Manimuthar Dam, Kallidaikurichi, Thirunelveli
Manimuthar
Dam is located near Kallidaikurichi in Ambasamudram Taluk in Thirunelveli
District of Tamilnadu. The Manimuthar Dam is situated at the foothills of the
scenic Podhigai Hills. It is built on Thamirabarani River. The area features
marvellous natural beauty. The dam is located on Ambasamudram to Pechiparai
Route. The Manimuthar River begins from the Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats
and is the chief tributary of the Tambiraparani River.
Manimuthar
Dam is one of the major dams in Tamilnadu located about nine kilometers west of
the town of Kallidaikurichi. Manimuthar Dam in Kallidaikurichi is located at 8°39'13.8"N 77°24'46.9"E
or 8.653842, 77.413022. Construction of this dam was started in 1955 and was
completed in 1958. This dam is 2900 meters long and has a storage capacity of
5.51 billion cubic feet. Water from this dam is used for irrigation and
drinking at the southern districts of Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari.
The
river begins in the dense forest on a mountain peak 1300 meters above sea level
in Ambasamudram Taluk and flows 9 km though small cataracts until it reaches
the Tambiraparani River near Kallidaikurichi. The tributaries of the Manimuthar
are the Keezha River and the Varattar River. As a tributary, the Manimuthar
River adds a considerable amount of water to the Tambiraparani River as it is
always in full.
Manimuthar
Dam is an ideal picnic spot blessed with beautiful garden and peaceful
atmosphere. Manimuthar Waterfall is located a few kilometres from the dam. It
offers an equally breath taking view. Tourists can enjoy a bath here and soak
in the rich beauty of nature. Manimuthar Dam is located at about 35 Kms from
Manjolai Hills, 51 Kms from Thirunelveli, 14 Kms from Papanasam, 11 Kms from
Ambasamudram, 9 Kms from Kallidaikurichi, 210 Kms from Madurai and 150 Kms from
Thiruvananthapuram.
From
Ambasamudram town, tourists can reach Manimuthar Dam by taking the road towards
Kallidaikurichi. From there, tourists can either hire a private car or bus to
reach the dam. Tourists need a boat to reach Manimuthar Falls. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Ambasamudram and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai
and Thiruvananthapuram.
