Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, about 15 kilometres (9 mi) from Sambalpur in the state of Odisha in India. Behind the dam extends a lake, Hirakud Reservoir, 55 km (34 mi) long. It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India's independence.

Hirakud is the longest earthen Dam in the world and stands across the mighty river, Mahanadi, in the Sambalpur region of Odisha. It was the first major multipurpose river valley project after India’s Independence in 1947. This human-made structure is located 15 km north of Sambalpur. With an area of 1,33,090 sq km, the Dam is more than twice the area of Sri Lanka. The main Hirakud Dam has an overall length of 4.8 km (3.0 mi), stretching across the Laxmidungri hills on the left and the Chandili Dunguri hills on the right.

The vast expanse of the Dam and its surrounding waters is a sight for sore eyes. Scores of tourists visit the area to take in the views and the engineering marvel that is the Hirakud Dam. The bulk of the Dam contains earth and concrete enough to construct a road 8 meters wide – from Kanyakumari in the south to Kashmir in the north, and further across from Amritsar to Assam!

For the most stunning views of the river, make your way to the top of several rotating minarets nearby. Among these, Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar provide some of the best views! The Gandhi Minar, in particular, is a watchtower located on top of a hill that offers a bird’s eye view of Hirakud Dam. 

According to oyorooms.com