Ponnaniyar Dam is a picturesque dam in the Kodaikanal region of Tamil Nadu, India. The dam is situated near the Poombarai village and is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment.
History:
Ponnaniyar Dam was constructed in the early 1900s during the British Raj to provide irrigation water to the surrounding areas. The dam is built across the Ponnaniyar River, which is a tributary of the Kaveri River. The dam is a masonry dam with a height of 59 meters and a length of 310 meters.
Scenic Beauty:
Ponnaniyar Dam is known for its stunning landscape and serene surroundings. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys, which provide a perfect backdrop for photography and videography. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride in the reservoir and witness the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The dam is a popular spot for picnics and day trips with family and friends.
Wildlife:
Ponnaniyar Dam is located in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Dense forests, home to various wildlife, such as elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, sambar deer, and several species of birds and reptiles surround the dam. Visitors can also enjoy a nature walk in the forests and witness the region's rich biodiversity.
Adventure Activities:
Ponnaniyar Dam is also a popular destination for adventure activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. The surrounding hills and valleys offer a challenging terrain for adventure enthusiasts, and several adventure tour operators provide equipment and guides for these activities.
Accessibility:
Ponnaniyar Dam is located approximately 20 km from Kodaikanal and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Kodaikanal to reach the dam. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, approximately 120 km from the dam.
Conservation:
The Ponnaniyar Dam is an important conservation area in Tamil Nadu. The surrounding forests are part of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, home to several endangered species, such as the Indian Giant Squirrel and the Nilgiri Tahr. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has implemented several conservation measures to protect the wildlife and their habitat.
Yercaud is a popular hill station located around 55 km away from the Ponnaniyar Dam. It is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and various tourist attractions such as the Yercaud Lake, Botanical Garden, Pagoda Point, and Shevaroy Temple.
Kiliyur Falls:
Located around 35 km from Ponnaniyar Dam, Kiliyur Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy trekking to the waterfall and enjoy the scenic views.
The Mettur Dam is a popular tourist destination around 45 km from the Ponnaniyar Dam. It is known for its scenic beauty and offers various activities such as boating, fishing and birdwatching.
Kolli Hills is a scenic hill station around 50 km from Ponnaniyar Dam. It is known for its picturesque beauty and offers various activities such as trekking, camping, and sightseeing.
Namakkal:
Namakkal is a popular town around 60 km from the Ponnaniyar Dam. It is known for its historical significance and various tourist attractions such as the Namakkal Fort, Anjaneya Temple, and the Namakkal Rock Fort.