A Trip To Sholaiyar Dam, Tamil Nadu (Unexplored Lands)

One particular weekend, we decided to embark on a road trip to Sholaiyar Dam, enticed by the tales of its breathtaking scenery along the Pollachi-Valparai-Sholaiyar Dam route. To avoid the weekend traffic, we set off early and relished in the delightful weather as we passed by rows of windmill turbines in the Pollachi-Udumalpet area.

The Windmills On the way 

As we ascended the Ghat road of the Annamalai hills, we were captivated by the tea estates that blanketed the hills like green carpets. Upon reaching Valparai, we swiftly dined at a local eatery before making our way to the Sholaiyar IB guest house for our weekend retreat.

The guest house afforded us a magnificent view of the Sholaiyar Dam, which stands as one of the deepest dams in all of Asia. Our time was spent strolling through the tranquil surroundings, marveling at the dam's beauty, as well as the nearby Upper and Lower Nirar dams.

The View Of The Tea Estates

Situated on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, on the Chalakudy River, this dam serves as a crucial reservoir within the Parambikulam Aliyar Project, boasting a water storage capacity of 160 ft. The excess water from the reservoir is channeled into the Parambikulam Reservoir through the saddle dam. Although it attracts numerous tourists during evenings and weekends, only a select few opt to prolong their stay in this serene locale. It is an ideal destination to relish in the fresh air and tranquility of a laid-back village. The path utilized by the locals to access the opposite end of the dam offers picturesque and breathtaking vistas.

Dam From IB Guest House

In the vicinity of Sholaiyar, there are two noteworthy dams - the Upper Nirar and Lower Nirar dams. The Upper Nirar Dam collects water from the Chinnakallar falls and transports it through a tunnel to the Lower dam. Nestled amidst dense forests, it is a truly enchanting place to visit. Both dams possess their own unique allure, and one can easily spend hours exploring their surroundings. These dams are certainly worth a visit, prompting us to ponder the remarkable skills and labor that were employed in constructing them years ago, primarily for hydro-power and irrigation purposes.

The Dam - view from the other side