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A mere 16-km north of Sambalpur
town stands the longest dam - the Hirakud dam on the river
Mahanadi. The
longest dam in the world, it drains an area of 133, 090-sq-kms (51,386
square miles). From horizon to horizon, the reservoir forms the largest
artificial lake in Asia with a shoreline over 640-km.
A 21-km drive on the dykes offers a unique experience of calm serenity.
One can comfortably enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud dam and the
fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret called
Gandhi Minar on the north or Nehru Minar on the other end of the dam. A
considerable number of migratory birds also come here during winter.