Longest earth dam in the world. The reservoir forms an artificial lake with an area of 746 sq.km having a shore line over 640 km. The driveon the 21 km dyke is majestic. One can 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. Ashok Nivas, a luxury Guest House, is located near the Nehru Minar on the south. Cattle Island is located near one end Hirakud reservoir, It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range and is about 90 km from Sambalpur town by road, but is 10 km by water launch from Hirakud dam. The island was a hillock before construction of Hirakud dam. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls and when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hill-top. With the passage of time the nearby area was filled up with the reservoir water. Being away from mankind, the cattle are wild in nature.