience for visitors looking to explore the vast Hirakud Lake and its surrounding eco-tourism destinations. The boating process is designed to ensure an organized and enjoyable adventure. First, visitors must select from two primary boating routes: the Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village route, which lasts about 5 hours, and the Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café route, which lasts 3 hours.
Unlike individual seat bookings, visitors are required to book the entire 10-seater boat, with a maximum of 8 passengers allowed per boat. This ensures a more private and comfortable experience for groups. Boating charges are set for each boat, and entry tickets must be purchased separately at the entry gate, costing ₹40 per adult, while children below 8 years can join for free.
Visitors need to report 30 minutes before the scheduled boating time at the entry point, as the boats run at specific times throughout the day. For example, the Debrigarh to Govindpur route is available between 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM and 01:00 PM – 06:00 PM, while the Nature Camp to Island Café route operates from 07:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM.
During the boating experience, visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as bird watching, sunset views, tea and snacks at Govindpur Birds Village, and high tea or breakfast at Island Café. Additional experiences like smoked Hirakud fish, angling, and relaxing in nature are also available (on payment).
After completing the scheduled time, the boat will return to the starting point. Visitors can book their boating experiences directly through the Debrigarh Eco Cell and contact the site managers for more details.
In short, Hirakud Dam offers a picturesque boating experience with eco-tourism highlights, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Overview of Boating at Hirakud Lake
| Route & Duration | Timings & Cost |
|---|---|
| Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village (5 Hours, 10-Seater Boat, Max 8 passengers) | 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM 01:00 PM – 06:00 PM ₹4,725 per boat (incl. 5% GST) |
| Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café (3 Hours, 10-Seater Boat, Max 8 passengers) | 07:30 AM – 10:30 AM 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM ₹2,520 per boat (incl. 5% GST) |
Important Notes:
✅ Individual Seat Booking Not Allowed – Entire boat must be booked.
✅ Reporting Time: 30 minutes prior to scheduled boating.
✅ Booking Required in Advance.
Contact Persons for Booking & Inquiries:
📞 Debrigarh Eco Cell, Hirakud Division Office – 9438113285
📞 Piyush Bhoi (Coordinator) – 6372907291
📞 Miss Salma Akhtar (Site Manager) – 8763373989
🚤 Plan your perfect Hirakud Lake adventure today!
Where to Go for Boating at Hirakud Dam?
Boating services in Hirakud Dam are available at two main locations in Sambalpur, Odisha:
1. Boating in Hirakud Cruise (Hirakud Lake) – Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village
The Hirakud Cruise offers an exclusive boating experience from Debrigarh Zero Point/Nature Camp to Govindpur Birds Village, covering a scenic route across the vast Hirakud Reservoir. This journey allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, migratory birdwatching, and serene waters, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Boating Details:
✅ Individual Seat Booking: ❌ Not Permitted (Visitors must book the entire 8-seater boat)
✅ Boat Type: 10-Seater Boat (Maximum 8 Passengers)
✅ Boating Duration: 5 hours (Debrigarh to Govindpur Birds Village)
✅ Boating Timings:
- 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM
- 01:00 PM – 06:00 PM
✅ Charges: ₹4,725 per boat (inclusive of 5% GST)
✅ Entry Fee (To Be Paid Separately at the Gate): - ₹40 per Adult
- Children below 8 years – Free
✅ Reporting Time: 30 minutes prior to the scheduled boating time
✅ Stopover: Tea and snacks at Govindpur Birds Village, located on the banks of Hirakud Lake
2.Boating in Hirakud Lake: Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café
Experience a scenic and peaceful boat ride from Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café, offering breathtaking views of the Hirakud Reservoir. This unique eco-tourism adventure allows visitors to enjoy nature while indulging in exclusive activities at Island Café, making it an ideal getaway for families, friends, and adventure enthusiasts.
