Dhom Dam is one of the most important dams of Satara district located in Western Maharashtra. The earth-fill and gravity dam is the first one to be built on the Krishna River and has a capacity of 13.5 TMC. The dam generates two mega watts of electricity and is a source of power supply to the surrounding regions. The Dhom Dam attracts tourists in large numbers because of the beautiful natural surroundings and abundance of greenery.

The Dhom Dam stands 50 feet tall from the lowest foundation and runs a length of 2,478 meters. The gross water holding capacity of the tank is 13.80 TMC.

The Purpose of the Dhom Dam

The main purpose of the construction of the Dhom Dam was to ensure adequate water supply for industries in the region, for agricultural activities and to supply potable drinking water to the populace of Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Wai regions which lie in the vicinity of the dam. The dam is also the chief source of water supply for farmers of Koregaon, Javli and Khandala talukas of Satara. The Dhom Lake is formed by the backwaters of the dam and the Krishna River. It is about 20 km in length.

History

The Dhom Dam project was initiated in 1976 and was commissioned in 1982. It was one of the largest construction projects of its kind during those times. The hydroelectric phase of the project is managed by the state electricity board. Water capacity of the lake is 14 TMC while the basement electricity house of the dam is designed to generate 4 MG of electricity. The dam is located about 21 km from Panchgani and was constructed from natural materials.

The Dhom village was known as Dakshin Kashi in the olden days and was also called as Virat Nagar. The place is famous for its scenic beauty and the temples on the river banks. The Shree Narasimha Temple on the Krishna Ghat is a much-visited place and is a preferred locale by Bollywood for film shooting. Regional films are also shot here on a regular basis.

Other Places of Attraction Nearby

Kamalgad or Lotus Fort

This beautiful fort is situated above the Krishna river valley and offers an excellent panoramic view of the valley below. The fort is surrounded by precipitous rocks. It is 18.6 km from Panchgani.

Table Land

It is an iconic spot and one of the most famous tourist destinations of the region. The Table Land is a vast expanse of flat volcanic rock covering approximately 99 acres of flat, even land. The place is elevated 4550 feet above sea level and there is an unrelenting cool breeze blowing through the top. The plateau is a natural protector of the hill station.

Rajpujri Caves

These famous caves are just about 10 km from Panchgani and believed to have played host to the family of the Pandavas during their exile. The family is believed to have used the cave and the ponds during their stay here. Folklore says that the holy water inside the cave can cure many skin diseases. The caves are linked to each other through underground tunnels.

How to Reach

Nearest railway stations are Koregaon in Satara City and Wathar railway station. Lonand is the nearest railway station on the Pune side. Dhom is approximately 242 km from Mumbai. There are private as well as state transport buses available from Panchgani, Wai and Satara city to the place.