Valparai – Places of Interest – II

Dams in & around Valparai

Sholayar Dam

It is the second deepest dam of Asia. Situated at a distance of 30 Kms, from Valparai.  An active tourist spot found always busy.

Believed to be the second highest dam of Asia Sholayar must be on the don’t-miss category of your list. The dam and its surroundings are perfect examples of the term ‘majesty’.

Upper Sholayar or Upper Sholayar Dam (சோழையார் Shozhaiyaar) is situated 20 km (12 mi) from Valparai, a hill station in theAnaimalai Hills of the Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu India. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.

The Sholayar dam is a vital reservoir under the Parambikulam Aliyar Project and has a water storage capacity of 160 ft (49 m). The reservoir's overflowing waters are let into the Parambikulam Reservoir through the saddle dam.

Sholayar dam is 30 kms from Valparai town. Entry to the dam is restricted and tourists can view it only from a distance. This dam is constructed in Chalakudy River. The catchment area of the dam is spread across to several kilometers and will be a memorable travel along the catchment area enroute to dam. The mesmerizing Athirampalli falls is just 60kms away from Sholayar Dam.

Aliyar Dam

Aliyar (ஆழியாறு azhiyar) Reservoir is a 6.48 km2 (2.5 sq mi) reservoir located near Pollachi town in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats. It is about 65 kilometers (40 mi) from Coimbatore. The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, aquarium, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation for visitors enjoyment. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir. Boating is also available.

The Aliyar Dam was constructed during 1959-1969 across the Aliyar river, mainly for irrigation purposes. The project was commissioned in September 2002 to generate Hydro Electric Power.

Aliyar Lake receives water from Upper Aliyar Reservoir through the hydroelectric power station in Navamali and the Parambikulam reservoir through a contour canal. Aliyar dam, built as a part of Parambikulam Aliyar project (PAP), retains a large reservoir. The dam is around 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) in length.

The lowest level outlet of the reservoir is 930 feet (280 m) above Mean Sea Level (MSL) and the canal intake is 980 feet (300 m) above MSL. The spillway is 1,040 feet (320 m) above MSL and the FRL (Full Reservoir Level) is 1,050 feet (320 m) above MSL. The maximum surface area is 48 hectares (120 acres) (1,600 acres). The volume of water at FRL is 3.864 Tmcft (88,705 acre feet(109,416,000 m3)). The maximum depth is 41 metres (135 ft) and the mean depth 16.8 metres (55 ft) . The volume development is 1.2 m. The highest inflow usually occurs during July and August. The shoreline is poorly indented, the shore development is poor and shallow and the Aquatic plants and limnology of the littoral zone is also very limited.

Ailyar reservoir was studied by the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CFRI) for eleven years from 1982 to 1992. The rate of energy conversion at primary producer level and at the fish production level at Aliyar is considered higher than in any other Indian reservoir. The indigenous fish of the reservoir includes 40 species belonging to 13 families, plus seven stocked species. 

This project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing the waters of the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, flowing at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. At present, the discharges are being let down through three sets of slucies/ canals, viz., Pollachi Canal, Vettaikaranpudur Canal and the river sluices. Under this scheme, the irrigation discharges let down through river slucies of the Aliyar Dam utilized for power generation in a power house at the toe of the dam. Being a micro hydel scheme, this project is subsidized by the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy sources, Government of India.

Aliyar dam is a popular tourist destination. Near Aliyar dam are some visitor attractions including a park, garden, aquarium, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation for visitors enjoyment. Temple of Consciousness is situated near Aliyar dam entrance at Arutperunjothi Nagar, where Vethathiri_Maharishi resides. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir. Boating is also available. Monkey Falls is located at 6 Kms from the dam next to Arutperunjothi Nagar and Forest Department Checkpost. Ambarambalayam Darga is situated nearby on the banks of the Aliyar River. Overnight stay is possible in the forest rest house. A treetop house provides accommodation for the adventurous.

The dam is 81 meters in height and is a feat of excellent engineering work.

The Aliyar dam located at the base of Valparai hills is worth a visit. The dam also has a sprawling garden and a soothing environment.

Panoramic view of Aliyar reservoir is filled with surrounding mountains and an island in the middle of the lake which completely enthralls and captivates the visitors and turns them lively and cheerful. Another nearby attraction is Aliyar canal, a quaint water stream overflowing from a step like structure and flowing into the valley below. This view attracts and compels tourists, photography enthusiasts and movie directors to visit this place. This is also a well known film shooting location in Pollachi.

This project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing the waters of the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, flowing at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation.

Popularly known for: Tourist location, Film shooting, Parambikulam – Aliyar Project (PAP)

Aliyar Park

Aliyar Park is a leisure place to enjoy the natural scenery of Aliyar dam and Chain Mountains of Western Ghats. Kids can have a pleasant time in the park.

