CHITTAR DAMS AND THRIPPARAPPU WATERFALLS

CHITTAR DAMS..

Situated in the lush green and serene district of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, Chittar Dams are a perfect runaway location as a picnic spot for those who seeks calm and peace atmosphere. Chittar consists of two dams and reservoirs namely Chittar I and Chittar II. These dams were constructed between 1964 and 1970.The dams were constructed as a part of Kodayar irrigation project, which was started during 1890’s, purely for irrigational purpose. The dams are built on the Chittar river,which originates from Courtallam or Kuttalam hills near Thenkashy in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Chittar dams are situated at a distance of 65 km from Trivandrum City in Kerala and 37 km from Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu.

 Chittar dam was a shooting location for the Malayalam Movie “Rithu” nd the picturesque dam has been shown wonderfully in that movie. The dams have found a place in the bucket list of almost all bikers from Trivandrum and Kanyakumari. The main reason is that there are a lot of places or other things to do nearby like Thripparappu waterfalls, Pechipparai Dam, Kurishumala trek etc. I f you are going from Kerala side, Chittar Dam I will come first and Chittar Dam II will come first if you are going from Tamil Nadu side. 

There is not much of entry in Chittar Dam I as it remains closed for most of the days in a year. Chittar Dam II is where you will find a place for leisure and picnic activities. But before entering to the dam site, please take permission from the Dam authorities, which you will find near the dam. Take adequate food and water and also umbrella. The shops are very much limited there. At any time please don’t try to enter into water, as it can be dangerous. You cannot measure the depth of water, as water level will change from area to area. The catchment area was once a lightly populated village. People were evacuated for the construction of dams. But the wells which were used by them got submerged under water, which are the main villains there. There has been many accidents which has resulted in loss of lives too.

How To Reach?

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum International Airport-57 km

Nearest major Railway stations-Trivandrum Central, Kanyakumari

Small Railway station-Kuzhithurai/Lulithurai(KZT)

Nearest Major Bus Stand-Marthandam-17 km

Direct buses are not available either from Trivandrum, Kanyakumari. Take a bus to Kanyakumari and get down at Marthandam bus stand. From Marthandam, board a bus going to Pathukani (bearing route no 86D in the destination board) and get down at Alancholai. From there walk for 1 km

Driving Route-

Trivandrum-Vellarada-Pathukani-Chittar Dam 1 and 2

Where To Stay?

For those coming from far areas it is better to include Chittar Dam trip in your Kanyakumari trip and stay at Kanyakumari only. There is a Resort near Chittar Dams, which is not recommended for budget travellers. It is priced high and service is not that good.

Things to do- Picnic, fishing, breathing some fresh medicinal air etc.

Do Carry-Enough food, water and umbrella

THINGS NOT TO DO-PLAYING IN DAM WATER, BATHING IN DAM, PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED INTHE DAM PREMISES.

THRIPARAPPU WATER FALLS..

After having paid a visit or picnic in Chittar dams and restrained from going in water? Don’t worry, just travel another 6 km and you will reach a water falls named Thriparappu.Thriparappu is also known as Kumari Kuttalam.Kuttalam is one of the biggest waterfalls in Tamil Nadu.The waterfalls is on the Kodayar River,which flows down from Pechipparai Dam.

Thriparappu is a manmade waterfall having a length of 300 ft and water falls down from a height of 50 ft here. Water gets collected at a pool down, which is suitable for children to play and enjoy. There are steps provided to go to the top falls. On the top there is a lake named Kodayar Lake and a small check dam. Boating can be done on that lake. The whole area is surrounded by thick green forest which is home for vie variety of Flora and Fauna and a lot of medicinal Plants. There are pedal boats available. Take a boat and get a closer view of plants and trees.

Down the fall there are separate spots for Ladies and Gents to take bath in the falls and a swimming pool for children. There is a stone mandapam for sitting and taking rest .A well maintained garden and a park is also there.

How to Reach-

Direct Buses are available from Trivandrum (42 km),Kanyakumari(55 km) and Marthandam(15 km)
There is also a direct bus service from Kollam/Quilon at1430 hrs 

Nearby Attractions:-

Pechipparai Dam,Mathur Aquaduct, Chitharal Rock-cut Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace,  Aruvikkarai ,Neyyar Dam.