5 Largest Dams You Must Visit Around The World

Dams are structures built across a river, stream or estuary that stops or restricts the flow of water. Dams so constructed create a water reservoir that suppresses flood down the stream by controlling the flow of water. It provides water body for various activities such as irrigation in farming, industrial uses as in the generation of hydroelectricity, water sport activities and even for human consumption during the dry season. Dams have been built from very ancient civilization all over the world and it will be a fascinating experience to visit some of these large dams situated across the globe. Here is a list of some of the large dams that you must visit once in a lifetime.

# Hirakud Dam, India

Hirakud is the longest dam in the world, with a length of 27 Kms, built in 1957 across the Mahanadi River and is a major tourist destination in the state of Odisha. The Dam has two Minars namely Gandhi Minar and the Nehru Minar. The Gandhi Minar rotates providing amazing views of the dam and its surroundings to the visitors. Hirakud Dam is an all-season destination for you. In the Monsoon, you are assured of a picturesque view of the Mahanadi River flowing to glory in full spate and if you happen to visit in winter the migratory birds coming to the reservoir will charm you. It is said more than 200 temples submerged due to the construction of the dam and if you visit in summer, you will be able to spot the remains of many of these ancient temples that get submerged during rains. Hirakud Dam is the oldest post-independence Indian Dam and your visit to this historical and engineering marvel of India will give you an experience of a lifetime.

# Tarbela Dam, Pakistan

Located about 473 km from Lahore in Pakistan, the Tarbela Dam is the world’s largest earth-and rock-filled structure with a whopping surface area of 250 square Kilometers. This large dam was built to store and regulate water from the Indus River for irrigation use. In addition, it was for the generation of cheap Hydel energy. Its existing hydropower facilities supply about 16% of the electricity generated in Pakistan. The Dam plays an important role in the economy and life of the people of the country which you will certainly confirm after you visit the place.

# Ataturk Dam, Turkey

Ataturk Dam built along the Euphrates River in Turkey is one of the tallest dams in the world with a height of 166 meters. It also ranks among the largest and longest dams in the world. It has a very large reservoir which is a major attraction for tourists who make a beeline to the place for water sports. You should visit the Dam during the months of September to October to enjoy the famous Sports Festival and also the International Ataturk dam sailing competition held during this period and you are sure to have a life time experience.

# Oahe Dam, USA

Oahe is the second largest dam along the river Missouri and is also one of the largest dams in the world. The dam was built in 1968 and it has created the fourth largest artificial reservoir in the USA popularly called the Lake Oahe which stretches 231 miles from the Dam. Due to its richness in biodiversity, the lake is a major tourist destination offering the bird-watchers their field day for enjoyment and experience. The large water body of the dam is also home to the rare pallid sturgeon and various species of fishes that would make your visit memorable.

# Jinping-I Dam, China

After the Rogun dam in Tajikistan was destroyed by flood, Jinping –I Dam in Sichuan Province of China is ranked as the highest dam in the world with a tall arch of 305 meters. The dam has been built on the Jinping bend of the Yalong River for production of hydroelectricity. The 305 meters tall and 568 meters long arch dam supplies the hydropower station with water required for generation of electricity. Being the highest dam in the world it is an amazing structure of modern times to experience.