Chittar Dam – 2, Pechiparai, Kanyakumari
Chittar
Dam – 2 is a reservoir located at Pechiparai Village in Kanyakumari District of
Tamilnadu. Chittar dams were constructed as part of the Kodayar System Major
Irrigation Project. There are 2 dams, namely, Chittar-1 and Chittar-2 in which
the latter being larger. The reservoirs and dams are controlled by the Tamil
Nadu state electricity board. The Chittar Reservoir is built on the Chittar
River. This river and its five tributaries originate in the Courtallam hills in
the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
It is
also known as Sivalokam reservoir mainly used for irrigation purpose in the
rural areas of Marthandam and Kulasekharam area. The construction of Chittar
Dam I and II flooded the area and created the Chittar Lake, which has enhanced
the beauty of the area. This dam has no shutters as seen in other dams. The
Chittar Reservoir serves as an important source of irrigation for the
region. The Chitter Reservoir is a well-known tourist spot, owing to its superb
views, breathtaking scene of waterfalls and cascades.
The
Chittar Reservoir irrigates almost 8,903.27 hectares of land. The
Chittar runs for about 80 km before it meets with its first tributary which has
an anicut and irrigates about 293.40 hectares of land. One of its next
tributaries has a reservoir provided by an anicut, feeding 141.64 hectares.
The next tributary has seven anicuts and a reservoir and irrigates 465.39
hectares of land altogether. This pattern continues as each tributary
and other contributing river has anicuts and reservoirs that provide irrigation
for the adjacent land.
The
project got completed on 1906 with a cost of 1.51 Cr. Other structures
associated with this project are Pechiparai Dam, Perunchani Dam, Puthen Dam and
Thirparappu Weir. The project holds the waters of Kodayar, which joins the
Arabian sea near Thengapattanam, (at a distance of 56 km west of Cape Comerin)
and uses it for Irrigation purpose. This has been a major boost to the
agricultural needs of the Kanyakumari district which was part of the Travancore
state then.
Chittar-1
is the smaller of the two. The low wall of the dam abuts the road. The waters
are cool and depth of the dam is very less if it is during summer and even
during monsoon, you can enjoy a cool and refreshing bath. As the depth of the
reservoir is irregular, it is advisable not to go too far from the banks. Chittar
dam became more famous after the movie Rithu got released. The film has
captured all the beautiful spots of this aesthetic place and it has driven many
tourists. The best time to visit Chittar is the winter monsoons, when the
climate is cooler and the sun not so harsh.
Chittar
Dam consists of 2 dams Chittar 1 and Chittar 2 and are connected with each
other via an internal road. Chittar 1 and Chittar 2 has crystal clear waters
and the reflection of the short and green peaks nearby is the uniqueness of the
place. Chittar is not a general tourist destination. It is a perfect retreat or
family outing spot where you can carry in your picnic bags and have a great
outing experience. But please be responsible and do not litter, and help it
maintain its uniqueness.
Being a
Dam site photography is strictly prohibited so you won’t be allowed in with
Digital or Video cameras. This is allowed only on attaining special permission.
Chittar is also a unique place for fishing. Although 80% are small fishes, most
of them are special delicacies like “karimeenu”, “Varaal” etc. For less fishing
enthusiasts, you can also buy them if you can reach Chittar by around 8am, when
local fishermen catch them and sell it near the dam. Some resorts have also
sprung up during recent days and you can also plan on a stay there.
Chittar
Dam – 1 and Chittar Dam – 2 are located at about 1.5 Kms from each other.
Chittar Dam is located at about 15 Kms from Thirunanthikarai, 14 Kms from Pechiparai,
18 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Thirparappu, 15 Kms from Kulasekharam, 22
Kms from Marthandam, 21 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 23 Kms from Vilavancode, 44 Kms
from Nagercoil, 64 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is
located at Thiruvananthapuram.