Thirumoorthy Dam is situated near the town of Udumalpet in the Western Ghats region of Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu. It is built across the Thirumoorthy River, which is a tributary of the Bhavani River. The dam and its surroundings are known for their scenic beauty, nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills.
Purpose of the Thirumoorthy Dam:
The primary function of the Thirumoorthy Dam is to store water. It collects and retains water from the Thirumoorthy River, which is a tributary of the Bhavani River. The stored water is used for various purposes, including irrigation and drinking water supply to the surrounding areas.
The controlled release of water from the dam helps in sustaining crops and farming activities, which are crucial for the local economy and food production.
Some dams are equipped with hydropower generation facilities. While not all dams generate electricity, it’s possible that the Thirumoorthy Dam may have such a purpose, contributing to the regional power supply.
Boating in Thirumoorthy Dam:
Boating at Thirumoorthy Dam is a popular recreational activity that allows visitors to enjoy the serene and picturesque surroundings while cruising on the dam’s reservoir.
1.Types of Boats: Visitors can typically choose from different types of boats for their boating experience. These may include rowboats, paddleboats, and motorized boats, depending on the facilities available at the dam. The choice of boat often depends on your preference and the type of experience you desire.
2. Scenic Beauty: Boating at Thirumoorthy Dam offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The dam is nestled in the Western Ghats, and the lush greenery, rolling hills, and pristine waters create a tranquil and breathtaking atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for nature lovers and photographers.
3. Reservoir Exploration: Boating allows you to explore the reservoir formed by the dam. This expansive water body is not only functional but also adds to the natural beauty of the area. You can leisurely navigate the reservoir and appreciate the beauty of the Western Ghats from a different vantage point.
Bird Watching in Thirumoorthy Dam:
The Western Ghats region, where Thirumoorthy Dam is located, is a hotspot for bird species. The lush forests, hills, and water bodies create a suitable habitat for a wide range of birds. Birdwatchers can expect to spot various resident and migratory bird species.
Commonly sighted bird species at Thirumoorthy Dam include kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, darters, cormorants, parakeets, bulbuls, and various species of waterfowl. Depending on the season and local habitat, you may also spot raptors, flycatchers, warblers, and other woodland birds.
Trekking and Adventure in Thirumoorthy dam:
Trekking and adventure activities in and around Thirumoorthy Dam provide an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the pristine beauty of the Western Ghats and experience an adrenaline rush.
The trek to Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is a well-known adventure trail. It typically involves a moderately challenging hike through the forest to reach the waterfalls. The journey offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats and culminates in the spectacular sight of Thirumoorthy Waterfalls. The trek allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Depending on the available facilities, adventure enthusiasts may also engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining in the surrounding hills and forests. These activities can add an element of thrill to your adventure at Thirumoorthy Dam.
The Thirumoorthy Temple:
The Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Thirumoorthy Malai Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan (Lord Subramanya). The Thirumoorthy Temple is a place of worship where devotees come to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.
Visiting Hours of the Thirumoorthy Dam:
The Thirumoorthy Dam is open from 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
How to reach Thirumoorthy Dam:
By Air: To reach Thirumoorthy Dam, you can opt for air travel, with the closest major airport being Coimbatore International Airport, situated approximately 65 kilometers away. From the airport, you have the convenience of hiring a taxi or taking a bus to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.
By Train: Another viable mode of transportation is by train, with Pollachi Junction being the nearest railway station, approximately 40 kilometers away from Thirumoorthy Dam. Pollachi is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and various regions of India. Once you arrive at Pollachi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to complete your journey to the dam.
By Road: Thirumoorthy Dam boasts excellent road connectivity. You can efficiently navigate the road network to reach your destination. If you’re traveling by car or bus, consider these approximate road routes:
- From Coimbatore: Head south on the NH83 highway in the direction of Pollachi. Upon reaching Pollachi, follow the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.
- From Palakkad, Kerala: Travel east on the NH544 towards Pollachi. Upon arriving in Pollachi, take the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach your destination.
- From Tiruppur: Take the SH21 highway south towards Palladam and Pollachi. Once you reach Pollachi, proceed on the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.
Theni Sothuparai Dam
Sothuparai Dam is located 12 kilometres from the town of Periyakulam in Theni District. The dam is built across the Varaha River.
The dam caters to the irrigational needs of Periyakulam area. The storage capacity of the dam is 2.831 m.cum. The water in the catchment area of the dam is accumulated from rain, small streams of Kodaikanal hills and the release of water from Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal.
The dam is not a busy tourist spot. It has a simple and serene garden with beautiful lamp posts and a floor bridge to cross the bridge, from where you can get a complete front view of the dam.
The nearest railway station is at Theni located at a distance of 33 kilometres and the nearest airport is the Madurai International Airport at a distance of 90 kilometres from Sothuparai Dam.
