India is full of natural and man-made wonders that not only keep you in awe but also offer several benefits to Indian families. From the long list of these awe-inspiring places, we will talk about the biggest dams in India. From Indira Sagar Dam to Tehri Dam, each produces hydroelectric power, protects from floods, and provides irrigation.
In this TripzyGo guide, you will find the list of the 10 highest dams in India based on water capacity. Additionally, on which river these dams are located, state, their height, length, and water capacity. Let’s explore these largest dams in India one by one and add more destinations to your bucket list!
Top 10 Biggest Dams in India
- Indira Sagar Dam
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Rihand Dam
- Bhakra Nangal Dam
- Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Srisailam Dam
- Pong Dam
- Tehri Dam
- Hemkund Dam
- Idukki Arch Dam
Whether we talk about historical places or the beauty of nature, India is top of everything. Something along these lines: these biggest dams in India are no less than a wonder. Here is the list of the most beautiful dams in India that provide hydroelectric power to the whole of India:
Indira Sagar Dam
| River | Narmada |
| Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Water Capacity | 12,220 MCM |
| Height | 91.4 m |
| Length | 654 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
The Indira Sagar Dam is one of the biggest dams in India. It stands on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. At 91.4 meters in height, it provides irrigation to over 1.23 million hectares and generates 1000MW of hydroelectric power.
The dam is hugged by lush greenery that gives you a beautiful view. After visiting the dam, you can also explore the best National parks in Madhya Pradesh to complete the trip!
How to Reach
- Nreaset bus stand: Khandwa Bus Stand, which is 64 km away
- The nearest railway station, Khandwa Junction, which is 49 km away
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
| River | Krishna |
| Location | Telangana |
| Water Capacity | 9371 MCM |
| Height | 124 m |
| Length | 4,863 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
The Nagarjuna Dam, located between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the Krishna River, is one of the largest masonry dams in the world. Its height is 124 meters, and stretching over 1.6 km, it plays an important role in irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
The beautiful surroundings of the dam offer a peaceful retreat, and the dam offers some interesting activities like boating. You can also find some interesting nearby attractions: historic Nagarjunkonda, which is home to ancient Buddhist relics, and Ethipothala Waterfall.
How to Reach
- The nearest railway station is Macherla Railway Station, which is 23 km away, and Nalgonda Railway Station, which is 83 km away.
- Nearest bus stand: Nagarjuna Sagar Bus stand
Rihand Dam
| River | Rihand |
| Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Water Capacity | 10608 MCM |
| Height | 91.46 m |
| Length | 932 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
The Rihand Dam is located in Uttar Pradesh. It offers not only essential services like irrigation and power but also a soothing environment. The surroundings of lush greenery, picturesque views, and opportunity for boating make it the perfect place for taking a break in nature’s lap.
A very short distance away, about 4 km from the dam, you will find Shri Renukeshwar Mahadev Temple to take blessings. Whether you are meeting delicacies at Chappan Dukaan in Indore or exploring the dam, Madhya Pradesh is a complete trip place.
How to Reach
- Nearest railway station: Renukoot
- Nearest bus stand: Mahuli Bus Stand, 79 km away
Bhakra Nangal Dam
| River | Satluj |
| Location | Himachal Pradesh |
| Water Capacity | 9867 MCM |
| Height | 167.64 m |
| Length | 518.16 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation, recreation |
The Bhakra Nangal Dam is located on the Sutlej River and is one of the biggest dams in India. It plays a key role in providing irrigation to over 10 million hectares of land across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The hydroelectric power station of the dam generates 1325 MW of electricity that supports the energy needs of northern India.
Besides power and irrigation, it also helps control floods and protect thousands of lives. It is not only a structure but a symbol of commitment to harnessing water resources for the sustained development of India.
How to Reach
- By train: Nangal railway station in Punjab, which is 12.4 km away from the dam. From here you can hire a taxi that will take around one hour to get there.
- Nearest airport: Daroli, which is 13 km away; Kangra Airport, 121 km away; and Shimla Airport, which is 150 km away from the dam.
Sardar Sarovar Dam
| River | Narmada |
| Location | Gujarat |
| Water Capacity | 9500 MCM |
| Height | 163 m |
| Length | 1210 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
The Sardar Sarovar Dam, located on the Narmada River in Gujrat, is one of the biggest dams in India and a lifeline for millions. It stands 163 meters tall, irrigates 1.8 million hectares, provides drinking water to 30 million people, and generates 1450 MW of electricity.
Its spillway capacity is among the highest globally, while Narmada Main Canal is the world’s longest irrigation canal. Its nearby attractions, like the Statue of Unity, make it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring and seeking blessings at Somnath: 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Vadodara Airport, which is 90 km away
- Vadodara is located on the Mumbai-Delhi Western Railway Mainline. It is connected to major trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani.
