Tamil Nadu, a state rich in natural resources and rivers, has built numerous dams over the years to manage water for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation. These dams not only support agriculture but also contribute to the state’s overall development. In this article, we will explore the top 10 dams in Tamil Nadu, covering their history, significance, interesting facts, how to reach them, travel tips, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
1. Mettur Dam
- Location: Salem District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Mettur Dam, inaugurated in 1934, is one of the largest dams in India. It is built across the Cauvery River and plays a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s agriculture. The dam is 214 feet tall and stretches over 1,700 meters in length. The Mettur Dam is a lifeline for farmers in the Cauvery delta, providing water for irrigation in several districts.
- Interesting Facts: The reservoir created by Mettur Dam, known as Stanley Reservoir, is one of the largest in Asia. The dam’s scenic beauty, especially when the reservoir is full, attracts many visitors. It’s a great spot for picnics and nature lovers.
- How to Reach: Mettur Dam is about 50 km from Salem, which is a major town in Tamil Nadu. Salem is well connected by train and road to other cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru. From Salem, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Mettur Dam.
- Travel Tip: The best time to visit Mettur Dam is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the dam is at its fullest. Carry water and snacks, as facilities around the dam are limited.
2. Mullaperiyar Dam
- Location: Thekkady, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu-Kerala border
- History: Mullaperiyar Dam, completed in 1895, is built on the Periyar River. It was constructed under a 999-year lease agreement between the British colonial government and the Kingdom of Travancore. The dam diverts water from the Periyar River to Tamil Nadu’s arid regions, making it vital for irrigation.
- Interesting Facts: Mullaperiyar Dam is made of lime and surkhi mortar, a traditional building technique that has stood the test of time. Located within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it offers visitors the opportunity to see wildlife such as elephants, deer, and a variety of birds.
- How to Reach: The nearest town to Mullaperiyar Dam is Thekkady. From Madurai, which is about 140 km away, you can take a bus or taxi. Thekkady is also accessible by road from Theni (70 km).
- Travel Tip: Plan a trip in the early morning to enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir. The misty mornings add to the charm of this serene location.
3. Vaigai Dam
- Location: Theni District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Constructed in 1959 on the Vaigai River, the Vaigai Dam is an important irrigation project. The dam provides water for agriculture in the Madurai region and helps in water supply to nearby towns and villages.
- Interesting Facts: Vaigai Dam is famous for the lush green Vaigai Garden, which lies adjacent to the dam. The garden is well-maintained and a perfect place for family outings. The dam also plays a role in the region’s hydroelectric power generation.
- How to Reach: Vaigai Dam is located about 70 km from Madurai. Madurai has a major railway station and airport, making it easily accessible from across Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. From Madurai, you can take a bus or taxi to Vaigai Dam.
- Travel Tip: Visit the Vaigai Garden in the evening for the musical fountain show. It’s also a great spot for photography, especially during sunset.
4. Aliyar Dam
- Location: Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Completed in 1959, Aliyar Dam is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats and provides irrigation to the surrounding farmlands. It also helps in generating hydroelectric power.
- Interesting Facts: The Aliyar Reservoir offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and nearby hills. The area is popular for tourists due to its proximity to other attractions like Monkey Falls and the Aliyar Reservoir Park. The peaceful environment makes it a favorite picnic spot for locals.
- How to Reach: Aliyar Dam is located 65 km from Coimbatore and 24 km from Pollachi. You can reach Coimbatore by train, bus, or air, and then take a local taxi or bus to Pollachi. From Pollachi, Aliyar Dam is just a short drive away.
- Travel Tip: Consider visiting Valparai, a hill station located about 40 km from Aliyar Dam. The scenic drive through the ghats is an experience in itself.
5. Sathanur Dam
- Location: Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Sathanur Dam, constructed in 1958, is built across the Pennaiyar River. It is one of the oldest dams in Tamil Nadu and plays an important role in irrigation and water supply to the surrounding areas.
- Interesting Facts: Sathanur Dam is well-known for its crocodile park, which houses several species of crocodiles. The park is a popular attraction for visitors. Additionally, the dam offers excellent views of the Pennaiyar River and the surrounding hills.
- How to Reach: Sathanur Dam is about 30 km from Tiruvannamalai town, which is easily accessible by bus and train from major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. From Tiruvannamalai, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach the dam.
- Travel Tip: The rainy season (August to October) is the best time to visit Sathanur Dam, as the reservoir is full and the surrounding greenery is at its peak.
6. Bhavani Sagar Dam
- Location: Erode District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Bhavani Sagar Dam, built on the Bhavani River in the 1950s, is one of the largest earthen dams in India. It plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and power generation in the region.