Vaigai Dam is built across the Vaigai River near Andipatti, in Theni district. The Dam caters to the irrigational needs of Madurai and Dindigul district and is a source of drinking water to Madurai and Andipatti.
The Dam was inaugurated on 21st January 1959 by the then Tamil Nadu chief minister Mr. K. Kamaraj. Vaigai Dam is maintained by Water Resource Department which in turn is managed by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department. The Dam measures 111 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 6,143 mcft. The Vaigai Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Vaigai Agricultural Research Centre are located near the Dam.
The visiting hours for the dam are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days. The entry fee is charged at Rs. 10 per person.
This massive and wondrous dam being one of the main picnic spots in the district is illuminated every Sunday. A small park that has a children’s play area is maintained on both sides of the dam. A small bridge connects the two sides of the park in front of the dam. A musical dancing fountain functions between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekends and during government holidays. The serenity of the location can be best experienced along with the warm sunrises. Splendid view of hills and lush greenery bordering the river on the other side is a sight worth experiencing.
How to reach
The dam is located 7 kilometres from Andipatti, 14 kilometres from Theni and 70 kilometres from Madurai. The nearest railway station is at Bodinayakanur (around 32 kilometres away) and the nearest airport is at Madurai (80 kilometres away).
River Gomukhi is a man-made lake located in the Kalrayan Hills near kallakurichi in Viluppuram District. The lake covers an area of 10,800 acres during monsoon season and serves as a major water source to nearly 47 villages. The reservoir was built in the valley of the river in the year 1965. The oldest part of the dam covers 5,800 acres and the newest part covers 5,000 acres of area.
The distance between Kallakurichi and Gomukhi Dam View Point is around 22 kilometres.
The Papanasam Dam also known as Karaiyar Dam is located at a distance of around 45 kilometres from Tirunelveli. The dam forms as a source of irrigation for 86,107 acres of paddy fields in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. The dam has been built over Thamirabharani River.
The dam was constructed during the rule of British in India. The construction of the dam was completed in the year 1944. The dam covering an area of 147 sq. kilometres is about 240 metres high, 5.4 metres wide and 265 metres long.
The place is a quaint and serene location and can be visited throughout the year. However, it is ideal to visit the place during the months of June to September when the climate is pleasant and the water in the dam is at a good level.
Papanasam village is well connected by buses and cabs. The nearest railway station is at Ambasamudram (5 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Madurai (140 kilometres away) and Trivandrum (180 kilometres away).
Lower Bhavani Dam also called the Bhavani Sagar Dam is one of the world’s largest earthen dams (type of dam made of compacted earth). It is located around 16 kilometres west of Sathyamangalam, in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. It is built on Bhavani River which is a major tributary of the Kaveri River. The dam creates Bhavanisagar Reservoir.
Image Attribution : Pratheept2000
History of Bhavani Sagar Dam:
It is the second largest dam in Tamil Nadu after Mettur Dam. It was one of the first major irrigation project initiated in India after independence in 1948. The Dam construction was completed in the year 1955 and was fully operational since 1956. The dam was constructed at a cost of 21 million.
Descriptive features of Bhavani Sagar Dam
| Length of the dam | 8 kilometres |
| Height of the foundation | 40 metres or 130 ft. |
| Height of the thalweg | 37 metres or 120 ft. |
| Total capacity of Reservoir | 32.8×109 cu ft. |
| Installed capacity of Reservoir | 32 MW or 43,000 hp |
- The dam is fed water by the Southwest and Northeast monsoons. It receives water from two catchment areas in the Western Ghats. The Eastern catchment area includes the Upper Bhavani, Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, Kundha, Gedhai, Pillur, Nellithurai and Lower Bhavani. The Western catchment area includes Portimund, Parson’s Valley, Pykara, Glenmorgan, Chinkara, Maravakandy, Moyar, Thengumarahatta and Lower Bhavani.
- The dam supplies water to two canals: (a) Kalingarayan Canal which in turn feeds Arakkankottai and Thadampalli channels (b) Lower Bhavani Project
- The dam had two hydroelectric power stations, one on the east bank canal and the other on the Bhavani River. East power station has a capacity of 8 megawatts totaling to a capacity of 16,000 megawatts .
- There is a peaceful garden in front of the dam with a play area for children, a small boating ride and a basic eatery spot. The entry to the park is charged at Rs. 5 per head.
- The view atop the dam is restricted now due to safety reasons. The place is a quiet getaway from the bustle of city life. One could also prefer to get the fresh fishes from the dam.
- Bhavani Sagar Dam is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
How to reach Bhavani Sagar Dam
Bhavani Sagar Dam is located at 16 kilometres west to Sathyamangalam, 35 kilometres from Gobichettipalayam and 36 kilometres north-east to Mettupalayam. The distance to Coimbatore is around 80 kilometres which is the nearest Airport.
