India is a land of diversity, culture, and history. It is also a land of dams, which play a vital role in the development and tourism of the country. India has more than 4,300 dams, some of which are among the largest, biggest, longest, and highest in the world. These dams not only provide water, power, and irrigation, but also offer stunning views, scenic beauty, and exciting activities for the visitors.
If you are looking for a unique and adventurous way to explore India, then you should check out these amazing dams in India that will leave you awestruck. In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 largest dams in India by different criteria, such as height, length, volume, and type. We will also tell you how to plan your trip to these dams, what to expect, and what to do there.
Here is the ultimate list of the largest dams in India that you must visit once in your lifetime:
1. Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world. It is a multipurpose dam that serves as a source of hydroelectricity, irrigation, and drinking water. It is also a popular tourist destination that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Bhagirathi river.
Top Sights near Tehri Dam: Tehri Lake, New Tehri Town, Devprayag, Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti
Activities in Tehri Dam: Boating, rafting, kayaking, jet skiing, paragliding, camping, trekking
Height: 260.5 m
Length: 575 m
River: Bhagirathi
Location: Tehri, Uttarakhand
Reservoir Capacity: 2.6 billion cubic metres
How to Reach Tehri Dam: You can reach Tehri Dam by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar or Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 91 km away. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 75 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Tehri Dam
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2. Bhakra Nangal Dam
Bhakra Nangal Dam is the second-largest dam in India by reservoir capacity and one of the highest gravity dams in the world. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power generation, and flood control. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to witness the engineering marvel and the natural beauty of the region.
Top Sights near Bhakra Nangal Dam: Gobind Sagar Lake, Bhakra Dam Museum, Naina Devi Temple, Anandpur Sahib, Nangal Wetland
Activities in Bhakra Nangal Dam: Boating, fishing, sightseeing, photography, birdwatching
Height: 226 m
Length: 520 m
River: Sutlej
Location: Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh and Nangal, Punjab
Reservoir Capacity: 7.8 billion cubic metres
How to Reach Bhakra Nangal Dam: You can reach Bhakra Nangal Dam by road from Chandigarh, Nangal or Rupnagar. The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, about 75 km away. The nearest railway station is Nangal Dam, about 15 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Bhakra Nangal Dam
3. Sardar Sarovar Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam is the largest dam in India by reservoir capacity and one of the largest in the world. It is a multipurpose dam that aims to provide water, power, and development to the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to see the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, located near the dam.
Top Sights near Sardar Sarovar Dam: Statue of Unity, Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar Garden, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zarwani Waterfall
Activities in Sardar Sarovar Dam: Boating, helicopter ride, light and sound show, jungle safari, trekking
Height: 163 m
Length: 1,210 m
River: Narmada
Location: Kevadia, Gujarat
Reservoir Capacity: 9.5 billion cubic metres
How to reach Sardar Sarovar Dam: You can reach Sardar Sarovar Dam by road from Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat or Rajkot. The nearest airport is Vadodara Airport, about 91 km away. The nearest railway station is Bharuch, about 75 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Sardar Sarovar Dam
Also Read: 10 Largest Dams In the World You Must Visit Once In Your Lifetime
4. Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and one of the longest in the world. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power, and flood control. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
Top Sights near Hirakud Dam: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Huma Temple, Samaleswari Temple, Ghanteswari Temple, Leaning Temple of Huma
Activities in Hirakud Dam: Boating, cruising, sightseeing, photography, wildlife watching
Height: 60.96 m
Length: 25.8 km
River: Mahanadi
Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
Reservoir Capacity: 5.8 billion cubic metres
How to reach Hirakud Dam: You can reach Hirakud Dam by road from Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack or Rourkela. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport, about 195 km away. The nearest railway station is Sambalpur Junction, about 16 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Hirakud Dam
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the third-largest dam in India by reservoir capacity and one of the largest masonry dams in the world. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power, and drinking water. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Top Sights near Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Nagarjunakonda Island, Ethipothala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anupu, Sri Parvata Arama
Activities in Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Boating, cruising, sightseeing, photography, museum visit, wildlife watching
Height: 124 m
Length: 1,550 m
River: Krishna
Location: Nalgonda, Telangana and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 11.56 billion cubic metres
How to reach Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: You can reach Nagarjuna Sagar Dam by road from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur or Nalgonda. The nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport, about 151 km away. The nearest railway station is Macherla, about 23 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
6. Idukki Arch Dam
Idukki Arch Dam is the tallest dam in India and one of the tallest in Asia. It is a double curvature arch dam that generates hydroelectric power. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to experience the scenic beauty and the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Top Sights near Idukki Arch Dam: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kulamavu Dam, Painavu, Cheruthoni Dam, Hill View Park
Activities in Idukki Arch Dam: Boating, sightseeing, photography, trekking, wildlife watching
Height: 168.91 m
Length: 365.85 m
River: Periyar
Location: Idukki, Kerala
Reservoir Capacity: 1.75 billion cubic metres
How to reach Idukki Arch Dam: You can reach Idukki Arch Dam by road from Kottayam, Kochi, Munnar or Thekkady. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 97 km away. The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, about 99 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Idukki Arch Dam
7. Srisailam Dam
Srisailam Dam is the fourth-largest dam in India by reservoir capacity and one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the country. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power, and drinking water. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to visit the holy town of Srisailam and the nearby attractions.
