Sholayar Dam
Massive Scale: Sholayar Dam (also known as the Lower Sholayar Dam) is part of the largest hydroelectric power project in Tamil Nadu and is often cited as the second deepest dam in Asia. It is an enormous gravity dam built across the Sholayar River. Backwater Beauty: The vast reservoir and its serene backwaters are surrounded by endless, lush-green rolling hills and thick forests, offering a stunning, expansive view of nature's majesty. The site is a primary contributor to the region's power and irrigation, and a popular sightseeing spot.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 - 2. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Dam/Reservoir/Hydroelectric SiteEntry Fees:
Adult/Child: Nominal Entry Fee (Rs 20 - Rs 50 per person, if a specific viewing area is maintained for tourism).
Parking Fee: Nominal fee for parking near the access area.
Photography: Usually free for perso...Adult/Child: Nominal Entry Fee (Rs 20 - Rs 50 per person, if a specific viewing area is maintained for tourism).
Parking Fee: Nominal fee for parking near the access area.
Photography: Usually free for personal photography, but large cameras or professional setups may require a permit.Timing:
Regular Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM Daily. Access can be revoked anytime due to security reasons, maintenance, or extremely high water levels.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9 AM to 11 AM) for cooler weather and clearer visibility across the large re...Regular Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM Daily. Access can be revoked anytime due to security reasons, maintenance, or extremely high water levels.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9 AM to 11 AM) for cooler weather and clearer visibility across the large reservoir surface.Special Events:
Dam Inauguration Anniversary: Local administrative units sometimes hold small ceremonial events to mark the anniversary of the dam's completion, though rarely is it a major public event advertised to tourists. ...Dam Inauguration Anniversary: Local administrative units sometimes hold small ceremonial events to mark the anniversary of the dam's completion, though rarely is it a major public event advertised to tourists.Best Photo Spots:
The Curved Wall: Shots capturing the massive, curved concrete embankment of the dam structure itself.
Still Water Reflection: Photographing the reflection of the clouds and hills in the reservoir's tranquil, mirror-like waters.The Curved Wall: Shots capturing the massive, curved concrete embankment of the dam structure itself.
Still Water Reflection: Photographing the reflection of the clouds and hills in the reservoir's tranquil, mirror-like waters.
The Gates: Pictures of the imposing radial spillway gates, especially when they are closed or slightly ajar, emphasizing the engineering scale.
Panoramic View: Capturing the long stretch of the reservoir with the distant forested hills.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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View Gazing: Standing on the viewing point to appreciate the colossal size of the dam and the expansive reservoir.
Photography: Capturing the wide-angle, panoramic views of the water and the surrounding green hills, especially at sunset.
Nature Walk: Taking a peaceful walk along the approach roads near the dam's buffer zone (with caution regarding wildlife).
Picnicking: Enjoying a serene afternoon by the reservoir banks in permitted, secure areas.
Bird Watching: The reservoir attracts a variety of waterbirds, raptors, and forest birds due to the varied habitat.
Relaxation: Escaping the crowds of the town and enjoying the total stillness of the large body of water.
Su...View Gazing: Standing on the viewing point to appreciate the colossal size of the dam and the expansive reservoir.
Photography: Capturing the wide-angle, panoramic views of the water and the surrounding green hills, especially at sunset.
Nature Walk: Taking a peaceful walk along the approach roads near the dam's buffer zone (with caution regarding wildlife).
Picnicking: Enjoying a serene afternoon by the reservoir banks in permitted, secure areas.
Bird Watching: The reservoir attracts a variety of waterbirds, raptors, and forest birds due to the varied habitat.
Relaxation: Escaping the crowds of the town and enjoying the total stillness of the large body of water.
Sunset Viewing: The sun setting over the vast water is consistently cited as a spectacular, calming experience.
Information
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Why Famous:
Depth Record: Famous for its massive size and the persistent claim of being the Second Deepest Dam in Asia, making it a highly significant engineering landmark in the region.
Scenic Panorama: The sheer scale of the dam and the mesmerizing, t...Depth Record: Famous for its massive size and the persistent claim of being the Second Deepest Dam in Asia, making it a highly significant engineering landmark in the region.
Scenic Panorama: The sheer scale of the dam and the mesmerizing, tranquil backwaters against the backdrop of the continuous line of the Western Ghats are a major visual draw for visitors and photographers. -
Architecture:
Gravity Dam Construction: The architecture is a massive, curved gravity dam made of concrete and masonry, designed to hold an immense volume of water and withstand significant pressure.
Dimension: Its height is substantial, and the length of...Gravity Dam Construction: The architecture is a massive, curved gravity dam made of concrete and masonry, designed to hold an immense volume of water and withstand significant pressure.
Dimension: Its height is substantial, and the length of the embankment stretches for several hundred meters, creating the colossal reservoir.
Functional Design: The design is purely functional for water storage and power generation, featuring large radial gates, a powerhouse, and associated canals. Visitor access is often restricted to a viewing area near the main embankment due to high-security concerns. -
How To Reach:
By Road: Accessible by taxi, private car, or local bus from Valparai town via a well-defined, winding route.
By Bus: Local buses towards the Sholayar area stop near the dam entrance.
By Train/Air: Must reach...By Road: Accessible by taxi, private car, or local bus from Valparai town via a well-defined, winding route.
By Bus: Local buses towards the Sholayar area stop near the dam entrance.
By Train/Air: Must reach Valparai first.
Local Transport: Local taxis and pre-booked cabs are the easiest way to reach the dam reliably. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Season: Post-Monsoon (September to December) when the water level is highest and the surrounding landscape is a vibrant, refreshed green.
Best Part of the Day: Late Afternoon for a spectacular and photogenic sunset view over the water b...Best Season: Post-Monsoon (September to December) when the water level is highest and the surrounding landscape is a vibrant, refreshed green.
Best Part of the Day: Late Afternoon for a spectacular and photogenic sunset view over the water body. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Upper Sholayar Dam (8 Kms), 2. Valparai Town (20 Kms), 3. Panchamuga Vinayagar Temple (15 Kms), 4. Nirar Dam (25 Kms), 5. Nallamudi Viewpoint (20 Kms), 6. Chinnakallar Falls (30 Kms), 7. Tiger Valley (28 Kms), 8. Athirappilly Falls (Kerala) (50 Kms), 9. Vazhachal Falls (Kerala) (45 Kms), 10. Koolangal River (30 Kms)
Tourism Tips
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Security Check: Be prepared for security checks as it is a sensitive government facility; follow all instructions strictly.
No Water Entry: Swimming or going too close to the reservoir edge is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous due...Security Check: Be prepared for security checks as it is a sensitive government facility; follow all instructions strictly.
No Water Entry: Swimming or going too close to the reservoir edge is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous due to the depth and hidden currents.
Carry ID: Always carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc. ) for verification at the security gate.
No Littering: Strict anti-littering rules apply, especially concerning plastic waste.
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