Pothundi Dam
Pothundi Dam is an incredible engineering feat and one of the oldest earthen dams in India. Constructed in the 19th century, it is unique because the core wall was built using a mixture of quicklime and jaggery instead of traditional concrete or cement. This irrigation dam is built across the Padip uzha and Meenichiladipuzha rivers at the foothills of the Nelliampathy Hills. The reservoir formed by the dam is a major source of water for the agriculture of Palakkad. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a beautifully landscaped garden featuring manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and adventure rides. The walk up to the crest of the dam is slightly steep but rewards you with a panoramic view of the vast reservoir on one side and the lush green valley on the other. It serves as a gateway to the Nelliampathy hill station and is a favorite picnic spot for families seeking a peaceful day out in nature.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Picnic & NatureEntry Fees:
Nominal charges of 20 for adults and 10 for children. Additional fees apply for adventure rides.
Parking Fees: Separate parking charges for two-wheelers and four-wheelers are collected at the entrance. ...Nominal charges of 20 for adults and 10 for children. Additional fees apply for adventure rides.
Parking Fees: Separate parking charges for two-wheelers and four-wheelers are collected at the entrance.Timing:
Regular Timings: The dam and garden are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM) is best to avoid the heat and see the sunset. ...Regular Timings: The dam and garden are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM) is best to avoid the heat and see the sunset.Special Events:
Nenmara Vallangi Vela: A massive local festival in April where the dam area becomes a resting point for travelers visiting the grand fireworks.
Garden Illumination: During festive seasons, the entire garden and dam crest are lit up with colo...Nenmara Vallangi Vela: A massive local festival in April where the dam area becomes a resting point for travelers visiting the grand fireworks.
Garden Illumination: During festive seasons, the entire garden and dam crest are lit up with colorful LED lights.Best Photo Spots:
Dam Crest: The top of the dam provides a perfect 180-degree view of the mountains, ideal for sunset photography.
Musical Fountain: Capturing the water dance against the evening sky provides vibrant and dynamic photo opportunities. ...Dam Crest: The top of the dam provides a perfect 180-degree view of the mountains, ideal for sunset photography.
Musical Fountain: Capturing the water dance against the evening sky provides vibrant and dynamic photo opportunities.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sightseeing: Walk along the 1. 6 KM long crest of the dam to enjoy the cool breeze and the reflection of the Nelliampathy hills in the water.
Adventure Sports: Try sky cycling, quad biking, or the Polaris ride available in the renovated park area.
Family Picnic: Utilize the well-maintained lawns and seating areas for a relaxing family lunch amidst nature.
Children's Play: The garden has a variety of swings, slides, and a musical fountain to keep kids entertained.
Photography: Take stunning landscape shots of the reservoir with the backdrop of the Western Ghats.
Open Gym: Use the outdoor fitness equipment installed in the garden for a quick workout in fresh air.
Boati...Sightseeing: Walk along the 1. 6 KM long crest of the dam to enjoy the cool breeze and the reflection of the Nelliampathy hills in the water.
Adventure Sports: Try sky cycling, quad biking, or the Polaris ride available in the renovated park area.
Family Picnic: Utilize the well-maintained lawns and seating areas for a relaxing family lunch amidst nature.
Children's Play: The garden has a variety of swings, slides, and a musical fountain to keep kids entertained.
Photography: Take stunning landscape shots of the reservoir with the backdrop of the Western Ghats.
Open Gym: Use the outdoor fitness equipment installed in the garden for a quick workout in fresh air.
Boating: Seasonal pedal boat services allow you to explore the edges of the reservoir comfortably.
Information
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Why Famous:
Jaggery Construction: Famous worldwide for its unique construction material (quicklime and jaggery) which has survived for over a century without concrete.
Scenic Gateway: It is the primary stopover for tourists heading to the Nelliampathy h...Jaggery Construction: Famous worldwide for its unique construction material (quicklime and jaggery) which has survived for over a century without concrete.
Scenic Gateway: It is the primary stopover for tourists heading to the Nelliampathy hills, famous for its refreshing breeze and views. -
Architecture:
Earthen Structure: The dam's unique core wall made of lime and jaggery represents the indigenous engineering brilliance of ancient Kerala.
Garden Design: The adjacent park features a terraced layout with stone walkways and an open-air stage ...Earthen Structure: The dam's unique core wall made of lime and jaggery represents the indigenous engineering brilliance of ancient Kerala.
Garden Design: The adjacent park features a terraced layout with stone walkways and an open-air stage for cultural events.
Dimensions: The dam has a height of 32 meters and stretches across a length of 1,680 meters, creating a reservoir of 30 square kilometers. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 100 KMS away.
By Train: Palakkad Railway Station is 40 KMS away.
By Road: Frequent buses run from Palakkad and Nenmara to Pothundi.
By Lo...By Air: Cochin International Airport is 100 KMS away.
By Train: Palakkad Railway Station is 40 KMS away.
By Road: Frequent buses run from Palakkad and Nenmara to Pothundi.
By Local Transport: Taxis and autos from Nenmara town (8 KMS away) are the best way to reach the spot. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: October to February is the best time when the water level is high and the garden is in full bloom.
Monsoon: July to September offers a misty and green atmosphere but the park may be slippery. ...Winter Season: October to February is the best time when the water level is high and the garden is in full bloom.
Monsoon: July to September offers a misty and green atmosphere but the park may be slippery. -
Near Tourist Places:
Nelliampathy (25 KMS), Nenmara (8 KMS), Seethargundu Viewpoint (28 KMS), Meenvallam Falls (50 KMS), Kollengode Palace (20 KMS), Palakkad Fort (42 KMS), Chulliyar Dam (30 KMS), Kava (55 KMS), Malampuzha (52 KMS), Mangalam Dam (35 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Be careful while climbing the stairs to the crest; it can be tiring for elderly visitors.
Packing: Carry an umbrella or hat for sun protection and a water bottle for the walk.
Connectivity:Health and Safety: Be careful while climbing the stairs to the crest; it can be tiring for elderly visitors.
Packing: Carry an umbrella or hat for sun protection and a water bottle for the walk.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are strong; there is no public Wi-Fi, so rely on your data roaming.
Cash: Small shops inside the park prefer cash; ATMs are available in nearby Nenmara town.
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