6 Biggest Dams in India - Largest Dams by Height

The breathtakingly beautiful dams of India have not only served the country by storing water, preventing floods and generating hydroelectricity but have also transformed into rich tourism spots that offer scenic views, peace, tranquillity, and adventure. India has around 4,000 dams which include a large number of multipurpose dams. If you are looking for a different holiday experience, we recommend you to take a look at the following marvellous structures beginning with the most important and highest dam in India, the Tehri Dam.

List of 6 Highest Dams in India

Tehri Dam
Bhakra Nangal Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Hirakud Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Idukki Arch Dam

Which is the Highest Dam in India?

tehri dam, highest dam in India — Source

With a staggering height of 260 meters, Tehri Dam stands tall as one of the highest dams in Asia and the highest dam in India. With a length of 575 meters, the crest width of 20 meters, and base width 1,128 meters, Tehri is a reservoir for 2.6 cubic kilometres with a surface area of 52 square kilometres. Tehri Dam is the world's most significant hydro-electric water project and draws water from the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana which flow from the Himalayas. Apart from supplying water for irrigation and daily consumption, the dam generates 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity.

History of Tehri Dam

The thought germ for Tehri was conceived in 1961 and in 1978 the work to turn this dream into reality was undertaken. Despite the opposition the construction received due to possible environmental hazards and the postponing of development because of a shortage of funds, the dam was finally finished in 2006 with the help of USSR overcoming financial and economic obstacles.

Activities on Tehri Dam

Apart from a work to marvel at, Tehri dam draws a large number of tourists to its emerald green reservoir which is the Tehri Lake. Amidst the picturesque green hills, Tehri Lake has become a perfect weekend getaway for many. You can indulge in some activities here, like:

Jet Skiing: also known as water scooters, Jet Skis are a vehicle for a single person which travels on the water. Enjoy the experience of roaring through the waters amidst the hills of Himalayas at Tehri.
Water skiing: this adventure activity is the hydro counterpart of skiing on snow. Skiis are tied to your feet as you ride on the water holding a rope. The rope is fastened to a motorboat.
Kayaking: this water sport involves the propelling of a kayak by the individual.
Rafting: navigating the rough waters in Rishikesh has long been the trend, but now you have the opportunity to relish this sport at Tehri too.
Water Zorbing: the terrific experience of walking on water inside a giant, transparent, plastic ball is a thrilling activity you can take part in at Tehri.
Parasailing: Parasailing or Parakiting, is an activity in which a person is towed behind a motorboat while being attached to a parachute.

2. Bhakra Nangal Dam

Across the Sutlej River, Bhakra Nangal, located in the Bilaspur district is the largest dam in India. This gravity dam with a height of 225 meters is the second largest dam in Asia. Bhakra Nangal's reservoir, which is called 'Gobind Sagar' can hold up to 9.34 billion cubic meters of water and is the third-largest reservoir in India. The dam has ten power generators on either side and protects the fields from any damages during monsoons. Unfortunately, it has been closed to visitors due to some security reasons.

3. Sardar Sarovar Dam

sardar sarovar dam, dams in india — Source

Built on the Narmada river, the Sardar Sarovar dam was a project started in 1979. The dam is the largest dam built on the river Narmada, aimed at providing drinking water, irrigation water and hydro-power for the state of Gujrat. Given its innate beauty and tourist facilities, the dam has grown into a famous tourist destination. The Gujrat government also plans to set up solar panels in the Narmada canal to generate solar power which would help the villagers of Gujrat. There is a guided tour facility here which shows you the six points to visit at the dam. The points are- the foundation stone laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, a garden, a lake where you can go for boating, the first lock gate and a trekking point for students who participate in nature camps. October and November are the best months to visit the dam. Other attractions nearby-

-Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
-Dediapada Range which also consists of the Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary
-Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite
-Samot-Malsamot Eco Campsite
-Sagai-Malsamot Eco Campsite
-Zarwani Eco Campsite
-Kanjeta Eco Campsite

4. Hirakud Dam

One of the longest dams in the world, Hirakud Dam is constructed on the Mahanadi River in Odisha. The dam is the longest human-made dams in the world and one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects in India. The dam's lake is called the Hirakud Reservoir, which is a significant tourist attraction. One can see a substantial number of migratory birds here during the winter season. Not only is it an ideal atmosphere that facilitates the flourishing of wildlife but also a site of scenic views. During the construction of the dam, some old temples were discovered which led to scuba diving to explore the waters of Hirakud. You can visit these temples in May and June by a boat.

5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nagarjuna sagar dam, dams in india — Source

The world's largest masonry dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on the mighty river Krishna. The dam is 490 feet tall, 16 kilometres long with 26 gates and has a capacity for 11, 472 million cubic meters. The majestic structure, coupled with irresistible beauty attracts a large number of tourists. The dam is named after a Buddhist monk Acharya Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna Sagar irrigates the districts of Nalgonda, Guntur, Khammam and Prakasam, an area more than 10 lakh acre. In 1972 with the help of around 45,000 to 70,000 workers, the dam was completed. The reservoir which is perched next to the dam is a beautiful spot. Apart from that, there are attractions like the Nagarjunakonda Island, which lies in the centre of the lake. This island has the remains of the Buddhist settlement which was drowned during the construction and was relocated there.

6. Idukki Arch Dam

Idukki Arch Dam, an engineering marvel, is located in the South-Indian state of Kerala. It is an arch dam with a double curvature and is built on River Periyar. Precisely, the dam is constructed in a gorge between two hills, Kuravathi and Kuravan. It is at the height of about 550 feet and is a breathtaking sight in the otherwise rugged terrain. With this height, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia.

Make sure to add one of these highest dams in India to your bucket list whenever you are nearby since they offer you a unique experience which brings together adventure, knowledge, and beauty. The green landscape with the pristine waters is also a good idea for a weekend getaway.