Aliyar Dam Park

At a distance of 24 km from Pollachi and 43 km from Valparai, Aliyar Dam is an earthen dam located at Aliyar village in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular dams in the Coimbatore district and among the prime places to visit in Valparai.

Built across the Aliyar River, the Aliyar Dam was constructed during 1959-1969 mainly for irrigation purposes. Azhiyar Dam was inaugurated on 2nd October 1962 by then Prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and was commissioned in 2002 to generate Hydro Electric Power. The dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats. The height of the dam is 81 m.

The Aliyar dam, located in the foothills of Valparai, is about 65 kilometres from Coimbatore, offering some ideal weekend getaways for tourists including a park, garden, aquarium and a children’s play area. An evening walk along the road on top of the dam, complimented by the breeze of cool winds and idyllic landscapes sculpted by a wonderful tapestry of colours that change every passing minute, calls for a unique experience of perfect union with Nature.

Thronged by tourists from all over the state and neighbouring Kerala on weekends, the dam offers panoramic views with tall, blue mountains on one side and lush green coconut farms on the other, creating a haven that stands in harmony with an island in the middle of the lake, which completely enthrals and captivates the visitors. Another nearby attraction is Aliyar canal, a quaint water stream overflowing from a step like structure into the valley below. This view attracts and compels tourists, photography enthusiasts and movie directors to visit the place. This is also a well known film shooting location in Pollachi. Starting from 1964′s Kadhalikka Neramillai, over hundreds of tamil, malayalam, telugu and hindi movies have been pictured at this location. The dam and reservoir has also bagged the “India says YES” award*  and is voted among best 25 dam sightings in India for tourists.

* – India Says Yes is a recognition of exceptional experiences provided by hotels, destinations and local attractions. India Says Yes is solely based on reviews and ratings shared by Indian travelers on HolidayIQ.com. The award is the ultimate indicator of what Indian travelers love!

There is a well-maintained park built at bottom of the Dam along with an aquarium, a mini Themed – Park and play area maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation. The view of the Anamalai range around the reservoir is a feast for the eyes and the view of the coconut groves from the top of the dam is amazing. One can also go for boating in the waters of the dam. The dam can be visited while going to Valparai from Pollachi or one shall visit the place after visiting Monkey Falls while coming from Valparai.

Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Entry: Free