- Nearest Bus stand: GSRTC Bus Stop
Srisailam Dam
| River | Krishna |
| Location | Telangana |
| Water Capacity | 8724.88 MCM |
| Height | 145 |
| Length | 512 |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
Srisailam Dam is a nature escape from exploring historical places in Hyderabad, and it is one of the largest dams in India. Standing 145 meters tall and 512 meters long, this engineering piece contains 8724.88 MCM water. It was completed in 1981 and served multiple benefits like irrigation and hydroelectric power, benefiting over 2,000 sq km of agricultural land.
The dam is surrounded by greenery that adds more charm to its beauty, and the view of Krishna River is no less than a capturing view. However, its construction displaced 102 villages, but now its benefits vanish from those losses.
How to Reach
- Nearest railway station: railway station in Cumbum district, which is nearly 60 km away from the dam.
- APSRTC Bus Stand, Srisailam
Pong Dam
| River | Beas |
| Location | Himachal Pradesh |
| Water Capacity | 8570 MCM |
| Height | 132.59 m |
| Length | 1950.7 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Irrigation |
Pong Dam, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is counted among the biggest dams in India, with its 8570 MCM water storage capacity. It was built in 1975; this dam stands 132.59 meters tall and 1950.7 meters long, supporting hydroelectric power and irrigation. The dam is famous for hosting over 420 bird species and gives you a chance to birdwatch.
When visiting Pong Dam, do not miss the chance to explore Kangra, which is just 94 km away and one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The serene water of the dam, rich biodiversity, and cultural attractions like Bathu temples make it a beautiful nature retreat.
How to Reach
- The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport at 36 km
- The nearest railway is Pathankot Cantt, at a distance of 70km from Pongdam
- You can take HRTC buses from Delhi to Kangra. From Kangra, take another bus to the dam or hire a taxi.
Tehri Dam, Highest Dam in India
| River | Bhagirathi |
| Location | Uttrakhand |
| Water Capacity | 3540 |
| Height | 260.5 m |
| Length | 575 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric power, flood control, drinking water supply |
Tehri Dam is one of the biggest dams in India and is a marvel of modern engineering in Uttrakhand. The dam is built on the Bhagirathi River, providing water to over 4 million people, irrigating 270,000 hectares, and generating 1,000 MW of electricity. It also helps control floods, making it a lifeline for millions in northern India.
Its larger-than-life beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in Uttrakhand, offering water sports and boating. While it offers great help in agriculture and drinking water supply, its construction caused environmental changes and displaced local villages.
How to Reach
- Nearest railway station: Rishikesh railway station, which is situated approximately 76 km away from the dam.
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun that is a distance of 80 km
- From Dehradun, it is approximately 90 km away. Take a bus or hire a taxi to Tehri Dam, and from Rishikesh, the dam is about 70 km away.
Hemkund Dam, Longest Dam in India
| River | Mahanandi |
| Location | Odisha |
| Water Capacity | 4797 MCM |
| Height | 61 m |
| Length | 4800 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric power, flood control, irrigation |
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Odisha, home to many religious places in India, also boasts about the Hirakund, one of the top dams in India. It stretches over 56 km, the longest man-made dam offering stunning views from the Gandhi and Nehru Minarets.
It irrigates 7.5 million hectares of land and generates hydroelectric power while controlling floods. The dam’s lush greenery makes it a perfect spot for birdwatching and scenic drives. Nearby temples like Ghanteshwari and Budharaja add a spiritual touch to this dam.
How to Reach
- Tackle a train to the Hirakund railway station or take the train to Sambalpur Junction, 12.6 km away.
- Take a bus from one of the two bus stands that are about 3 km from the city center.
Idukki Arch Dam
| River | Periyar |
| Location | Kerala |
| Water Capacity | 1998.57 MCM |
| Height | 169 m |
| Length | 366 m |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
Nestled between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, the Idukki Arch Dam is a true wonder of engineering and nature. Standing 550 feet tall, this dam stores water from the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers, generating 780 MW of electricity to Kerala.
When you enjoy festivals of Kerala, like Onam, this most beautiful dam in India offers a serene escape. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, covered with dense greenery, is a paradise for nature lovers. If you are going there, do not forget to take a boat ride in calm water for an unforgettable experience.
How to Reach
- Nearest bus stand: Kattappana KSRTC Bus Stand, about 23 km away
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is 106 km away
The Highest Dam in India is the Indira Sagar Dam
The Indira Sagar Dam, standing tall on the Narmada River, is one of the biggest dams in India. It excels in water storage, power generation, and irrigation. Alongside this beautiful dam, dams like Nagarjuna Sagar, Tehri, and Bhakra Nangal showcase India’s architectural beauty.
These dams serve millions through flood control, agriculture, and drinking water. From natural beauty to nearby attractions like temples and wildlife sanctuaries, these top dams in India are perfect for travel lovers. Planning a trip to explore these dams? Let TripzyGo help you plan your adventure today!