Boating Details:
✅ Individual Seat Booking: ❌ Not Permitted (Visitors must book the entire 10-seater boat)
✅ Boat Type: 10-Seater Boat (Maximum 8 Passengers)
✅ Boating Duration: 3 hours (Zero Point to Island Café)
✅ Boating Timings:
- 07:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM
✅ Charges: ₹2,520 per boat (Inclusive of 5% GST)
✅ Entry Fee (To Be Paid Separately at the Gate): - ₹40 per Adult
- Children below 8 years – Free
✅ Reporting Time: 30 minutes prior to the scheduled boating time
Activities at Island Café:
🍽 Breakfast or High Tea (Included)
🌅 Sunset View – Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the setting sun over Hirakud Lake
🐟 Smoked Hirakud Fish (Available for purchase)
🔭 Bird Watching with Binoculars – Witness migratory and local birds in their natural habitat
🎣 Angling (Fishing) – Try your hand at catching fish in the serene waters of Hirakud
Boating Location:
📍 Debrigarh Island Café, Hirakud Lake
Booking Details:
Visitors can select their preferred boating date and time slot while booking.
Contact Persons for Booking & Inquiries:
📞 Debrigarh Eco Cell, Hirakud Division Office – 9438113285
📞 Piyush Bhoi (Coordinator) – 6372907291
📞 Miss Salma Akhtar (Site Manager) – 8763373989
🚤 Book your boat now and explore the beauty of Hirakud Lake with an unforgettable trip to Island Café!
How to Book Hirakud Dam Boating Tickets Online?
- Visit the Official Website: Click here Or Visit the official Hirakud Dam or Debrigarh Eco Camp website or the online portal for boating bookings.
- Choose the Boating Route: Select from the available boating routes:
- Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village
- Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Cafe
- Select the Boat Type: You’ll need to book an entire boat as individual seat bookings are not permitted. Choose the number of passengers (typically 8 or 10 passengers per boat).
- Pick the Date and Time: Choose your preferred boating date and time slot from the available timings (morning or afternoon).
- Fill in the Details: Enter necessary details such as number of passengers and contact information.
- Proceed to Payment:
- Make payment for the boating ticket (for the boat) and the entry ticket fee (which is paid separately at the entry gate).
- You can typically pay via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Receive Confirmation: After payment, you will receive an online booking confirmation with a ticket.
- Arrive Early: Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled boating time at the designated boating point with your online ticket.
If you’re unsure of the website or need assistance with booking, you can refer to the official contact details of the boating service, like the site manager or coordinator.
Types of Boating Available in Hirakud Dam
Boating in Hirakud Dam isn’t just about floating on water; it’s about choosing the kind of experience you want. Here are the options available:
At Hirakud Dam, there are several types of boating experiences designed to cater to different interests, offering a chance to explore the expansive Hirakud Lake and its surrounding eco-tourism sites. The primary types of boating available include:
1. Boating from Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village
This 5-hour boating experience allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of Hirakud Lake. Starting from Debrigarh Nature Camp or Zero Point, the boat travels to the Govindpur Birds Village, a serene spot on the bank of the lake. The trip provides an opportunity to enjoy bird watching, sunset views, and a stop for tea and snacks at the village. The entire journey takes about 5 hours, making it ideal for those looking to spend a more extended period on the water, surrounded by nature.
2. Boating from Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café
A more relaxed and shorter boating experience, this 3-hour journey starts at Nature Camp (Zero Point) and takes visitors to the Island Café. Along the way, visitors can enjoy various activities, including birding, sunset views, and the option of tasting smoked Hirakud fish and enjoying high tea or breakfast at the café. The island setting offers a peaceful retreat, making this route perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more leisurely boating experience.
3. Sunset Boating
Sunset boating is available in the late afternoon for those seeking a romantic or serene experience. The boating route takes visitors around the picturesque lake as they enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the water. The experience is peaceful and perfect for relaxation and photography.
