Lower Sholayar dam or Chalakkudy Dam, one of Kerala's Hydro Electric Dams built in the Chalakkudy river. This dam has another version, the Sholayar Dam of Tamilnadu. Surrounded by the scenic dense rainforest the place is one of the coolest scenic tour spot.
Sholayar Dam which is built in Chalakkudy river which originates from the Anamudi Mountain ranges by the southern part of western Ghats is only one among the many dams built in a series along the river course.The place is not a dedicated tourist spot for the entry to dam site is strictly regulated for outsiders. But the scenic beauty of the place with those extreme greenery of dense forest and the calm lake in the dam catchment area is adorable.
An aerial view of the dam site of Sholayar in Kerala. This place is relatively untouched by tourist and constructive intervention compared to Athirapally region of the river. The forest and river here is rich in rare species of animals plants and fishes.The richness of southern part of Western ghats is somewhat preserved in these forests.This dam site is on the way to Tamilnadu from Chalakkudy town.
Sholayar Lake formed by the dam
The calm waters of Sholayar dam premises. Lakes mountains and forests in a misty tropical climate, the perfect natures blend.
Penstock Pipes of the Sholayar Hydro Electric Dam project-Kerala
On the way to hit turbines!.The three pen stock pipes from the Sholayar hydro Electric Project.At the end of these pipes the generator turbines are fixed which uses the pressure of water coming out for the production of electricity.The pressure of water inside these pipes are huge and if they burst off it can ripoff a vast area of land and life around. A pen stock accident has happened already in Kerala a little time before.
Sholayar dam is situated at a distance of about 65 Kms from Chalakkudy town of Kerala state. The way to this dam ie the Chalakkudy-Tamilnadu route and has much tourist attractions like the waterfalls of Athirapally, Vazhachal, Charpa, Water theme parks,thumpurmuzhy gardens, and the sholayar. The road is cutting through dense rain forests and seeing Wildlife is not a wonder.Night journeys are not that recommended for Elephant herds and leopards are abundant.
Photos taken bu Amit Druvan CWRDM Calicut,
Courtsey- Sreerag As
Lot of places in Kerala are on my wishlist.. hope to cover them one day
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ReplyDeleteWonderful place. I will keep it in mind. Thanks for the share.
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