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.
Semmozhi Poonga or Semmozhi Park is a botanical garden in Chennai situated on the Mount Road junction. It was set up and maintained by the horticulture department of Govt. of Tamil Nadu. It was opened to the public in November 2010 by then chief minister Dr.M.Karunanidhi. It is the first botanical garden in the city. It was set up with millions of cost on importing exotic species of plants and the park currently has more than 500 species of plants. In fact, green thumbs can rejoice at the effort they’ve put in to cataloging each of the species and placing placards with their scientific names next to them.
There’s tall trees, small groves, lush vines, exotic flowers like orchids, green lawns. In the course of the construction, the garden has received nearly ₹ 800,000 worth plants from China. The arch near the entrance plaza is a vertical garden which is a unique feature of the botanical garden. The vertical garden, with an inbuilt irrigation and drain system for easy maintenance, is 22 feet long and 14 feet high intended to improve the scenic beauty of the park at the entrance.
A butterfly garden near the cascade fountains along the Anna flyover has been carved up into the shape of a butterfly, with flowering plants of more than 30 species completely fenced.
It is an ideal place for a family day out. which makes sense because the pretty walkways, chirping birds, and overall calm is inviting and there’s plenty of nice places to take photos. It is also great for a walk or a run in the morning, or for a post-work de-stressing stroll while sunset. Ticket prices are fairly nominal with an adult ticket costing INR 15. INR 25 fee for carrying a professional camera.
If a picnic is what you’re thinking, be advised that you’re not allowed to bring outside food/drink into the park. There is, however, a small food court inside the park that you can eat at or buy food from. Kids have their own playground with swings, slides, scaffolding to climb on and a sandpit to play in.
There is a small pond/tank, a fountain and a rock-garden (with water falling down some rocks). In the center of the garden, there’s a small open-air stadium/amphitheater to host social and cultural functions. It is a must-visit place if you’re willing to spend time with nature. It is a place to spend a lazy evening in a calm atmosphere and a decent crowd.
Guindy Race Course is a very nice locality. All required amenities readily available. It is very close to the railway station. This is the oldest racecourse in the country. A large iron horseshoe welcomes visitors at the entrance of the Madras Race Club(MRC). Televisions hang from metal holders before many booths where bets are placed and names are staked.
The land was taken from the Adyar villages of Venkatapuram and Velachery. Racing became irregular and almost stopped soon after it had begun in the 1770s. This was a result of Hyder Ali, who came within striking distance of Madras. A few years later, 35 cawnies were added and two race courses came up — a smaller one to train horses and the other with a stand to watch the races. The club now has about 625 horses in the station, three stands and boasts of the best race track in the country.
The racing season begins in November and goes on till March after which races are conducted in Ooty between April and June. A monsoon season has been introduced with races being conducted between August and October. “Sir Lester Piggott”, who is considered the world’s greatest jockey, has ridden here and commented that MRC has the best track in India. Many people with membership opt for this place for lodging. There is a lot of shopping spots nearby. Tariff is also reasonable with safety, comfort, and cleanliness.
Thiruvanmiyur beach is one of the famous beaches in South Chennai. Thiruvanmiyur is very close to the IT-Hub.
Main factor in this beach is more cleanliness. The local community people are involved in cleanup the beach.
It’s a pleasant & clean beach to go with family & kids. Kids will love to play there in the sand. Not suitable for swimming.
Foodies can enjoy the many food vendors and local food stalls around Thiruvanmiyur Beach. There are many fish stalls spots the area where you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood like fried fish, prawn..etc.
Many guest houses, lodges and resorts are close by on this beach.
This beach was less crowded beach when compared to Besant Nagar beach, Marina Beach and all.
The Nearby Thiruvanmiyur Beach is the popular Marundeeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You could also visit Kalakshetra which is world famous for dance school and handicrafts.
Image Attribution : Korinthenknacker
A very differently named place with a different set of things that can make one feel that the money spent here is really worth it.
This is located at Chennai in Poonamallee, close to Queens Land Theme Park. If you want to feel like a Rajasthani, Chokhi Dhani can help you do that.
It is spread over fifteen acres of land and offers genuine Rajasthani cuisine, live entertainments etc.
When we say Rajasthani, we can see the main attractions namely: Live dance, pottery, magic show, bazaar in a village kind of a set up, rope balancing, Animal rides for kids, grass yard to relax etc. 4 PM to 11 PM is the time for us to enjoy here with our family and friends.
If you really don’t want to miss the place, do rush to grab your tickets right away. Chokhi Dhani can definitely give you a gratifying experience.