Hirakud Dam Odisha

Hirakud Dam Odisha – A Complete Travel Guide to India’s Longest Earthen Dam

Odisha is home to many natural wonders, but Hirakud Dam Odisha remains one of the state’s most iconic marvels. Built across the mighty Mahanadi River, this engineering masterpiece is located just 10 km from Sambalpur and stands proudly as the longest earthen dam in the world. Beyond its massive size, Hirakud Dam is an important landmark in India’s post-independence development, a peaceful travel destination, and a spectacular place to experience nature, history, and engineering together.

Whether you are a history lover, a nature admirer, a photographer, or simply a traveler exploring Odisha, Hirakud Dam Odisha promises an unforgettable experience.

This blog covers everything – from the dam’s history and technical details to travel tips, how to reach, nearby attractions, and the best time to visit.

If you love visiting unique dam destinations across India, you can also explore more wonderful travel spots here: Dam Destinations.

History of Hirakud Dam Odisha

The story of Hirakud Dam begins in the early days of India’s independence when the government sought sustainable solutions for flood control, irrigation, and power generation in eastern India. The Mahanadi’s frequent floods caused widespread destruction, and a major river valley project was crucial.

Key Historical Milestones

• 15 March 1946: The foundation stone was laid by Sir Hawthorne Lewis, the then Governor of Odisha.
• June 1947: A detailed project report was submitted to the government.
• 12 April 1948: Jawaharlal Nehru laid the first batch of concrete for construction.
• 1952: The Mazumdar Committee reviewed the technical and economic feasibility.
• 1953: Construction of the dam was completed.
• 1956: Irrigation and power generation began.
• 13 January 1957: Nehru formally inaugurated the dam.
• 1966: The project achieved its full operational potential.
• 12 October 2021: Hirakud Reservoir was declared a Ramsar Site, recognizing its importance as a wetland ecosystem.

The project cost around ₹1,000 million in 1957– equivalent to roughly ₹100 billion in today’s value. This massive investment created one of India’s greatest multipurpose river valley projects.

Why Hirakud Dam Odisha is Famous

1. The World’s Longest Earthen Dam

Hirakud Dam stretches 25.8 km, including its dykes – making it the longest major earthen dam in the world. This extraordinary length allows it to control the Mahanadi’s water flow and support millions of residents in the region.

2. India’s Largest Artificial Lake

Behind the dam stretches the Hirakud Reservoir, covering 743 sq km with a shoreline of over 639 km.
This massive waterbody is often referred to as Asia’s largest artificial lake and is home to countless migratory birds, small islands, and breathtaking panoramic views.

3. A Unique Blend of Nature and Engineering

With scenic viewpoints like Gandhi Minar and Jawahar Minar, the dam offers stunning views of the reservoir, making it a perfect destination for:

• Nature photography
• Sunset viewing
• Bird watching
• Peaceful long walks
• Educational trips for students

4. Important for Flood Control, Irrigation & Power

The dam supports:

• Irrigation for over 2,355 sq km of farmland
• Installed power capacity of 347.5 MW
• Flood control in Odisha
• Drinking water and industrial water supply

Construction and Engineering Marvel

Hirakud Dam is made of earth, masonry, and concrete, stretching between two hills – Laxmidungri (left) and Chandili Dunguri (right).

Key Technical Details

This quantity of materials is enormous. For example, the total soil, cement, and concrete used in the dam is enough to build an 8-meter-wide road from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Punjab to Assam.

The Power Houses of Hirakud Dam

The dam supports two hydroelectric power stations:

1. Power House I (At the Dam)

• 3 × 37.5 MW Kaplan Turbine generators
• 2 × 24 MW Francis Turbine generators
• Total: 259.5 MW

2. Power House II (Chipilima – 19 km away)

• 3 × 24 MW generators
• Total: 72 MW

Combined installed capacity: 347.5 MW

The power houses were constructed in stages:

• Stage I: Initial 4 generators at PH-I
• Stage II: Power House II + 2 more generators for PH-I
• 1963: All generators operational
• 1982–1990: Final seventh generator added

This hydroelectric system continues to power industries, towns, and rural regions across Odisha.