One of the largest dams of Tamil Nadu, the Kodiveri Dam is constructed on Bhavani River near Gobichettipalayam. It is a common picnic spot located near Sathyamangalam in Erode District. The famous Bannari Mariamman Temple is around 20 kilometres from the Kodiveri Dam.
History of Kodiveri Dam
It is believed that the Kodiveri Dam was built over the Bhavani River when a drought had hit the area in the earlier past. It was constructed by Kongalvan in the year 1125 AD. The dam has been created by carving a 20-foot wall of rock, wherein the stones were interlocked with iron bars and the lead was used as mortar.
The Dam then on has been a major source of irrigation in the area.
Technical Details of the Dam
The Kodiveri Dam built using iron bars and lead provides a sound and long-lasting irrigational support to the areas around. The Dam built on Bhavani River gives rise to two channels – Arakkankottai on the northern side and Thadapalli on the southern side of Bhavani River. The Dam irrigates a total area of 24,504 acres. The Thadapalli Channel helps in the irrigation of lands north of Gobichettipalayam. Sugarcane and paddy are predominantly cultivated in this area.
Other notable features of Kodiveri Dam
- The Dam has a beautiful Park at its bottom that adds to the attraction of the place.
- The Falls are not very heavy and one can easily reach to the bottom of the falls and enjoy bathing and swimming.
- The Entry Fee is a meager amount of Rs. 4 per head.
- The place is also ideal to taste some of the fresh fishes caught by the coracle rowers.
- Boating is also available for the entertainment of tourists.
- Recent steps taken by the Government (improvement in infrastructure of the Dam, better recreational and restroom facilities) have made the place more approachable for the tourists.
How to reach Kodiveri Dam
The Dam is situated along the State Highway 15 about 15 kilometres from Gobichettipalayam towards Sathyamangalam. The nearest railway station is at Erode (38 kilometres). Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport (74 kilometres).
Watrap or Vathirayiruppu is a peaceful village found alongside the Arjuna River. The traditional name of Watrap was “Vatratha Iruppu” meaning “surplus water”. Rightly called so, it has plenty of rain during the monsoons.
The Pilavakkal Dam in Watrap village forms a favorite picnic spot in Virudhunagar. It is used for agriculture and irrigation purposes. The dam is located at the foothills of Western Ghats and is surrounded by green paddy fields on one side.
The dam is situated at around 55 km from Virudhunagar and 90 km from Madurai. The dam includes two divisions – The Kovilar Dam and The Periyar Dam. The limit of Periyar Dam is 192 mcft while that of Kovilar Dam is 133 mcft.
Srivilliputhur is the nearest railway station. There is good rail connectivity from Madurai and Chennai to Srivilliputhur. There are frequent buses from Srivilliputhur to Watrap. The calmness and beauty of the location provide a picturesque treat to the eyes.
Image Attribute : Paramatamil
Aliyar Reservoir is a 6.48 km2 reservoir located in the Aliyar village near Pollachi in Coimbatore. It is about 65 kilometers from Coimbatore. Aliyar dam is one of the famous dam in Coimbatore district.
Aliyar Dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats.
The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Corporation. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir.
If you are en route to Valparai, spend some time to visit this dam. This is a very beautiful place with a scenic view of the mountains in the backdrop.
A great place to hang out with family and kids, fish fry at government-owned outlet was good. It was fresh dam fish. We can take a bath in the river nearby was awesome. Kids can enjoy a lot.
The dam visit would easily take max 2 hours time. There is good parking space and roadside food stalls near the entrance.
Image Attribution : @shah_hameed_24 from instagram
Aliyar Dam Boating
- Boating on the Aliyar Dam is good, to enjoy.
- Boating service time is 9am to 5.30pm daily.
- Boating fees for adult is Rs. 40 and children are Rs.30.
Aliyar Dam Park
Entry fees for Alyar Dam Park is Rs.5
Mettur Dam – Salem
Mettur Dam situated in Salem is one of the largest dams in India and is the largest dam as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned.
With a capacity of 93tmcft, it caters to the water needs of Tamil Nadu for drinking and other purposes. Constructed across the river Cauvery, in the year 1935, it creates the Stanley reservoir and the construction of the dam took 9 long years to be completed. The maximum height and width of the Dam are 214 and 171 feet respectively.
The maximum storage height is 120 feet. With all that, the Mettur dam has two hydroelectric power stations which are big and was constructed during the British rule and the other one was constructed by the Indian Republic.
The dam is surrounded by hills, a park called Ellis Park etc., which has made the place the best place to visit in Salem.
Hogenakal Falls is close to this Dam. Mettur Dam is two times larger than the KRS dam located in Karnataka that was built by Sir M. Vishveswaraiah. Visit the place and explore the area for your reviews. If you visit during the monsoon season, you can spend more time to see around.
Mettur Dam Park
Mettur Park is located below the foot of the Mettur dam. Maintenance is very good, more games there and Kids will love it.
