Top 5 Highest Dams in India: Top Facts & Must-Know Details

Since India’s independence, we’ve made significant progress in building water reservoirs, including some of the highest dams in the country. Today, India is known as one of the world’s leading dam builders. Currently, there are around 4,300 large dams across India, with many more under development. Interestingly, about half of these dams are over 20 years old and have become popular tourist spots.

These magnificent dams in India do more than just control floods and store water. They generate hydroelectric power and have transformed into serene tourist attractions, offering breathtaking views and a sense of peace, making them perfect for a getaway.

Many of India’s dams serve multiple purposes. If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, be sure to check out these impressive structures, starting with India’s tallest dam, the Tehri Dam.

Top 5 Highest Dams in India

Standing at an astonishing height of 260 meters, Tehri Dam is not only the tallest dam in India but also one of the highest in Asia. This dam stretches 575 meters in length, with a peak width of 20 meters and a base width of 1,128 meters. It holds 2.6 cubic kilometers of water, covering a surface area of 52 square kilometers.

Tehri Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric water project, drawing water from the Bhilangana and Bhagirathi rivers that flow from the Himalayas.

Besides supplying water for everyday use and irrigation, Tehri Dam generates an impressive 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

1. Tehri Dam – Uttarakhand

The vision to build the Tehri Dam was first conceived in 1961, and by 1978, work began to turn this dream into reality. Despite facing delays due to environmental concerns and financial hurdles, the dam was finally completed in 2006 with help from the USSR, overcoming all the obstacles along the way.

• Location: Uttarakhand
• Length: 575 meters
• Height: 260 meters
• Type: Earth and rock-fill
• River: Bhagirathi River
• Reservoir Capacity: 2,100,000 acre-feet
• Installed Capacity: 1,000 MW

Popular Activities at Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)

Tehri Dam is not just an engineering marvel but also a favorite spot for tourists. It’s surrounded by the stunning Tehri Lake, nestled in the lush green hills, making it a perfect weekend escape for nature lovers. Here are some of the adventurous activities you can enjoy at Tehri:

• Jet Skiing: Experience the thrill of gliding on water with Jet Skis, also known as water bikes, against the scenic backdrop of the Himalayas.
• Water Skiing: This fun activity involves riding on skis over water, pulled by a motorboat, offering a similar thrill to skiing on snow.
• Kayaking: Take a solo ride in a kayak, navigating the waters of Tehri Lake for a truly immersive experience.
• Water Zorbing: Feel the excitement of walking on water inside a giant, transparent plastic ball—a must-try activity for adventure lovers.
• River Rafting: While Rishikesh has been the go-to destination for river rafting, you can now enjoy this adrenaline-pumping sport at Tehri too.
• Parasailing: Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape as you soar through the air while being towed by a motorboat in this thrilling parasailing experience.

2. Bhakra Nangal Dam – Himachal Pradesh

Bhakra Nangal Dam, located over the Sutlej River in the Bilaspur region of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the tallest dams in India.

With a towering height of 226 meters, this gravity dam is the second-largest in Asia. Its massive reservoir, known as the ‘Gobind Sagar,’ can hold up to 9.34 billion cubic meters of water, making it the third-largest in India.

Suggestion: Top 10 Spiritual Trekking Destinations in the Himalayas

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• Height: 226 meters
• Length: 520 meters
• Type: Concrete gravity
• River: Sutlej River
• Reservoir Capacity: 7,501,775 acre-feet
• Installed Capacity: 1,325 MW

Unfortunately, due to security concerns, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is currently not open to visitors. However, its significance as a powerhouse and its role in protecting fields from floods during the monsoon season cannot be overlooked.

3. Sardar Sarovar Dam – Gujarat

The Sardar Sarovar Dam, located on the Narmada River in Gujarat, is one of the largest dams in India. Construction began in 1979, with the aim of providing drinking water, irrigation water, and hydroelectric power to the state.

Over time, the dam has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning surroundings and visitor facilities. The Gujarat government is also planning to install solar panels on the Narmada canal to generate solar power for local villages.

Visitors to the Sardar Sarovar Dam can take guided tours that showcase six key spots, including the foundation stone laid by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, a serene lake, a garden with boat rides, the main lock gate, and a trekking area for nature camp participants.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Sardar Sarovar Dam is in October and November, when the weather is pleasant.

• Location: Gujarat
• Height: 163 meters
• Length: 1,210 meters
• Type: Gravity Dam
• River: Narmada River
• Reservoir Capacity: 7,701,775 acre-feet
• Installed Capacity: 1,450 MW

Other Attractions Near Sardar Sarovar Dam:

• Zarwani Eco Campsite
• Kanjeta Eco Campsite
• Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
• Dediapada Range and Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite
• Samot-Malsamot Eco Campsite
• Sagai-Malsamot Eco Campsite

4. Hirakud Dam – Odisha

Hirakud Dam, built on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is one of the longest dams in the world and a major engineering marvel. It was one of the first significant multipurpose river valley projects in India.

The dam’s reservoir, known as the Hirakud Reservoir, is not only a crucial water source but also a fantastic tourist attraction, especially during the winter when migratory birds flock to the area.

Exploring the waters of Hirakud has also led to the discovery of ancient temples that had been submerged. For those interested in history, scuba diving is available to explore these temples. The best time to visit is in May and June, with boat rides offering the best view.

• Location: Odisha
• Height: 60.96 meters
• Length: 25.8 km
• Type: Composite Dam
• River: Mahanadi River
• Reservoir Capacity: 4,779,965 acre-feet

Hirakud Dam is not only a technological feat but also a beautiful spot to enjoy the serene landscape and wildlife that thrives around its vast water body.

5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Telangana/Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, the world’s largest masonry dam, stands tall on the mighty Krishna River. With a height of 124 meters (around 490 feet) and a length of 16 kilometers, this magnificent structure has 26 gates and a storage capacity of 11,472 million cubic meters.

Named after the Buddhist monk Acharya Nagarjuna, this dam not only serves as a major tourist attraction but also plays a crucial role in irrigating more than 10 lakh acres of land in the Guntur, Nalgonda, Khammam, and Prakasam regions.

Construction of the dam was completed in 1972, with the efforts of about 45,000 to 70,000 workers. The reservoir created by the dam is a beautiful sight to behold, perfect for a relaxing visit.

One of the highlights of the area is Nagarjunakonda Island, located at the center of the lake. This island holds remnants of an ancient Buddhist settlement that was relocated here during the dam’s construction.

• Location: Telangana/Andhra Pradesh
• Height: 124 meters
• Length: 1,450 meters
• Type: Masonry Dam
• River: Krishna River
• Reservoir Capacity: 9,371,845 acre-feet
• Installed Capacity: 816 MW

Conclusion

Now that you know about the highest dams in India, why not consider adding them to your travel plans? Each of these towering dams offers a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and fascinating history.

The green landscapes, serene waters, and remarkable engineering of these dams make them ideal destinations for a perfect weekend getaway. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, these stunning dams have something for everyone.