Friday 15 April 2022

MIGHTY RIVER - MAHANADI

 


Mahanadi River, in central India, rising in the hills of Bastar district, Madhya Pradesh state.  Its upper course runs north as an insignificant stream, draining the eastern Chhattisgarh Plain.  After receiving the Seonath River, below Baloda Bazar, it turns east and enters Orissa state, its flow augmented by the drainage of hills to the north and south.  At Sambalpur the Hirakud Dam has formed a man-made lake 35 mi (55 km) long.  The world’s largest earthen dam, it has several hydraulic plants.  Below the dam the Mahanadi turns south along a tortuous course, piercing the Eastern Ghats through a forest-clad gorge.  Bending east, it enters the Orissa plains near Cuttack and enters the Bay of Bengal at False Point by several channels.

The Mahanadi Great River follows a total course of 560 mi and has an estimated drainage area of 51,000 sq mi (132,100 sq km).  It is one of the most active silt-depositing streams in the Indian subcontinent.  The River supplies several irrigation canals, mainly near Cuttack.  Puri, at one of its mouths, is a famous pilgrimage site.

Kantilo is a small village on the banks of the River Mahanadi.  This place is more known for the Nila Madhav temple.  Many do not know that the area around abounds in eco-tourism sites.  The best one is the Satkosia tiger reserve where you can boat in the Satkosia gorge and spot the crocodiles and a variety of beautiful birds.  Another little known site is Sidhamula eco cottages.  This is being newly developed by tourism dept. Some beautiful modern cottages have been built where families can stay.  Food is also available for a price.  The view of the River Mahanadi is fabulous.


(I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and hyperlink to https://www.theblogchatter.com)

No comments:

Post a Comment

A SHORT TREATISE ON SANSKRIT PROSODY - Part I

       PROSODY means the study of poetry.  In Sanskrit it is called Chandas or Vruttam.     The earliest and most important work in Sanskrit...