Top Sights near Srisailam Dam: Srisailam Temple, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Pathala Ganga, Akkamahadevi Caves, Mallela Theertham Waterfall
Activities in Srisailam Dam: Boating, sightseeing, photography, temple visit, cave exploration, waterfall visit
Height: 145 m
Length: 512 m
River: Krishna
Location: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh and Mahabubnagar, Telangana Reservoir Capacity: 215 billion cubic metres
How to reach Srisailam Dam: You can reach Srisailam Dam by road from Hyderabad, Kurnool, Nellore or Vijayawada. The nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport, about 151 km away. The nearest railway station is Markapur Road, about 62 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Srisailam Dam.
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8. Indira Sagar Dam
Indira Sagar Dam is the fifth-largest dam in India by reservoir capacity and one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the country. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power, and flood control. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to enjoy the serene and tranquil environment of the dam and the reservoir.
Top Sights near Indira Sagar Dam: Hanuwantiya Island, Sailani Island, Omkareshwar Temple, Maheshwar Fort, Mandleshwar
Activities in Indira Sagar Dam: Boating, cruising, sightseeing, photography, island hopping, temple visit
Height: 92 m
Length: 653 m
River: Narmada
Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 12.22 billion cubic metres
How to reach Indira Sagar Dam : You can reach Indira Sagar Dam by road from Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain or Khandwa. The nearest airport is Indore Airport, about 146 km away. The nearest railway station is Khandwa Railway Station, about 49 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Indira Sagar Dam.
9. Cheruthoni Dam
Cheruthoni Dam is the largest concrete gravity dam in India and one of the largest in Asia. It is a part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project that generates power. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to witness the majestic structure and the spectacular views of the dam and the reservoir.
Top Sights near Cheruthoni Dam: Idukki Arch Dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kulamavu Dam, Painavu, Hill View Park
Activities in Cheruthoni Dam: Boating, sightseeing, photography, trekking, wildlife watching
Height: 138.68 m
Length: 650 m
River: Cheruthoni Location: Idukki, Kerala
Reservoir Capacity: 1.75 billion cubic metres
How to reach Cheruthoni Dam: You can reach Cheruthoni Dam by road from Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Kattappana or Kumily. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 99 km away. The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station, about 98 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Cheruthoni Dam.
10. Maithon Dam
Maithon Dam is the first dam in India to have an underground power station. It is a multipurpose dam that provides irrigation, power, and flood control. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and the recreational facilities of the dam and the reservoir.
Top Sights near Maithon Dam: Maithon Lake, Kalyaneshwari Temple, Deer Park, Maithon Dam Park, Panchet Dam
Activities in Maithon Dam: Boating, fishing, sightseeing, photography, birdwatching, park visit
Height: 48.77 m
Length: 4,789 m
River: Barakar
Location: Dhanbad, Jharkhand and Purulia, West Bengal
Reservoir Capacity: 0.65 billion cubic metres
How to reach Maithon Dam: You can reach Maithon Dam by road from Dhanbad, Asansol, Kolkata or Ranchi. The nearest airport is Ranchi Airport, about 170 km away. The nearest railway station is Kumardhubi, about 5 km away. You can also take a bus or a taxi from these places to reach Maithon Dam
Must Read: Know in detail about Maithon Dam in Jharkhan
Did You Know?
Which is the highest dam in India?
The highest dam in India is Tehri Dam, which has a height of 260.5 m. It is located on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand and serves as a source of hydroelectricity, irrigation, and drinking water. It is also a popular tourist destination that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Bhagirathi river.
Which is the longest dam in India?
The longest dam in India is Hirakud Dam, which has a length of 25.8 km. It is located on the Mahanadi river in Odisha and provides irrigation, power, and flood control. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
Which is the largest dam in India?
The largest dam in India by reservoir capacity is Sardar Sarovar Dam, which can store up to 9.5 billion cubic metres of water. It is located on the Narmada river in Gujarat and aims to provide water, power, and development to the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to see the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, located near the dam.
Which is the most scenic dam in India?
The most scenic dam in India is Idukki Arch Dam, which is the tallest dam in India and one of the tallest in Asia. It is a double curvature arch dam that generates hydroelectric power. It is located on the Periyar river in Kerala and offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and the reservoir. It is also a major attraction for tourists who want to experience the scenic beauty and the biodiversity of the region.
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So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to these dams in India and witness the beauty and power of water. Don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us in the comments section below.