The perfect No 1 sunset point: Kondagaon dam in Khopoli, Maharashtra

Situated approximately 21 meters above sea-level, surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range, Kondgaon dam is located in Sundargarh district in Raigarh, Maharashtra. The dam was completed in 1978 for irrigation purposes. 

Khopoli is a city located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated on the banks of the River Patalganga and is surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountain range. Here are a few key details about Khopoli:

Location:

Khopoli is approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Mumbai and serves as a gateway to the famous tourist destinations of Lonavala and Khandala. It is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, making it easily accessible by road.

Industrial Area:

is known for its industrial presence, with various manufacturing industries, power plants, and chemical plants located in the vicinity. It serves as an important industrial hub in Maharashtra.

Attractions:

While Khopoli may be primarily known for its industrial significance, it also offers some attractions for tourists. One popular attraction is Imagica Theme Park, a large amusement park that attracts visitors from nearby cities. The park features various thrilling rides, water slides, live entertainment, and a snow park.

Natural Beauty:

Khopoli is situated amidst lush greenery and scenic mountains. It offers a serene environment and serves as a base for exploring the picturesque hills of Lonavala and Khandala. These nearby hill stations are famous for their scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and trekking trails.

Adventure Activities:

Due to its proximity to the Sahyadri mountain range, Khopoli and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping. The hilly terrain provides a perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in nature-based adventures.

Local Cuisine:

Khopoli offers a taste of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, with local restaurants serving regional delicacies like vada pav, misal pav, and bhel puri. The street food culture is vibrant, allowing visitors to savor local flavors.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the nearby tourist destinations, enjoying thrilling rides at Imagica Theme Park, or experiencing the natural beauty of the Sahyadris, Khopoli offers a mix of industrial significance, adventure, and scenic beauty for visitors to enjoy.

Walk

The dam is about one km away from Yolo Khopoli. And although it is just a 20 minutes trek from Yolo Khopoli to Kondgaon dam, one can chose to complete that distance by vehicle too. Visiting the place during the summers has the earth dry and the climate hot, although the trees on the way are in full bloom and some laden with fruits.

Get off from the vehicles at the entrance of the dam and walk a little to reach the large reservoir. On the way, you may encounter many cute, friendly pariah dogs, cows, bullock carts etc. It is as if the village is coming to life in the evening. The friendly locals greet travellers walking to the dam.

Trek

The trek is a little upward walk and then a descent to the dam. The water in the dam is pleasant, calm and still in the evenings. The dam is not too full during summers but in the monsoon it fills up and is very deep. Swimming and diving in it is not allowed.

A little further from the dam and reservoir is a small village. One can sit on the rocks around the dam enjoying their own company. The picturesque scenes of the mountains surrounding the dam, the sun setting and the flocks of birds flying back home, is a sight to behold.

Chill in Khopoli

Sitting next to the still water in absolute silence is very calming and relaxing. One can sing to some music making using sticks and a few stones. It’s an ideal spot to speak about life and the uncertainty about the future, to laugh and joke about some events in the past and how fortunate and grateful one is to be healthy and alive. As the evening starts to grow darker, make your way back  to Yolo Khopoli while the soft breeze accompanies into the night.

One can camp near the dam too but a campfire, tent, permission from the panchayat, torches, etc are needed.