Maravakandy Dam
Maravakandy Dam is a picturesque reservoir built in 1951 located just a stone's throw away from the heart of Masinagudi. It serves as a primary water source for the Moyar Hydroelectric Power House and is a vital ecological hub within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve landscape. The dam is surrounded by d ense forests and serves as a crucial watering hole for a variety of wild animals, including elephants, gaurs, and spotted deer. Unlike the massive dams found elsewhere, Maravakandy has a quaint and rustic charm, with a small watchtower that offers a commanding view of the catchment area. The reflection of the towering trees in the still, blue water creates a mirror-like effect that is a dream for landscape painters and photographers. During the early morning hours, the area is often blanketed in a thin layer of mist, with the sounds of the jungle echoing across the water. It is not just a utility structure but a sanctuary where humans can observe nature's balance from a safe distance. The proximity to the Sigur Plateau means that many migratory birds stop here during the winter months, adding a splash of color to the grey-blue waters. It represents the successful integration of small-scale infrastructure within a sensitive wildlife corridor. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Dam & Wildlife ViewingEntry Fees:
General Entry: Currently, there is No Entry Fee for the viewing area near the road.
Watchtower Access: Access may require a nominal fee of 20 INR or permission from the forest guard on duty.
Camera Fee: Sti...General Entry: Currently, there is No Entry Fee for the viewing area near the road.
Watchtower Access: Access may require a nominal fee of 20 INR or permission from the forest guard on duty.
Camera Fee: Still cameras are usually free, but professional video recording may require a 250 INR permit.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for tourists.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 6:30 AM (if accessible) or 5:00 PM when animals are most active and likely to visit the water.
:...Regular Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for tourists.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 6:30 AM (if accessible) or 5:00 PM when animals are most active and likely to visit the water.
:Special Events:
Wildlife Week: In the first week of October, forest officials sometimes organize small awareness talks near the dam area.
Ganesh Chaturthi: The small temple at the entrance of the dam road sees local celebrations during the September festiv...Wildlife Week: In the first week of October, forest officials sometimes organize small awareness talks near the dam area.
Ganesh Chaturthi: The small temple at the entrance of the dam road sees local celebrations during the September festival.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Watchtower Top: Offers a 360-degree view of the water and the surrounding forest canopy.
The Dam Wall: A great spot for symmetrical shots of the reservoir and the intake gates.
Water’s Edge: Low-angle...The Watchtower Top: Offers a 360-degree view of the water and the surrounding forest canopy.
The Dam Wall: A great spot for symmetrical shots of the reservoir and the intake gates.
Water’s Edge: Low-angle shots of the water with the mountains in the background are perfect for landscape enthusiasts.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Watching: Spend time at the watchtower to spot elephants, deer, and if lucky, a tiger or leopard.
Birding: Look for the Grey Heron, Little Grebe, and the Common Kingfisher near the water's edge.
Nature Walks: Take a gentle stroll along the dam road to enjoy the fresh forest air and the scenic views.
Photography: Capture the stunning reflections of the Western Ghats mountains in the reservoir water.
Relaxation: Sit quietly by the dam and soak in the meditative sounds of the flowing water and forest rustle.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange over the water as the sun dips behind the hills.
Educational Visit: Observe the water int...Wildlife Watching: Spend time at the watchtower to spot elephants, deer, and if lucky, a tiger or leopard.
Birding: Look for the Grey Heron, Little Grebe, and the Common Kingfisher near the water's edge.
Nature Walks: Take a gentle stroll along the dam road to enjoy the fresh forest air and the scenic views.
Photography: Capture the stunning reflections of the Western Ghats mountains in the reservoir water.
Relaxation: Sit quietly by the dam and soak in the meditative sounds of the flowing water and forest rustle.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange over the water as the sun dips behind the hills.
Educational Visit: Observe the water intake systems and learn how small dams contribute to the regional power supply.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Animal Spotting: It is famous for being one of the best spots in Masinagudi to see wild elephants and tigers coming to drink water during the Summer months.
Hydroelectric History: It is a key component of the Nilgiri power grid, channeling ...Animal Spotting: It is famous for being one of the best spots in Masinagudi to see wild elephants and tigers coming to drink water during the Summer months.
Hydroelectric History: It is a key component of the Nilgiri power grid, channeling water through a scenic canal system toward the Moyar valley.
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Architecture:
Gravity Dam Structure: The dam is a classic masonry gravity structure designed to hold a modest volume of water for power diversion.
Technical Dimensions: The dam wall stretches approximately 150 meters across the stream. The animal watchi...Gravity Dam Structure: The dam is a classic masonry gravity structure designed to hold a modest volume of water for power diversion.
Technical Dimensions: The dam wall stretches approximately 150 meters across the stream. The animal watching tower stands about 10 meters high, built with a sturdy concrete base and a wooden viewing deck to blend into the forest surroundings.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore Airport (115 KMS) is the closest international gateway.
By Train: Arrive at Mysore Railway Station (95 KMS) and hire a taxi through the Bandipur forest.
By Road: It is located just 1 KM f...By Air: Coimbatore Airport (115 KMS) is the closest international gateway.
By Train: Arrive at Mysore Railway Station (95 KMS) and hire a taxi through the Bandipur forest.
By Road: It is located just 1 KM from Masinagudi town center on the way to Moyar; you can easily walk or take an auto.
By Local Transport: Local jeeps in Masinagudi often include a stop at the dam as part of their local sightseeing packages.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Summer (March-May): Best for seeing animals as they congregate at the dam due to water scarcity in the forest.
Winter (December-February): Perfect for bird watching and enjoying the pleasant, cool weather without the monsoon rain.
<...Summer (March-May): Best for seeing animals as they congregate at the dam due to water scarcity in the forest.
Winter (December-February): Perfect for bird watching and enjoying the pleasant, cool weather without the monsoon rain.
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Near Tourist Places:
Moyar River (7 KM), Mudumalai Safari Office (7 KM), Theppakadu Elephant Camp (7 KM), Bokkapuram Temple (5 KM), Vibhuti Falls (12 KM), Pykara Lake (35 KM), Ooty (30 KM), Bandipur (15 KM), Gopalaswamy Betta (35 KM), Kalhatti Falls (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not get too close to the water’s edge as crocodiles are occasionally spotted; never feed the wild animals.
Packing: Carry a good pair of binoculars and a zoom lens; wear camouflage or dull-colored clothing to avoid s...Health & Safety: Do not get too close to the water’s edge as crocodiles are occasionally spotted; never feed the wild animals.
Packing: Carry a good pair of binoculars and a zoom lens; wear camouflage or dull-colored clothing to avoid startling wildlife.
Cash & Connectivity: Cash Required for local snacks; the nearest ATM is in Masinagudi town center.
Mobile & Wi-Fi: Mobile signal is excellent due to its proximity to the town, but no public Wi-Fi is available.
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