- Interesting Facts: Bhavani Sagar Dam is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and large reservoir. The surrounding area is perfect for a weekend getaway, offering peaceful surroundings and lush greenery.
- How to Reach: Bhavani Sagar Dam is about 80 km from Coimbatore. You can take a bus or taxi from Coimbatore to reach the dam. The nearest town is Sathyamangalam, which is about 16 km away.
- Travel Tip: Take a picnic basket and spend the day by the reservoir. The area is quiet and offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
7. Papanasam Dam
- Location: Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Papanasam Dam, constructed in 1942, is built on the Thamirabarani River. It provides water for irrigation to the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and also plays a role in hydroelectric power generation.
- Interesting Facts: Papanasam Dam is located near the famous Papanasam Falls, also known as Agasthiyar Falls. The dam and the falls are located within the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
- How to Reach: Papanasam Dam is located about 50 km from Tirunelveli, which is well-connected by road and rail to other major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can take a local bus or taxi from Tirunelveli to reach the dam.
- Travel Tip: Don’t miss visiting Papanasam Falls, especially during the monsoon season when the falls are at their most spectacular.
8. Manimuthar Dam
- Location: Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Built in 1958, Manimuthar Dam is the highest dam in the Tirunelveli district. It is constructed on the Manimuthar River and plays an important role in supplying water to nearby areas.
- Interesting Facts: The dam is located near the Manimuthar Falls and is surrounded by dense forest, making it a popular spot for trekking and nature walks.
- How to Reach: The dam is located 50 km from Tirunelveli, and you can reach it by road. Local buses and taxis are available.
- Travel Tip: Visit during early mornings or late afternoons to experience the calm and peaceful surroundings. Trekking enthusiasts will love the trails around the dam.
9. Amaravathi Dam
- Location: Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Amaravathi Dam, built in 1957, is located on the Amaravathi River. The dam serves dual purposes of irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. It supports the agricultural lands in the nearby regions.
- Interesting Facts: Amaravathi Dam is located close to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, making it an important ecological site. The area around the dam is rich in biodiversity, and it’s common to spot a variety of bird species.
- How to Reach: Amaravathi Dam is located about 90 km from Coimbatore. You can take a bus or taxi from Coimbatore to Pollachi and then proceed to the dam.
- Travel Tip: Carry binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. The reservoir and its surrounding forests are home to several rare bird species.
10. Krishnagiri Dam
- Location: Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu
- History: Krishnagiri Dam, built in 1958, is constructed on the Thenpennai River. It helps in irrigating agricultural lands in the Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts.
- Interesting Facts: The scenic beauty around Krishnagiri Dam, especially the greenery during monsoon, makes it a popular picnic spot for families. The reservoir offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- How to Reach: Krishnagiri Dam is located about 7 km from Krishnagiri town, which is well-connected by road to Bangalore and Chennai.
- Travel Tip: Visit the nearby parks and picnic spots for a day filled with relaxation and natural beauty.
FAQs About Dams in Tamil Nadu
- How many dams are there in Tamil Nadu? There are over 100 dams in Tamil Nadu, serving irrigation, water supply, and power generation purposes.
- Which is the largest dam in Tamil Nadu? The Mettur Dam is the largest dam in Tamil Nadu, with a reservoir capacity of 93.4 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet).
- Which is the oldest dam in Tamil Nadu? Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut) is the oldest dam in Tamil Nadu, built by the Cholas over 2,000 years ago.
- What is the main purpose of dams in Tamil Nadu? The main purpose of dams in Tamil Nadu is irrigation, followed by hydroelectric power generation and water supply.
- Which dam is built on the Cauvery River? The Mettur Dam is built on the Cauvery River and is a key irrigation source for the Cauvery Delta region.
Conclusion
Dams in Tamil Nadu are vital for the state’s agricultural and economic prosperity. These engineering marvels not only support irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation but also contribute to the overall well-being of millions of people. From the historic Mettur Dam to the iconic Mullaperiyar Dam, each of these structures has its own unique history and significance.
Visiting these dams offers a blend of nature, history, and science, providing a deeper understanding of their importance to the state. For students, these dams serve as a great example of how engineering can solve real-world problems and sustain livelihoods. Whether it’s the lush greenery surrounding Aliyar Dam or the wildlife around Mullaperiyar Dam, every location has something special to offer.
Next time you plan a trip, consider adding one of these dams to your itinerary. Not only will you enjoy the scenic beauty, but you’ll also appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these impressive structures. Each dam tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the determination of the people of Tamil Nadu to harness the power of nature for the greater good.
