The most Instagrammable dams of India

Constructed across river Tungabhadra (a tributary of River Krishna), Tungabhadra dam is the largest dam of Karnataka. Located roughly 5 kilometres from the town of Hospet, it offers an arresting sight blurring the horizon between sky and water. After parking the car before the security entrance, an uphill stretch of a few kilometres takes you to the Tungabhadra Dam. Fringed with beautiful trees on both sides, clean roads and chirping birds, this is an optimal path for a morning stroll.

The marvellous beaches to walk by the gushing waves and the party nights is not all that Goa has in store. South Goa has another surprise. Located on the Salaulim or Sanguem River (a tributary of Goa's Zuari River), the Salaulim Dam is Goa's largest man-made water storage reservoir snuggled between lush green hills on the western ghats. An earthen dam with a semi0circular groove, the dam (also spelled Selaulim or Saluli) stands at a height of 140 ft near Sanguem town.

The dam's unique feature is its duckbill spillway, the semi-circular outlet in the middle at a height of about 50 metres that empties into Salaulim river. It is not only in the shape that there is visual beauty but also the force of the water falling that goes up in the air to form a smoky mirage and falls back like droplets. The spillway is called Ungated Central Masonry Duckbill Spillway. A tourist guest house is also located near the dam along with a rock garden and a botanical garden.

Constructed on the Periyar River that flows through the narrow gorge between two granite hills (Kuravan and Kurathi), Idukki dam is the tallest Arch Dam in Asia and the third tallest in the world. The uniqueness of the double curvature dam situated in Idukki district in Kerala, standing at a height of 554 feet lies in the fact that it has no shutters to be opened or closed. Idukki is a hill station that is famous for its wildlife treasure and several other attractions. The third largest dam in the country, Cheruthoni Dam is placed at the brink of Idukki dam. These two dams along with Kulamavu dam lie in close proximity and have together created an artificial lake with an area of 60km². The dam also hosts an underground powerhouse located at Moolamattom, inside nearby rocky caves at about a distance of 43 km. However, visiting the dam is limited to public holidays and weekends.

Standing on the River Bhagirathi at a height of 260 metres and stretched 575 metres in length, Tehri dam is the highest dam located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Carved at the lower foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, the dam is situated at the meeting point of rivers Bhagirathi and Bhikanga. Tehri dam can be reached by air, rail, car or bus. If you decide to travel by road, you will be treated to hills and valleys that can create some fascinating scenes. With an astounding sight, it serves as the world's biggest hydro electrical project. Apart from the scenic beauty and the architectural genius, once can also indulge activities at the dam as well as the lake.

Built on the River Kabini at a height of 270 metres, this is yet another beautiful dam located in God’s own country, Kerala. A set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas, with the Banasura hills in the background make up for one of the most picturesque sights and a popular tourist destination. Enclosing Kabini’s Karamanathodu tributary, Banasura Sagar dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia owing to the hardened pile-up of stones, rocks, and soil, structured as a dam. Located in Kalpetta, this is among the most visited destinations in Northern Kerala. The dam also offers a trek at the Banasura Hill, the zenith of which provides a spectacular view of the valley with mist covering the hills of Wayanad. From pedal boat to a speedboat, the dam has an option for you to glide over the crystal clear water making way through the islands that garnish the lake. There is also a nature park near the boating area. The Banasura Hill Resort which is about a 20 km distance from the dam was rated Asia’s largest Earthen Resort by BBC.

Imagine you are in the middle of a vast stretch of crystal clear water sparkling with sun rays and you bask in the sheen of the setting sun while leaving a frothy speedy trail behind in water. This Jharkhand dam, constructed on the Barakar river at Maithon stands at a height of 165ft. 48 kilomteres from Dhanbad, Maithon is termed as mother’s abode and is known as the Kashmir of Koyalanchal owing to its abundant coal mines. An underground power station which was the first and foremost in entire South East Asia electric power. The deer park and bird sanctuary are other tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy fishing and boating here. Tourists require prior permission to visit the powerhouse Kumardhubi is the nearest railway station which is 5 km from Maithon while Barakar is 8 km. Regular bus service is available from Dhanbad, Barakar and Asansol. Private taxis are always available. Guests can relax at the rest house which is situated on an island in the lake. Tourist House and Tourist Bungalow Van Vihar are some of the halting options for the tourists. An innovative Tree Top House run by the government offers mesmerising views of the surrounding forest. As the temperature remains bearable throughout the year, it is becoming popular among tourists too, who come here to take a break and escape the summer heat. Being easily accessible by road, it has started witnessing local tourists in hundreds every month. It is advisable to get yourself here at the time of dusk.