The short answer
Upper Kolab Reservoir and Kolab Park: what visitors should know first
Yes, as an easy afternoon outing, not a headline sight. Go on a clear day, combine it with Jeypore and do not expect more than a lakeside walk, a garden and a quiet seat.
History and context
The story behind Upper Kolab Reservoir and Kolab Park
Construction of the Upper Kolab project began in 1976 and the dam was completed in 1993, according to Wikipedia. It is a straight masonry gravity dam on the Kolab river, with a live storage reported at 935 million cubic metres.
Figures for the dam height and reservoir capacity vary between sources. The project also displaced a large number of families from villages in the reservoir area.
Useful facts
Upper Kolab Reservoir and Kolab Park facts at a glance
- Location
- Kolab river, near Jeypore
- Experience type
- Reservoir viewpoint and garden
- Known for
- Botanical garden with about 200 flowering plants
- Built
- Construction 1976 to 1993
- Time or schedule
- Daylight; boating seasonal
Why it matters
Why Upper Kolab Reservoir and Kolab Park is worth your time
Upper Kolab matters less as a sight than as a piece of the region's modern history. The dam, a straight masonry gravity dam about 54.5 m high, was built for power, irrigation and drinking water, and it reshaped the valleys behind it.
For visitors, it offers one of the few easy, level outings in the district, which is useful for older travellers who want water and greenery without a steep climb. Reports also note that thousands of families were displaced, so it is a place to reflect on the cost of development as well as enjoy the view.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The reservoir view
A large lake set among the hills.
- 02
Kolab Park
A botanical garden noted for around 200 flowering plant varieties.
- 03
Easy pace
Level walking and picnic spots.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Think of Upper Kolab as a restful break between longer drives. The reservoir lies on the Kolab river, a tributary of the Godavari, behind a masonry dam begun in 1976 and completed in 1993, at roughly 900 m above sea level. The district guide describes a vast reservoir with a botanical garden of over 200 flowering species nearby.
Walk the garden at your own pace, find a seat with a view and, if boating is running, take a short ride. Weekends are busier with picnickers, so go on a weekday if you want quiet.
The site is also an industrial one, with a hydroelectric plant, and the project displaced many families, which is a reminder that this is a working landscape. Combine it with Jeypore town and Jagannath Sagar for a gentle half day.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go on a weekday for quiet
- Check boating and timing locally
- Carry water and snacks
- Combine with Jeypore
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Jeypore, about 20 km from Koraput
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Best time
- Winter and clear post-monsoon days
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level walking in the park and by the water. Seating varies, and boating arrangements are seasonal, so older visitors should check conditions locally.
- Tickets and access
- Entry and boating arrangements vary; check locally for current fees and timings.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Upper Kolab Reservoir and Kolab Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Mostly level walking in the park and by the water. Seating varies, and boating arrangements are seasonal, so older visitors should check conditions locally.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Upper Kolab worth a visit?
As a restful half-day outing, yes, but it is not a headline attraction.
Can I go boating?
Boating is reported at weekends and in season; check locally.
How far is it from Koraput?
The district guide says about 20 km; confirm with your driver.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
