Top 10 tallest dams in India on our map
Bhakra stands tallest at about 226 m, followed by Idukki and Sardar Sarovar. Heights and rivers for the top ten dams on our map.
Dams are a steady source of "match the dam with the river" questions. Here are the tallest dams on our map, with heights from our glossary data.
Source: UPSCPrep Data Atlas
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India map in the official boundary; positions are for orientation · Source: UPSCPrep Data Atlas
Highlights
Bhakra on the Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh, about 226 m high, holds back the Gobind Sagar reservoir. Idukki in Kerala (about 169 m) and Sardar Sarovar on the Narmada (163 m) come next, followed by Srisailam (145 m) and Pong (about 133 m). The second half – Ukai, Mettur, Gandhi Sagar, Hirakud and Maithon – are lower but just as exam-worthy.
UPSC angle
- Learn dam → river → state as one unit.
- Several reservoirs here are also wetlands of note, such as Pong Dam Lake and Hirakud Reservoir, both on our Ramsar list.
- Interstate river disputes often centre on these structures – useful for Mains GS-2 and GS-3.