After India’s independence, we have seen a lot of transformations and progress in the field of water reservoirs and Now top 5 Highest Dams in India. India has now become one of the world’s most productive dam-developers today.
There are around 4300 huge dams already developed and a lot more are in the pipeline. Almost 50% of such dams are over twenty years of age. These dams are the main tourist attractions in India.
The stunningly wonderful dams of India have not just served the nation by preventing floods; storing water and producing hydroelectricity yet have also changed into rich tourist attraction spots that offer beautiful views, harmony, quietness, and adventure.
India’s dams incorporate a huge number of multipurpose dams. If you are for a unique vacation getaway, we suggest you have a look at the following brilliant structures starting with the most important and Highest Dam in India, the Tehri Dam.
List of Top 5 Highest Dams in India in Details
With an incredible height of 260 meters, Tehri Dam stands tall as one of the highest dams in Asia and the Most Elevated Dam in India.
With a length of 575 meters, a peak width of 20 meters, and base width 1,128 meters, Tehri dam stores water for 2.6 cubic kilometres with a surface area of 52 square kilometres.
Tehri Dam is the world’s most noteworthy hydro-electric water project and draws water from the renowned rivers Bhilangana and Bhagirathi which stream from the Himalayas.
Apart from providing water for daily consumption and irrigation, the dam also creates 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity.
- Tehri Dam – Uttarakhand
- Bhakra Nangal Dam – Himachal Pradesh
- Sardar Sarovar Dam – Gujarat
- Hirakud Dam – Odisha
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Telangana
1.Tehri Dam – Uttarakhand
The idea of creating the Tehri dam was conceived in the year 1961 and in 1978 the work to transform this dream into reality was undertaken.
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Regardless of the restriction, the development received because of conceivable environmental dangers and the delaying of development due to lack of assets, the dam was finally completed in 2006 with the assistance of the USSR while overcoming money related and monetary obstacles.
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Length: 575 meters
- Height: 260 meters
- Type: Earth and rock-fill
- River: Bhagirathi River
- Reservoir Capacity: 2,100,000 acre·ft
- Installed capacity: 1,000 MW
Most Popular Activities on Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)
Apart from work to wonder at, Tehri dam draws countless visitors to its emerald green water reservoir which is located at the Tehri Lake.
In the midst of the pleasant green hills, Tehri Lake has become an ideal weekend getaway destination for many travel enthusiasts. You can also enjoy some adventurous activities here, which are as follows:
- Jet Skiing: Also called water bikes, Jet Skis are a vehicle for a solo ride on the water. Indulge in the experience of roaring waters amidst the pleasurable hilly environs of the Himalayas at Tehri.
- Water Skiing: This exciting activity is the hydro partner of skiing on snow. Skiis are attached to your feet as you ride on the water holding a rope. The rope is fastened to a motorboat.
- Kayaking: This water sport includes the driving of a kayak by an individual person.
- Water Zorbing: The dynamite experience of walking on water inside a transparent, giant, plastic ball is an exciting activity you can indulge in at Tehri.
- River Rafting: Exploring the rough waters in Rishikesh is a trend started a long time away, yet now you have the chance to savor this thrilling sport at Tehri as well.
- Parasailing: Parasailing or Parakiting is a thrilling activity wherein an individual is towed behind a motorboat while being fastened to a parachute.
2. Bhakra Nangal Dam – Himachal Pradesh
Over the Sutlej River, Bhakra Nangal, situated in the Bilaspur region Which is One of the Highest Dams in India.
This gravity dam with a height of 225 meters is the second biggest dam in Asia. Bhakra Nangal’s water reservoir is called the ‘Gobind Sagar’ can hold up to 9.34 billion cubic meters of water and is the third-biggest water reservoir in India.
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The dam has ten power generators on either side or guards the fields against any harm during monsoon season. Unfortunately, now it has not been open to visitors because of some security reasons.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Height: 226 meters
- Length: 520 meters
- Type: Concrete gravity
- Reservoir Capacity: 7,501,775 acre·ft
- River: Sutlej River
- Installed capacity: 1325 MW
3. Sardar Sarovar Dam – Gujarat
Situated on the Narmada River, the Sardar Sarovar dam was a project begun in the year 1979. The dam is the biggest dam based on the Narmada River, planned for providing drinking water, water for irrigation and hydro-power for the Gujarat State.
Given its natural magnificence and vacationer facilities, the dam has developed into a Popular Traveler Spot. The Gujarat government is also planning to set up solar panels in the Narmada channel to produce solar power to help the villagers of Gujarat.
There is a guided visit office here which shows you the six spots to visit at the dam. The points are the establishment stone laid by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, a lake, a garden where you can go for a boat ride, the primary lock gate and a trekking point for students who take part in nature camps.
October and November are the Best time to visit the Sardar Sarovar Dam Gujarat.
- Location: Gujarat
- Height: 163 meters
- Length:1,210 meters
- Type: Gravity Dam
- Reservoir Capacity: 7,701,775 acre·ft
- River: Narmada River
- Installed capacity: 1,450 MW
Other Famous Attractions Near Sardar Sarovar Dam:
- Zarwani Eco Campsite
- Kanjeta Eco Campsite
- Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary
- Dediapada Range which also includes the Shoolpaneshwar Wild Life Sanctuary
- Vishal Khadi Eco Campsite
- Samot-Malsamot Eco Campsite
- Sagai-Malsamot Eco Campsite
4. Hirakud Dam
This is one of the longest dams on the planet, Hirakud Dam is developed on the Mahanadi River in Odisha in India.
The dam is the longest human-made dams all around the world and one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects in India. The dam’s lake is known as the Hirakud Reservoir, which is a big vacation destination.
One can see a range of migratory birds here throughout the winter season. In addition to the fact that it is a perfect climate that encourages the thriving of wildlife yet additionally a site of beautiful views.
During the development of the dam, some old temples were found which prompted scuba diving to explore the waters of Hirakud. The best time to visit these temples is in May and June via a boat.
Location: Odisha
Height: 60.96 meters
Length: 25.8 km
Type: Composite Dam
Reservoir Capacity: 4,779,965 acre·ft
River: Mahanadi River
Installed capacity: 307.5 MW
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
The World’s Biggest Brickwork Dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is based on the mighty river ‘Krishna’.
The dam is tall around 490 feet, 16 kilometres in length with 26 gates and has a capacity for 11, 472 million cubic meters. The glorious structure, combined with compelling beauty draws in an enormous number of tourists.
The dam is named after a Buddhist monk Acharya Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna Sagar supplies water for irrigation in the regions of Guntur, Nalgonda, Khammam and Prakasam, a region with an area of more than 10 lakh acres.
In 1972 with the assistance of around 45,000 to 70,000 specialists, the construction of the dam was concluded.
The water reservoir which is roosted by the dam is a wonderful spot. Apart from that, there are attractions like the Nagarjunakonda Island, which lies at the centre of the lake.
This island has the remaining parts of the Buddhist settlement which was drowned during the development and was moved there.
- Location: Telangana/Andhra Pradesh
- Height: 124 meters
- Length:1,450 meters
- Type: Masonry Dam
- Reservoir Capacity: 9,371,845 acre·ft
- River: Krishna River
- Installed Capacity: 816 MW
Conclusion
Now, you have learned all about the Highest Dams in India, so, make sure to include one of these most elevated dams in India to your next travel destination.
Whenever you are close by you must visit these places, since they offer you a one of a kind adventure experience, beauty, and knowledge.
The green scenery with the flawless waters, you won’t find anything great better than these dams for a perfect weekend getaway.