Tourism at Hirakud Dam Odisha

Hirakud Dam is more than a functional engineering project – it is a popular tourist destination, especially for travelers exploring western Odisha.

What Makes It a Must-Visit Place?

✔ Peaceful 21 km Walk Along the Dam

A long, calm walk along the dam offers beautiful views of the reservoir, soft breezes, and a refreshing escape from city life.

✔ Gandhi Minar & Jawahar Minar

These twin observation towers offer 360° views of the lake. Gandhi Minar rotates, providing an even more immersive viewing experience.

✔ Bird Watching at Ramsar Site

During winter, the reservoir hosts:

• Migratory birds
• Rare species
• Wetland fauna

This makes it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

✔ Sunrise & Sunset Views

The vast waterbody reflects the colors of the sky, creating mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views.

✔ Boating & Island Visits

Several islands emerge inside the reservoir, locally called “islands of Hirakud”, and some tours take visitors for sightseeing and picnics.

Nearby Places to Visit

If you’re visiting Hirakud Dam Odisha, you can also explore nearby attractions:

1. Sambalpur City

Famous for:

• Sambalpuri sarees
• Samaleswari Temple
• Huma Leaning Temple
• Ghanteswari Temple

2. Chipilima

Known for:

• The second power house
• Ghanteswari Temple
• A scenic mini waterfall in monsoon

3. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Perfect for wildlife lovers, especially for:

• Jungle safari
• Bird watching
• Lakeside photography

4. Hirakud Ropeway (If Operational)

This ropeway connects the reservoir bank to a hill viewpoint and offers breathtaking ariel views (when operational).

How to Reach Hirakud Dam Odisha

Hirakud Dam is easily accessible from Sambalpur, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air.

By Air

Nearest airports:

• Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur – 265 km
• Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar – 300 km
• Jharsuguda Airport (under construction / operational for some flights) – 50 km
• Jamadarpali Airstrip, Sambalpur – 10 km

By Road

Sambalpur is well-connected:

• Located on NH-6 (Mumbai–Kolkata)
• Connected to Bhubaneswar via NH-42

Bus facilities:

• Government Bus Stand: Laxmi Takij Chowk
• Private Bus Stand: Aintha (3 km from city)

By Train

Sambalpur is the headquarters of East Coast Railway Division.

It has four railway stations:

1. Sambalpur (Khetrajpur)
2. Sambalpur Road (Fatak)
3. Hirakud Railway Station
4. Sambalpur City Station

Connected to major cities like:

• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Bhubaneswar
• Bangalore
• Chennai

Best Time to Visit Hirakud Dam Odisha

The ideal time to visit is:

✔ Winter (November to February)

• Best weather
• Migratory birds
• Clear views

✔ Monsoon (July to September)

• Overflowing reservoir
• Lush greenery
• Dramatic landscapes

Avoid the peak summer months as temperatures can rise significantly.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Here are some simple and practical travel tips:

• Visit early morning or evening for best views.
• Carry water and light snacks.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—distances are long.
• The area gets windy, especially on the dam—carry a light jacket.
• Photography is allowed at public points but avoid restricted zones.
• If traveling with children, keep them close as the dam banks are steep.
• Use authorized boating and guided tours only.

Why You Should Visit Hirakud Dam Odisha

Hirakud Dam is more than a travel spot – it’s an experience where history meets nature and engineering blends with beauty. Visitors come here for:

• The grand scale of the world’s longest earthen dam
• Peaceful environment and scenic reservoir views
• Beautiful sunsets and calm long walks
• Bird watching and nature photography
• Cultural and historical connection to India’s development

For anyone exploring Odisha, Hirakud Dam is a destination that offers tranquility, education, and stunning landscapes—all in one place.

Conclusion

Hirakud Dam Odisha stands tall not just as a giant engineering structure but as a symbol of vision, hard work, and sustainable development. With its expansive reservoir, wildlife-rich wetlands, and iconic viewpoints, it is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to explore the natural and historical richness of Odisha.

Whether you are planning a one-day trip from Sambalpur or a detailed travel itinerary across western Odisha, the beauty and significance of Hirakud Dam will stay with you long after your visit.