Kalyanapulova reservoir – A less-known tourist spot near Vizag

Wishing for a quick getaway from the city noise? Here’s a place that will suit your interests. Though there are many reservoirs near Vizag, this tourist spot is less-known and hence, much more serene. It’s the dream getaway for all nature lovers. It is called Kalyanapulova Reservoir. 

Built as an irrigation project, which distributes water to the Ravikamatham, Rolugunta and Kothakota Mandals in Visakhapatnam District, this dam and reservoir have quickly become a strong support system for people. Enveloped by hills on three sides, this reservoir provides the perfect contrast between hills and plains. The cloud cover, around the hills, makes this place an excellent photography spot. Plus, sitting on the banks of this reservoir, you can enjoy a fun picnic. Going with friends, family, or even alone, the peace factor is constant. 

Reasons to come to Kalyanapulova Reservoir

There are multiple reasons why people from Vizag should visit this lesser-known reservoir. The peaceful environment around the reservoir is its biggest selling point. Especially in comparison to other noisy and crowded popular tourist attractions. But during the festival of Shivaratri, this place has a different colour altogether. 

Hoards of people arrive here during the festival, primarily because of the Sri Kalyana Pothuraju Babu Temple located beside the reservoir. The original temple is now submerged into the reservoir and hence, a new one was built nearby. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims visit this reservoir during Shivaratri. For these pilgrims, buses to the reservoir are organised from nearby cities like Vizag, Vizianagaram, Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Tuni. Pilgrims arrive here, take blessings at the temple and go for a holy dip in the reservoir. Pilgrims can even avail the facility of boating during the festival. Locals organise a handloom market where a variety of locally-made clothes and footwear are sold. 

Other than that, the dam and reservoir are a visual spectacle during the seasons of monsoon and winter. Photography enthusiasts and nature lovers particularly enjoy this place. A few families come here for a weekend picnic amidst the valley. There’s also a waterfall, about 2-3 km from the dam, called Bommallam Jona Waterfall. 

The authorities are planning to develop this area and make it into a popular tourist spot near Vizag. In this regard, a park is set to come up by the reservoir, named after ex-MLA KSN Raju. Due to illegal mining activities in 2019, the water levels at the reservoir had gone down and the reservoir was almost drained completely. But then, the reservoir recovered and is now back at its earlier magnificence. 

How to get to Kalyanapulova reservoir?

Kalyanapulova Reservoir stands at a distance of about 80 km from Vizag. It is situated 24 km north of Narsipatnam. The best and most comfortable way to reach this place is by road. It can become a memorable biking trip with your friends. The journey takes about 3 hours, with the best route being through Anakapalle, Ravikamatham and Kothakota. 

The reservoir falls under the Visakhapatnam Agency area and is sparsely populated. It can be difficult for people to find accommodation in this region and hence, the ideal trip is where you come and leave on the same day. 

Disclaimer: Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, people are asked to follow Covid-19 norms like wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while visiting Kalyanapulova Reservoir. Additionally, visitors are requested to keep the reservoir clean and green.