Dowleswaram Barrage is an iconic British structure of Andhra Pradesh, located on the river Godavari. It was built by Sir Arthur Cotton, who transformed the entire landscape of the region. Due to the fast-flowing Godavari, the area experienced infertile soil and frequent floods. With the construction of the Dowleswaram barrage, the region has become fertile land and boosted the state’s economy. Besides being an engineering gem, this place is a significant tourist attraction for its impeccable river views. Come and admire the Godavari’s scenic views from Dowleswaram barrage, and admire their beauty.
Dowleswaram Barrage History
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The Dowleswaram barrage was designed and constructed under the British irrigation engineer Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton in 1850. He was the pioneer of an infrastructural change in India’s irrigation system. The fast-flowing Godavari causes soil erosion before draining into the Bay of Bengal. It led to agricultural developments in Rajahmundry and transformed its economy. It also enhanced the water supply for irrigation in the Godavari delta. It reduced the frequency of floods and the salinity of the soil. Dowleswaram Barrage’s history laid the foundation for modern irrigation methods.
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Dowleswaram Barrage Architecture
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Dowleswaram barrage spans 3.6 km across the stretch of the Godavari River and stands 15 feet high—the barrage gates (175 crest gates). Regulate the flow of the Godavari River, ensuring controlled irrigation and flood management in the region. The river Godavari divides into two parts: Gautami, which flows to the left side, and Vasishtha, which flows to the right. The barrage stands across two midstream islands. It has a capacity of 293 million cubic feet, which manages the extra water during monsoon, protecting the region from flooding. The barrage consisted of manually operated gates with a few machine-operated ones. The gate was constructed using traditional stone and mortar from the 19th century. The barrage offers a scenic view of the sunrise and sunset with the river as its picturesque background.
Dowleswaram Barrage Entry Fees, Location And Timings
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Located 5 km south of Rajahmundry, Dowleswaram Barrage is well connected by road. It is built to separate the river Godavari and its tributaries. The barrage is a popular tourist spot, and locals visit it often.
The barrage remains open 24 hours a day, all week. There are no entry charges for adults or children to explore the beauty of this British marvel. To avoid the heat, visit in the early morning or late evening. Plan your visit to prevent many crowds and have a better experience.
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Things To Do Near Dowleswaram Barrage
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Dowleswaram Barrage offers visitors a variety of experiences. Standing as one of the iconic places in Rajahmundry, here are some of the things you must do:
Boating: You can take a boat ride to explore the tranquillity of the Godavari River. You will see the famous temples on the banks of the river. You will also view the huge Dowleswaram barrage and appreciate its beauty.
Swimming: Many people dip in the holy water of the Godavari River. Enjoy the beauty of the aquatic life and harmony created in this ecosystem. A dip in the river’s freshwater will remove all your tiredness.
Picnic: Locals often come with their friends and family to enjoy a picnic near Dowleswaram Barrage. Schools also arrange educational picnics to educate students about the barrage’s heritage. The area has many food stalls and vendors, making it a tourist hubspot.
Golden Hour: People visit the Dowleswaram barrage for the breathtaking sunrise and sunset view. Bring your camera to capture one of the best sunset or sunrise moments with the river Godavari and the green frost coming together to paint a landscape.
Guided Tour: If you are keen on learning the architecture and history of the barrage, many guided Taurus tours are available. Opt for one according to your schedule and learn about the details and impact of building the barrage.
Places To Visit Around Dowleswaram Barrage
Dowleswaram Barrage is a hub of activities. After completing your trip, you can visit these places around the barrage to explore more of Andhra Pradesh’s beauty. Here are some of the places around the barrage which you must visit:
1. Cotton Museum
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Located beside the Dowleswaram Barrage, the Cotton Museum is a tribute to Sir Arthur Cotton. You will learn how the barrage has transformed the Godavari delta region and details about the engineering aspects of the barrage. As an engineering or history enthusiast, you would get to understand a lot from the museum. With models, plans, and engineering models from the time of bridge construction, you will get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes construction of the barrage.
