If you are bored visiting the crowded tourist spots in Tamil Nadu, then here is the chance to explore some hidden gems of South India. Amaravathi Dam is the most popular off-beat tourist destination near Marayoor.
Located inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tirupur district, this dam is a must-visit place for nature lovers and photographers. Easily accessible from Marayoor (36 km), Pollachi (50 km), and Coimbatore (91 km), this place also attracts tourists for its largest wild breeding population of Crocodiles that are kept in its reservoir. Read this article until the end to get valuable insights about Amaravathi Dam and some nearby famous tourist spots you can visit.
Amaravathi Dam: A Hidden Gem Near Marayoor
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Surrounded by Annamalai Hills and Palani Hills, Amaravathi Dam is 36 km from Marayoor, 50 km from Pollachi, and 91 km from Coimbatore. This earthen dam in Amaravathi Nagar is situated inside the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the prominent tourist destinations near Marayoor, this dam was built in 1957 CE across the Amaravathi River.
The dam’s primary purpose was to fulfil the nearby villages’ irrigation requirements and control floods. You will also find a well laid-out park with steps up to the dam where you can spend quality time with your friends and family. Apart from its picturesque beauty, the dam is also famous as the home to a significant population of mugger crocodiles. In the reservoir and catchment basin of the dam, one of the largest populations of crocodiles is living. This crocodile farm at Amaravathi is a must-visit as it is the biggest crocodile nursery in India with about 100 crocodiles living in it currently.
Also Read: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Top Places To Visit Near Amaravathi Dam
Some of the most popular tourist attractions near Amaravathi Dam are given below:
1. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Experience nature in its full glory at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary where you get to see a lot of flora and fauna amidst the lush green valleys. This sanctuary is sprawled across an area of 90.44 km square in the Western Ghats filled with pristine beauty and vegetation. It is an ideal tourist spot in Kerala for wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. There are a lot of things to do here like trekking at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the breathtaking views of the landscapes, Safari to experience the wildlife, and staying at a treehouse in the middle of the forest for a new and thrilling experience. The best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is between December and February when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the forest.
Location: 27 km away from Amaravathi Dam
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
2. Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
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Amaravathi is famous for its picturesque dam and is the home of the largest wild breeding population of crocodiles in South India. Amaravathi Crocodile Farm in TamilNadu was started in 1976 for the purpose of saving Crocodiles which were threatened to near extinction. You can spot the famous Persian crocodiles and bog crocodiles at this farm. There are around 98 crocodiles on the Amaravathi farm, which the Forest Department officials maintain. While visiting the Dam, make some time for this crocodile farm to witness these majestic creatures up close while also enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Location: 1 km away from Amaravathi Dam
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Related Post: Munnar Tourist Places
3. Thoovanam Waterfalls
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One of the most beautiful waterfalls of Kerala is situated near the Dam, and that is Thoovanam Waterfalls, located within Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary near Marayoor. The best tourist destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, this waterfall is formed by the Pambar River. Apart from trekking at Thoovanam Waterfalls, you can also swim at the pool formed at its bottom. If you are interested in trekking to Thoovanam waterfalls, you can book a guided tour around 3 hours that covers a 4 km long trail to the waterfall. The trekking begins at Alampetty check post, and throughout the trek, you will witness different wildlife animals in their natural habitat.
Location: 32 km away from Amaravathi Dam
Timings: 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
4. Muniyaras
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Muniyara or Dolmens are popular tourist spots near Marayoor. Located 40 km from Munnar, Kerala, this place comprises megalithic burial sites dating back to the Iron Age. At this place, you will find numerous dolmens, which are basically large stone slabs arranged in chamber-like structures. In ancient times, these chambers were used as burial sites. