The short answer
Meshwo Reservoir and Dam: what visitors should know first
A pleasant 30 to 45 minute stop after the temple, especially in the cooler months or just after monsoon when the water is high. Do not expect developed facilities; carry water and take care near edges.
History and context
The story behind Meshwo Reservoir and Dam
Wikipedia records that plans for a Meshwo dam date to 1926 but were dropped after opposition from Idar State, then revived in 1945, with permission granted in 1950. A dam near Shamlaji was built between 1957 and 1969, with a reservoir able to irrigate about 17,210 hectares.
Useful facts
Meshwo Reservoir and Dam facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Shamlaji, Meshwo valley
- River
- Meshwo, tributary of the Sabarmati system
- Built
- Late 1950s to early 1970s (sources differ)
- Irrigation
- About 17,210 hectares
- Also covers
- The Devni Mori Buddhist site
Why it matters
Why Meshwo Reservoir and Dam is worth your time
The reservoir shows the trade-offs of twentieth-century water projects. It supports irrigation across a large area, but it also covers an archaeological site that cannot now be excavated further.
For visitors, it gives the valley a sense of scale and place. The temple, river and reservoir belong to one water system, and seeing the reservoir explains why the Meshwo looks the way it does at Shamlaji, and why the water level beside the temple changes so much from one season to the next.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The water and the hills
A wide view over the reservoir with Aravalli foothills behind it.
- 02
The buried monastery
Devni Mori lies under the water, adding a historic layer.
- 03
A calm pause
A quiet stop away from the temple crowds.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive the short distance from Shamlaji village to the reservoir edge and take a slow look at the water against the Aravalli foothills. The best months are October to February, when the air is clear and the water is usually high after the monsoon.
Wikipedia notes that a dam near Shamlaji was built between 1957 and 1969, and other sources describe the project as running from 1959 to about 1972. The reservoir irrigates around 17,000 hectares of farmland, and it also submerged the Devni Mori site.
Use the stop as context rather than a destination. Point out the water to children or elders as the place where a Buddhist monastery lies underneath, then return to Shamlaji for lunch. Do not climb on embankments, and follow any local restrictions.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Carry water and shade; facilities are limited
- Follow any posted restrictions near the dam
- Visit after the monsoon for fuller water
- Keep children away from steep edges
- Combine with Devni Mori and the museum
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Shamlaji, Meshwo valley
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Post-monsoon to winter (October to February)
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Viewpoints can be seen from near a car, with short flat walks. Shade, seating and toilets should not be assumed, so carry water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is reported. Access to the dam area may be restricted at times, so follow any posted rules and local guidance.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Meshwo Reservoir and Dam
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Viewpoints can be seen from near a car, with short flat walks. Shade, seating and toilets should not be assumed, so carry water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is the Meshwo reservoir used for?
Mainly irrigation, according to Wikipedia, with a capacity to irrigate about 17,210 hectares.
Is the Devni Mori site under the reservoir?
Yes. Wikipedia records that the Buddhist site was flooded when the reservoir was completed.
When is the reservoir best to see?
October to February, when skies are clearer and the water is usually higher after the monsoon.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
