Anjunem Dam Goa: History, Location & Visitor Guide
Nestled in the misty, forested hills of Sattari taluka in North Goa, Anjunem Dam (also known as the Anjunem Irrigation Project) is one of the most picturesque water reservoirs in Western India.
Located about 10 km from Sanquelim town along the scenic Goa–Belgaum road (via Chorla Ghat), this solid gravity dam is built across the Costi Nadi river—a tributary of the Sanquelim/Valvanti River. Surrounded by dense rainforests, rolling valley hills, and rural Goan hamlets, Anjunem Dam offers nature lovers, road-trippers, and monsoon travelers a peaceful sanctuary far away from crowded coastal beaches.
Here is a complete guide to Anjunem Dam, covering its location, agricultural significance, best time to visit, visitor details, and nearby attractions.
View Location on Map
To easily navigate to Anjunem Dam using GPS or Google Maps, use the map location details below:
- Location Address: Anjunem Dam, Near Chorla Ghat Road, Sattari Taluka, North Goa, Goa 403505
History & Purpose of Anjunem Dam
The Anjunem Irrigation Project plays a vital role in sustaining North Goa’s rural ecosystem and agricultural economy:
- Commissioning & Construction: Built by the Water Resources Department (WRD) of Goa, the dam was completed in the late 1980s to harness mountain runoff flowing down from the Western Ghats.
- Lifeline of Sattari & Bicholim: The reservoir feeds a network of canals that irrigate thousands of hectares of agricultural land, supporting cashew plantations, areca nut (betel nut) groves, paddy fields, and vegetable farming across Sattari and Bicholim talukas.
- Drinking Water & Flood Control: Besides irrigation, the dam acts as a key drinking water source for surrounding villages and helps regulate seasonal mountain runoff during monsoon downpours.
Key Highlights & Scenic Experience
- Chorla Ghat Road Views: The drive toward the dam via the Sanquelim–Chorla Ghat highway is considered one of Goa’s most scenic road routes, featuring winding canopy roads, valley views, and roadside waterfalls.
- Misty Mountain Backdrop: Set at the base of the Sahyadri range, the calm blue reservoir reflects the surrounding green peaks, making it a popular backdrop for nature photography.
- Monsoon Overflow: During peak monsoon months, the dam gates are opened to release excess water, creating a roaring white-water display that can be viewed safely from designated viewing points.
Key Visitor Information
| Essential Detail | Information |
| Location | Sattari Taluka, North Goa (~10 km from Sanquelim, ~12 km from Valpoi) |
| Visiting Timings | Mon to Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | Monsoon & Post-Monsoon (July to December) for lush greenery |
| Entry Fee | Free (Entry up to designated viewing points) |
| Ideal Duration | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Railway Station | Thivim Railway Station (~30 km) / Karmali Railway Station (~35 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Manohar International Airport, Mopa (~38 km) / Dabolim Airport (~60 km) |
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Combine with a Chorla Ghat Road Trip: Anjunem Dam makes an ideal pitstop if you are driving toward Chorla Ghat, Keri, or the border regions of Karnataka.
- Check Security & Access Guidelines: Because dams are vital state infrastructure, walking directly on top of the main dam wall may be restricted by security personnel. Visitors are usually guided to designated scenic view platforms.
- Best Time for Photography: Early morning hours offer mist rising off the reservoir water, while late afternoons provide warm golden light across the Sahyadri peaks.
- Pack Snacks & Water: Since the dam is located in a rural forest belt, commercial eateries right at the dam site are limited. Basic tea and snack shops are available along the main highway in Sanquelim or Keri.
Photo Gallery Of Anjunem Dam Goa
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Sattari & Bicholim
When visiting Anjunem Dam, you can easily pair your trip with these popular eco-tourism and cultural stops in North Goa:
- Shri Brahma Temple (Brahma Karmali): Located about 8 km away in Nagargao, home to the rare 12th-century Kadamba-era black stone idol of Lord Brahma.
- Harvalem Waterfalls & Rock-Cut Caves: Located 12 km west in Sanquelim, a historic 50-foot waterfall accompanied by ancient 6th-century rock-cut Pandava caves.
- Chorla Ghat Nature Trails: Located further up the mountain highway, famous for lush tropical rainforests, trekking trails, and rich birdlife.
- Surla Village & Waterfalls: A scenic high-altitude Goan village situated near the rim of the Western Ghats plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Anjunem Dam located in Goa?
A: Anjunem Dam is located in Sattari Taluka, North Goa, situated along the road leading to Chorla Ghat, roughly 10 km from Sanquelim town.
Q2. Which river feeds the Anjunem Dam?
A: The dam is constructed across the Costi Nadi, a mountain river stream that joins the Valvanti/Sanquelim river system.
Q3. What is the best season to visit Anjunem Dam?
A: The best time to visit is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months (July to December), when the reservoir is full and the surrounding hills are covered in dense greenery.
Q4. Is there an entry ticket for Anjunem Dam?
A: No, visiting the public viewing areas around Anjunem Dam is completely free.