Pechiparai Dam — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Pechiparai Dam is a significant dam located near the village of Pechiparai in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a well-known tourist attraction nestled amidst the picturesque foothills of the Western Ghats.

Here's some information about Pechiparai Dam:

Location and accessibility

Pechiparai Dam is situated approximately 43 kilometers (27 mi) from Nagercoil, the district capital.

It's also about 60 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram.

The reservoir is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, making it a scenic location.

It's easily accessible from Nagercoil via well-maintained roads, and local transportation options like buses and auto-rickshaws are available.

History and construction

The dam was commissioned by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Moolam Thirunal, and built by European engineer Mr. Minchin between 1897 and 1906.

It was constructed across the Kodayar River, just below the confluence of its tributaries - Kallar, Chittar, and Kuttiyar.

The initial cost of construction was Rs. 26 lakhs.

The dam's height was originally 42 feet and was subsequently raised to 48 feet in 1969 under the leadership of Kamaraj, according to Wikipedia.

Purpose and uses

Pechiparai Dam serves as an essential source for both agricultural irrigation and drinking water supply for Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts.

It's an integral part of the Kodayar irrigation project, benefiting thousands of acres of farmland.

Water from the dam is released annually for irrigation during specific periods, benefiting various crops like paddy, bananas, and coconuts.

Features and attractions

The dam forms Pechiparai Reservoir, the largest dam in Kanyakumari district.

The area surrounding the dam offers picturesque views of the Western Ghats hills and dense forests.

Boating is available in the reservoir, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility and scenery.

It's considered an ideal spot for picnics and excursions, attracting nature lovers and photographers.

There's also a small temple dedicated to Pachiyamman within...

Pechiparai Dam, located in Kanyakumari District, is a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful getaway for nature lovers and tourists alike. The dam is set amidst the Western Ghats, making it a picturesque location for photography and a relaxing retreat.

Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Pechiparai Dam is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and comfortable for sightseeing. The monsoon season (June to September) adds to the beauty but may restrict some activities due to heavy rainfall.

Amenities The dam area is well-maintained with basic facilities like restrooms (within dam premises) and small snack kiosks (outside dam premises near parking area).

Parking Availability and Charges Parking is available at the dam site with a reasonable fee, usually around ₹20-₹30 for two-wheelers and ₹40-₹50 for four-wheelers. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

Boating Timings & Charges Boating is a popular activity here, with boats available from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cost for a boat ride is approximately ₹200-₹300 for a short ride.

How to Reach From Kanyakumari, Pechiparai Dam is about 25 kilometers away and can be reached via private vehicle in about 45 minutes. Public transport options include buses, which are available from Kanyakumari to Pechiparai, but they are less frequent, so a taxi or private vehicle is more convenient.

Overall, Pechiparai Dam offers a quiet retreat with scenic views, making it a great spot for a...

Pechiparai Reservoir is the largest dam in Kanyakumari district. It is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu at Pachiparai. It is located 43 kilometers (27 mi) from the district capital Nagercoil. This dam is built across the Kotai river. This dam was built during the period 1897-1906 by the European engineer Mr. Minchin by the then Maharaja of Travancore during the Thirunal period. This dam fulfills the agricultural and drinking water needs of Kanyakumari district. This river is the Western GhatsBuilt at the base. The height of this dam was originally 42 feet. Then in 1964 it was decided to add 6 more feet and in 1969 the height of the dam was 48 feet. stone pool, Agatheeswaram, Thovalai and Radhapuram circles are benefited by this. About 50 thousand acres of land gets irrigation facility. The Pachiparai Dam, which was 42 feet, was raised to 48 feet. 6 feet of raised water and Radhapuram was raised for this purpose. An additional 3.75 TMC of water is added after the dam is raised. The 42 feet Pachipara dam was raised to 48 feet by Kamaraj. 6 feet of raised water was also raised for Radhapuram area. An additional 3.75 TMC of water is added after the...