Peringalkuthu Dam

Peringalkuthu Dam is located across the Chalakkudy River in Thrissur District. The dam is situated deep in the forest on the way to Valparai. Peringalkuthu dam and the uncontrolled inflow from 26 sq.km. of free catchment downstream of Peringalkuthu LB dam.Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams, Deep in the forest on the way to Valparai are the two dams that generate hydroelectric power to the state. The 23 m high gravity dam has a length of 290.25 m. The dam discharges the tailrace water into Kannamkuzhithodu, a tributary of the Chalakudy River. One can visit the dam with special permission. An old bird sanctuary was located here earlier. One can approach the dam from Athirappilly Waterfalls as well as from Anakkayam. Lodging facilities are available at Riverok Villas.

Peringalkuthu Dam is located across the Chalakkudy River in Thrissur District. The dam is situated deep in the forest on the way to Valparai.

One can visit the dam with special permission. Within 8 km distance there is a beautiful place which is the confluence of the three rivers - Kuriarkutty, Karapara and Parambikulam. An old bird sanctuary was located here earlier.

Location info:

Address: Near Chalakudy, Thrissur District , Kerala, India

District: Thrissur: Thrissur District

Nearest City: Valparai, Chalakudy, Kochi, Irinjalakuda and Kodungallur

Best time to visit: September to April.

Climate/Weather:

The weather Temperature on summer: (January - May) 15º C to 36º C. and Monsoon: (June - October) 26º C to 36º C.

Interesting things to do:

Within 8 km distance there is a beautiful place which is the confluence of the three rivers Kuriarkutty, Karapara and Parambikulam, Old bird sanctuary and the Chalakudy River which flows across the dam.

Kadamparai Dam

Kadamparai Dam is vary next to Attagatti that is placed in 20 th bend on way to Valparai this is a significant spot to visit but you need to get permission to enter the Kadamparai dam.

Special permission must be sought to visit this place. Hydro Electric plant at Kadamparai between Pollachi and Valparai is most worth seeing.

Many wild species are found frequently in this region. Its speciality lies in the fact that it is carved out within a single rock, which gives an astonishing view.

Hydro Electric plant at Kadamparai between Pollachi and Valparai is most worth seeing.

 The 20th hairpin bend that head to Kadamparai Dam. The dam was within a distance of 15/20km, and the road lead between teak forest and Tiger valley. The very special about this was the recycling process. Throughout day the water from Kadamparai dam is open to generate electricity and throughout night, half the current stored are spend to recycle the water from Upper Aliyar to Kadamparai dam.

Nirar Dam 

Water Source at the Lower Nirar dam never goes dry. The distance from dam is 15k.m from Valparai. The dam is built for multipurpose project such as irrigation; Hydro electricity production.dam was situated in beautiful location covered by a forest.

Water from Chinnakallar falls gets collected in this dam. It is located in eastern side of Valparai hills 20 km from Valparai town. There are two dams, upper Nirar and lower Nirar which is about 20 km and 15 km from Valparai.

The Nirar Dam was a placid reservoir and one of a highest dam in Valparai. The view from the dam was scenic and water flows like milk with mild resonate. It was just like a canal and foot path across a small flow of water from an uncertain hole and the places was surrounded by little flowers. It was the Dam build along with Upper Nirar in 60’s, by the government of Kamaraj.

Nirar Dam is located 15 kilometers from Valparai. The dam has been constructed as part of the hydroelectric power project that powers many an industry and home in the plains. It also plays an important role in terms of irrigation and supplies water to places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Nirar Dam, along with Sholayar Dam and Aliyar Dam are the three most important dams that are located in and around Valparai.

Close to the dam, is a waterfall that resembles the Cascade falls near Kodaikanal. The Nirar dam and its reservoir are located amidst lush green forests and hills. An expanse that seems to have frozen in time, with the old and the ancient blending seamlessly with the new. The dam does not seem to affect the natural beauty of the landscape, but serves to augment it. Nirar dam is indeed a destination that deserves its place in your itinerary.

Amaravathy Dam

 Amaravathi dam is located in near Pollachi. It is built in 1957. Amaravathi dam is situated south of the Udumalpet. These are also tourist places in Udumalpet which adds attraction to the city. The tourist place called Thirumoorthy hills, which is located 21 kms difference from Udumalpet. 

There are many temples in this city and also the nearby places. The other tourist places are Swimming Pool, a Boat house and Crocodile farm are situated near Sainik School of South. There are large numbers of Industries in Udumalpet so called as industrial town. The Industries like paper, textile industries are flourishing. Agricultural fields are also developing faster here and especially cotton. So, there is an name for Udumalpet called as Cotton town.

The Amaravathi Sagar Crocodile Farm, established in 1975, the largest Crocodile nursery in India is nearby. Many Crocodiles of all sizes can be seen basking in the sun and suddenly making a stride or piled up on one another. Eggs are collected from wild nests along the perimeter of the reservoir to be hatched and reared at the Farm. Many adult crocodiles have been reintroduced from here into the wild. 

Chinnakallar Dam

Chinnakallar Dam and Chinnakalar are geographically significant spot in Valparai tourist places. That is the subsequent greatest bad weather fall location in India. Generally this place is as determined moist and misty. That environmentally friendly green lustrous forest having a high majestic timber along on the path to Chinnakalar is a pleasure of nature. 

In Chinnakallar there is a waterfall that looks similar to roaring lion. This particular spot placed at the mileage about 10 miles from Valparai.