4. Fishing and Angling Boating
Along with regular boating routes, visitors can also indulge in angling during their boating experience. Anglers can bring their fishing gear to enjoy a quiet day on the water, combining boating with the opportunity to fish in the serene setting of Hirakud Lake.
Boat Details:
- Boat Capacity: 10-seater boats (max 8 passengers allowed) for all routes.
- Booking Requirements: The entire boat must be booked (individual seat booking not permitted).
- Ticket Fee: Entry tickets are required separately and are payable at the entry gate (₹40 per adult, free for children below 8 years).
These boating options offer a range of experiences from adventure to relaxation, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Hirakud Dam and its eco-tourism attractions.
Boating Timings & Best Time to Visit
Boating at Hirakud Dam operates on two routes with specific timings. The Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village route is available from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM (5 hours), while the Nature Camp to Island Café runs from 07:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM (3 hours). The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is cooler, while summer and monsoon seasons are less ideal. For sunset views, the afternoon slot is recommended.
Boating Timings:
- Debrigarh (Zero Point/Nature Camp) to Govindpur Birds Village:
- Morning Slot: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Afternoon Slot: 01:00 PM to 06:00 PM
- Duration: 5 hours
- Nature Camp (Zero Point) to Island Café:
- Morning Slot: 07:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Slot: 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit:
- Ideal Months: October to March
- Avoid: Summer (April-June) and Monsoon (July-September)
- Sunset Views: Best in the afternoon slots.
What to Expect During a Boating Experience?
1. The Start of the Journey 🚢
Once you reach the boating point at Zero Point or Jawahar Udyan, you’ll find operators offering different boat rides. After selecting your boat, you’ll be provided with a life jacket and briefed on safety guidelines.
2. Cruising Over the Vast Reservoir 🌊
As your boat sets sail, you’ll witness the majestic Hirakud Dam, stretching 25.8 km across the Mahanadi River. The calmness of the vast water body and the sound of rippling waves create a surreal ambiance.
3. Discovering Bat Island & Debrigarh Sanctuary 🏝
Some boat rides take you to Bat Island, a small piece of land in the middle of the dam inhabited by thousands of bats. If you’re lucky, you might also spot migratory birds and wildlife from the nearby Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Gandhi Minar & The Rotating Viewpoint 🏛
One of the best viewpoints of Hirakud Dam, Gandhi Minar, is visible from your boat. This rotating tower offers a panoramic view of the entire dam and the stunning water landscape.
5. Sunset Bliss & Return Journey 🌅
As the journey concludes, the setting sun paints the sky in shades of orange, red, and pink, making it the perfect time for pictures and peaceful reflection.
Nearby Attractions to Explore After Boating
If you have time, explore these top tourist places near Hirakud Dam:
1️⃣ Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km) – Home to tigers, leopards, and elephants.
2️⃣ Jawahar Udyan (Near Zero Point) – A scenic garden with great views.
3️⃣ Leaning Temple of Huma (25 km) – India’s only leaning temple.
4️⃣ Ghanteswari Temple (33 km) – Famous for its bells and riverside views.
5️⃣ Samaleswari Temple (15 km) – A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari.
FAQs on Boating at Hirakud Dam
How can I book boating tickets for Hirakud Dam?
Can I book a single seat on the boat?
What is the cost of boating tickets at Hirakud Dam?
What is the entry ticket fee for Hirakud Dam?
What are the boating timings at Hirakud Dam?
What activities can I enjoy during boating?
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Boating in Hirakud Dam
Boating in Hirakud Dam is an unforgettable experience, offering a mix of adventure, serenity, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, this activity lets you witness one of Odisha’s greatest engineering marvels while enjoying nature at its best.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Sambalpur tourist places, make sure to add Hirakud Dam Tourism to your itinerary. The combination of history, beauty, and adventure will leave you with cherished memories. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and set sail for an incredible journey over the waters of Hirakud Dam! 🚤🌊
Would you like recommendations for the best boating packages? Drop your queries in the comments! 😊
