10 World's largest Dams You Must Visit At Least Once in Your Lifetime

Updated on August 18, 2022 23:27 PM by Laura Mendes

Have you ever visited the world's largest dam? Dams have always been, and still are, a crucial aspect of our life. There is a reason why regions and nations clash over river diversion and dam construction. Dams have a long history as well. Everything about them is fascinating, from how they are constructed to how they function. The oldest dam still in operation is the Kallanai dam in Tamil Nadu, India, despite the fact that the first dam was supposedly constructed across the Nile in Egypt around 4000 B.C.Dams are your Parle-G if enigma is your cup of tea! These are the top 10 dams in the world that you absolutely must see at least once in your lifetime.

Tarbela Dam

Regarding structural volume, it is the biggest dam in the globe. It was finished in 1976 and held water from Pakistan's Indus River. The dam's 250-square-kilometer Tarbela reservoir has a massive surface area! Tarbela is now not only the fifth-largest dam in terms of volume in the world but also the largest earth-filled dam.

Summer is a wonderful time to visit Tarbela Dam because wintertime sedimentation causes the reservoir's water level to drop significantly. In actuality, sedimentation has also impacted the dam's life. Only 2060 is projected for Tarbela to be completely operational. So, act now!

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Fort Peck Dam

The Fort Peck dam in Montana is the second largest dam in the world and one of the most amazing ones, with a structural volume of 96 square kilometers. It is the biggest dam on the Missouri River and was constructed with six other dams. Fort Peck Lake, the fifth-largest man-made lake in the US, is created by its reservoir. The world's longest dam, it is also.

The Fort Peck dam was finally finished in 1940, seven years after it first failed and had to be rebuilt. It must be seen!

How to get there: From US-2, travel Highway 117 15 miles south. Nashua is the nearest town.

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Atatürk Dam

In addition to being among the largest dams in the world, Ataturk Dam is also among the highest and longest dams, at 166 meters tall. It was constructed in Turkey in 1990 along the Euphrates River. It is a famous tourist destination due to its big reservoir. September through October are the best months to visit the dam because this is when the renowned Water Sports Festival and the International Ataturk Dam Sailing Competition are held.

Houtribdijk

Alongside Lake Constance and IJsselmeer, it was constructed in 1968. Houtribdijk is frequently referred to as a "dike" because of the extensive motorway that runs on the dam. In fact, the locals also refer to it as the "dam of Enkhuizen-Lelystad." One of the most beautiful drives is this one. Beautiful, beautiful view for 27 kilometers without any interruptions. You must visit the biggest dam in the world, and this is one of our favorites.

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Oahe Dam

Oahe is not only one of the biggest dams in the world, but it is also the second biggest dam on the Missouri River. Lake Oahe, the fourth-largest artificial reservoir in the USA, was created when it was constructed in 1968. The lake's abundance in biodiversity makes it a significant source of tourism. It is home to numerous fish species, including the critically endangered pallid sturgeon. The lake is an excellent place to see birds at the biggest dam in the world! Every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day, tours of the Oahe dam are offered.

How to get there: The dam is easily accessible from North Dakota through the interstate. Before traveling 231 miles to Oahe Lake, you will initially arrive at this location.

Gardiner Dam

In terms of the barrier, this dam is among the biggest in the entire globe. The dam bears James G. Gardiner's name, a former member of the Canadian federal cabinet. In 1967, it was finished, resulting in the upstream creation of Lake Diefenbaker.

In Canada, the Gardiner dam is a well-known tourist destination. It has a beautiful visitor reception center and is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. One of the oldest and largest dams in the world, it also provides us with a range of restaurants, souvenir shops, and an educational movie presentation showcasing the dam's history and creation. This one of the largest dams in the world is nearby parks that also provide camping, hiking, and picnicking facilities.

How to get there: You can travel on Highway 219, which is 100 kilometers south of Saskatoon, or Highway 44, which is 20 kilometers west of the town of Macrorie.

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Jinping

The world's tallest dam is the subject of intense debate. Some believe that the Rogun dam in Tajikistan, which is also recognized as the tallest dam in the world, is the culprit. That was the dam's anticipated height until a flood damaged it in 1993. That the dam is still being built. As a result, the highest dam in the world is the Jinping-I dam, which was built in 2014. It features a 305-meter-tall arch. It is a significant source of energy for industrialization, urbanization, etc.

Another factor creating intrigue and fascination surrounding the dam is the claim that the impoundments of the Jinping-I dam were connected to a string of earthquakes.

How to get there: To visit the Jinping-I Dam, travel to the province of Sichuan, where the dam is located.

Mangla Dam

In the contentious Kashmir valley, often known as "Azad Kashmir," stands the charming Mangla dam. It was finished in 1967 on the Jhelum River. It was not accessible to guests until a few years ago because of its contentious placement. But today, it is under strict Army security. At Mangla, there is a water sports club with boating and other amenities. It is also possible to arrange a day excursion to the Mangla Dam due to the breathtaking journey there, which also includes a stop at the well-known Rohtas Fort on the GT route. How to get there: You can go to Mirpur Cantt in Pakistan. You may also get a good view of the dam from the Mangla Fort and the Mangla Sports Club.

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Oroville Dam

In California, it was constructed in 1968 across the Feather River. As an impoundment, it creates the popular Lake Oroville, which is the tallest dam in the USA. The dam is open daily and has a lot to offer regarding information and scenic beauty. Numerous guided and self-directed tours are available. There are numerous riding, camping, and fishing options near Lake Oroville. One can visit the spectacular Father Falls and Bald Rock right surrounding the lake. This might be the perfect day for a picnic. When do you leave?

How to get there: The lake and the dam are both within driving distance of Sacramento, 75 miles distant.

Hirakud Dam

Hirakud is the longest dam in the world, stretching 27 kilometers in total length. This dam, constructed in 1957, has a significant historical significance as it was India's first post-independence multifunctional river valley project. As a result, it is also the oldest dam in India.

The world's longest dam is located across the Mahanadi River, and visiting Odisha would be incomplete without doing so. The most calming view for tourists' eyes is from the rotating Gandhi Minar. It is entirely commercial, and stores inside the building sell chips and cookies. It also has the Gandhi Minar and the Nehru Minar, two minarets.

You can depend on the world's longest dam to pique your interest in history. Hirakud's construction has resulted in the submersion of more than 200 temples. The majority have died, although some occasionally reappear throughout the summer. Additionally, the discovery of the remnants of what was formerly the Padmaseni temple sparked interest in Hirakud among the Archaeological Survey of India. This was supposed to be a part of the Padmapur village, which was the oldest and most populous area before Hirakud was built.

Sambalpur is the town closest to the dam and is easily accessible by road.

You might also rely on the world's longest dam to take you to the unique "Cattle Island," which is home to only wild, enormous, untamed cattle. Despite the fact that photography is strictly prohibited in the dam area, this vista will always remind you of your trip to one of the biggest dams in the world.

Therefore, you must pay a visit to this engineering and historical marvel of India this season. Just remember to limit it to a day excursion since there are no accommodations near one of the biggest dams in the world.

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