Address: Dowlaiswaram – Vijjeswaram Road, Cotton Peta, Dhavaleswaram, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Entry fees: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for senior citizens and children below the age of 12
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2. ISKCON Rajahmundry
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Located 7 km from Dowleswaram barrage, visiting ISKCON temple is a rich spiritual experience. With a vast area of 2 acres, it is one of the most visited temples in Rajahmundry by the devotees of Lord Krishna. ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness and has temples worldwide. Many people come daily to seek the blessings of Radha and Krishna in this legendary temple. The temple offers free vegetarian meals to the ones in need as a part of its global program.
Address: Gowthami Ghat Road, beside Godavari Bund Road, Gowthami Ghat, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh 533101
Visiting hours: 4 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry fees: Zero
3. Papi Hills
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Located 150 km from Dowleswaram Barrage, Papi Hills is the perfect mountain getaway from the sounds of the city. Take a road trip through the scenic views of the journey and the river Godavari to reach Papi Hills. Go on to trek, hike and explore the tribal life of the people of Andhra Pradesh. Sleep under the stars and gaze upon them in this free-of-light pollution zone. Enjoy the boat rides in the river Godavari to witness the beauty of Papi hills as you move along the waters.
Address: D.No: 29-14-58, F1, First Floor Kota Gummam Kirshna Nager, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh 533103
Visiting Hours: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fees: INR 6000 onwards
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Best Time To Visit Dowleswaram Barrage
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The best time to visit Rajahmundry is the winter season, from October to March. Rajahmundry experiences extreme summers and high humidity. After the monsoon, the temperature becomes comfortable, with low humidity, cool breezes, and bright sunlight. The temperature ranges from around 21 to 30 degrees Celsius, allowing you to explore the city comfortably.
During the summer months of April to June, the region is in the tropical zone and experiences temperatures around 36 to 40 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature has been around 51 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season brings a breath of relief with frequent rainfall. You can visit Dowleswaram barrage this season and explore the city with sudden but not long rain showers. The temperature ranges from 25 degrees to 33 degrees Celsius.
How To Reach Dowleswaram Barrage
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By bus: Rajahmundry has a well-connected road transport system with national highways. You can reach Rajahmundry by NH 5 from most South Indian cities. Dowleswaram Barrage is a popular site, so many buses provide rides here.
By train: Rajahmundry and Godavari are the nearest railway stations to Dowleswaram Barrage. The distance between Rajahmundry railway station and Gowthami Ghat is 10 km, which you can cover by private vehicle or cab.
By air: The nearest international and domestic airport is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which connects Rajahmundry to major cities. The remaining 25 km between Hyderabad and Rajahmundry can be covered by flight to the Rajahmundry airport, Madhurapudi, and then a 45- 50-minute cab ride to Dowleswaram barrage.
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Explore the beauty of the Dowleswaram Barrage and appreciate the legacy of this British architecture. Apart from its uses, this barrage has improved the lives of the people of Andhra Pradesh. If this guide about the Dowleswaram barrage motivates you, here are some packages for a trip to Andhra Pradesh. Come and spend time in the land of Rajahmundry.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dowleswaram Barrage
Is Dowleswaram Barrage famous among visitors?
Dowleswaram Barrage is an architectural gem that has transformed Andhra Pradesh's history. It transformed it into a prosperous.
Who is Cotton Dora?
Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton received the name of Cotton Dora for his efforts to transform the Godavari Delta.
What are the entrance charges for visiting Dowleswaram Barrage?
There is no entrance fee to visit Dowleswaram Barrage, making it convenient for all to explore this marvellous structure and catch the sunset in the evening.
How much time should I spend at Dowleswaram Barrage?
While visiting Dowleswaram barrage, you would need around 1 to 2 hours to admire and appreciate its beauty. You can spend more time engaging in the activities in the area.
How many years did it take to rebuild the Dowleswaram barrage?
The reconstruction of the Dowleswaram barrage took 14 years under the state government, from 1970 to 1984.
What is the significance of the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum at Dowleswaram Barrage?
The primary significance of the Cotton Museum was to educate the people about the great Engineer Sir Arthur Cotton. In the past, he constructed the mighty cut across the Godavari River and converted the lands of East and West Godavari Districts into very fertile lands.
What are the recreational activities at Dowleswaram Barrage?
Visitors can enjoy picturesque river views, take a boat ride, and learn about the barrage's historical and engineering significance. The serene ambience makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
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