Ramanathi Dam, Kadayam, Thirunelveli

Ramanathi Dam, Kadayam, Thirunelveli

Ramanathi reservoir is located at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kadayam village of Ambasamudram Taluk in Tirunelveli District. It is one of tourist place in this district. Now a lot of tourists are visiting the dam and park. This dam site is noted for its salubrious climate and atmosphere. This dam is gaining popularity as a popular tourist spot among the people which was once only visited by people from nearby places.

Ramanathi Dam is a place that is loved by families during the holidays and vacations. The amazing surroundings and the climate of the place make it a more preferable tourist spot. The heavy rains in the monsoon period restrict the tourist activities. Nature is at its best during the winter months. Dam supported by a well maintained park is ideal for picnickers.

Ramanathi Dam is located at about 17 Kms from Papanasam, 20 Kms from Ambasamudram, 62 Kms from Thirunelveli, 128 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 200 Kms from Madurai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambasamudram and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Papanasam Dam, Thirunelveli

Papanasam Dam, Thirunelveli

Papanasam Dam is located in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. It was built during the British rule and is 5.4 m wide, 265 m long and 240 m high. The Papanasam dam is also known as the Tamirabarani River Dam and has a total catchment area of 147 Sq. Kms. It is actually two dams; Upper dam is called as Karaiyar Dam & Lower Dam is called as Papanasam dam. At the end of the lake there is a tunnel through which water flows to another river and another new dam.

The dam is around 8 Kms west of Ambasamudram and is an hour’s drive from Courtrallam. It is located close to the Papanasam Falls. The design capacity of Papanasam Hydroelectric Power Plant is 28 MW. It features four Francis turbine generators. The first unit of this plant was commissioned in 1944 and the last unit in 1951. Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd operate this plant.

The surrounding lake with high mountains on the backdrop creates breathtaking scenes. The thunderous roar of water cascading down gives one feel of the power of nature. The mountains around the dam are green and thick with huge trees. Various breeds of monkeys roam around freely. Boating is possible in the lake but swimming is strictly prohibited as it is populated with crocodiles. The boats are available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Set amidst the wildlife sanctuary, the best time to visit is after the first bout of monsoon rains - may be Jul / Aug. abundant greenery around. The drive is through the sanctuary. One can see Langurs, Peacocks and Deer freely roaming around on the way. The dam is located amidst set up of mountains on 3 sides. Vehicles are allowed up to a point and we need to walk close to a 750 m to reach the Dam site. Public are not allowed to walk on the dam.

Take a boat ride operated by TTDC which is very Economical and Safe and travel by boat for about 15 to 20 minutes and reach the Banatheertham falls. Climb the hill and have a wonderful time at the Banatheertham falls. Usually the boat will stop at this place for 1 hour and it is really a decent time including your bathing time in the falls.

The water is so fresh with lot of medicinal effects and you will be feeling completely fresh after the bath in the falls. On the way back, you can see the medical treatment given by a family for the Jaundice Cure. Then make a visit to the Hydro Power Plant from outside and take some beautiful pictures.

Papanasam Dam is located at about 53 Kms from Thirunelveli, 4 Kms from Papanasam, 8 Kms from Ambasamudram, 212 Kms from Madurai and 143 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambasamudram and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Manimuthar Dam, Kallidaikurichi

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.

Karaiyar Dam, Papanasam, Thirunelveli

Karaiyar Dam, Papanasam, Thirunelveli

Karaiyar Dam or Tambraparani dam is located at about 20 Kms from the Town of Papanasam in Thirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. This is a beautiful picnic spot. The dam is inside the Kalakkad – Mundamthurai Tiger reserve. But spotting tigers is very remote as many vehicles ply in this route including State Transport buses every day. Papanasam Upper Dam is one of the biggest Dams in Tamilnadu.

This dam is also known as Karaiyar Dam or Upper Papanasam Dam.  Boating facilities are available at this dam which has a water storage area of about 2 sq. km. Karaiyar Dam in Papanasam is located at 8°39'03.7"N 77°18'40.3"E or 8.651026, 77.311206. This dam site is noted for its salubrious climate and atmosphere. Karaiyar Dam is a place that is loved by families during the holidays and vacations.

The amazing surroundings and the climate of the place make it a more preferable tourist spot. The heavy rains in the monsoon period restrict the tourist activities. Nature is at its best during the winter months. Karaiyar Dam or Tambraparani dam is located at about 20 Kms from the Town of Papanasam in Thirunelveli district of Tamilnadu.

Karaiyar Dam is located at about 49 Kms from Thirunelveli, 20 Kms from Papanasam. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambasamudram. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai.