Koyna dam is one of the biggest in India, with the largest completed hydro-electric power plant in India. Since the river has such a huge capacity for generating electricity, it is also known as the ‘life line of Maharashtra’. The dam’s backwaters run for 80 kms from the dam wall to Tapola, creating one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. With the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary {also a World Heritage Site} and Sahyadri Tiger Reserve nearby, the surrounding area is lush with evergreen forests and fruit trees, bursting with diverse flora and fauna that make it a nature-lover’s paradise. Koyna is ideal for adventures like camping, trekking, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and rappelling. If you’re looking to do something new and offbeat to do, pay a visit to Koyna. This oasis of serenity is compounded by the fact that mobile network and connectivity here is scarce, which means you can disconnect from technology to enjoy some peace and quiet in the lap of nature.
The main point of interest here is obviously the dam – which you can’t visit due to security reasons, though the nearby Nehru Garden {2-3km drive from Koynanagar} offers a spectacular view of it from the hillside for a nominal entry fee of Rs. 25. Built in memory of India’s first Prime Minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru – here, you can also view a short film on the history and construction of Koyna Dam. We hear that the Garden is well-maintained, with lots of lush greenery and wide open spaces that make it the perfect place for a DIY picnic! From here, drive on to the Ozarde Waterfall – one of the largest falls {200m} in the Sahyadris, and a spectacular sight.
The Koyna Lake Resort, run by MTDC, is popular among couples and families who prefer to stay overnight in Koyna. It’s rustic but clean, and offers meal packages along with stay. Other resort options nearby also offer different styles of accommodation, at very reasonable rates. There are many agro-tourism trips that people take to Koyna.
If you have time, you must visit the wildlife sanctuary nearby for some wildlife watching, or trek to the magnificent Bhairavgad fort and Nageshwar Caves. Buy a ticket from the Forest Department for Rs. 30, and trek through some dense vegetation to get to the falls – it’ll be worth it. These falls may not be around for much longer, as the Govt. is planning another dam phase here, which may block them permanently.