Mahi Dam
The dam that made Banswara the city of a hundred islands — and the single sight most visitors come here for.
- From the hotel
- 16 km
- Travel time
- 30 min
- Timings
- Daylight hours
- Entry
- No charge
- Best time
- August to February
Mahi Dam — properly the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam — sits about 16 kilometres from Banswara town and is the reason the district is known as the city of a hundred islands.
The dam holds back the Mahi river. When the water level drops through the dry season, the higher ground in the reservoir emerges as dozens of small islands scattered across the water. The number changes year to year, which is why nobody agrees on exactly how many there are.
When to go
Come between August and February. Immediately after the monsoon the reservoir is full and the surrounding country is green; by winter the water has dropped enough for the islands to appear clearly, and the light in the early morning and late afternoon is at its best.
April and May are hot and the approach is dusty. It is still worth the drive if that is when you are here, but go early.
What there is to do
This is a place to look at rather than a place with facilities. There is no ticketed viewing area, no café, and no boat operator working to a schedule. Most visitors drive out, spend half an hour or so at the water, and continue to Chacha Kota for the wider view across the islands.
Bring water. There is very little shade.
Getting there
The drive from Udaipur Road takes around thirty minutes on reasonable road. Any auto or taxi in Banswara will know it — ask for Mahi Bajaj Sagar if Mahi Dam draws a blank.
