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Visit the Sholayar Dam located in the Thrissur district of Kerala if you are looking for a scenic destination in Kerala that offers a blend of nature, history, and engineering marvels. Sholayar Dam is a concrete dam built across the Chalakkudy River in Malakkappara. It is part of the Sholayar Hydro Electric Power Project, which is owned and operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
A Complex of Three Dams in the Lush Western Ghats
Sholayar Dam is not just one dam, but a complex of three dams: the main Sholayar Dam, the Sholayar Flanking Dam, and the Sholayar Saddle Dam. The main Sholayar Dam has a height of 66 meters and a width of 430 meters, making it the second-deepest dam in Asia. The reservoir created by the dam has an area of 8.705 square kilometers and a capacity of 153.6 million cubic meters. The dam has three penstock pipes that feed water to three turbines, each with an installed capacity of 18 megawatts. The total annual generation of the project is 233 million units.
The Sholayar Dam was commissioned in 1965 and has been providing electricity and irrigation to the region ever since. The dam also helps in regulating the flow of water to the downstream areas, especially to the famous Athirappilly Waterfalls, which are fed by the combined waters of the Sholayar and Parambikulam reservoirs.
The Sholayar Dam is surrounded by lush green hills of the Western Ghats, which are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The area is also known for its tea and coffee plantations, which add to the charm of the landscape. The climate here is pleasant throughout the year, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Plan Your Visit
The best time to visit Sholayar Dam is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The rains fill up the reservoir in the monsoon, which creates a spectacular sight. You can witness the water gushing out of the spillway gates with great force and splendor. You can also enjoy boating in the calm waters of the reservoir or have a picnic on its banks. The view of the dam and the reservoir from the roadside is also stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
There is no entry fee, and to reach Sholayar Dam, you can take a bus or a taxi from Chalakudy town, which is about 65 kilometers away. You can also drive your vehicle on the scenic Valparai road, which passes through dense forests and tea estates. The road is well-maintained and offers many viewpoints along the way.
Sholayar Dam is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves nature and engineering. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and power of water, as well as appreciate the human ingenuity that harnessed it for good.
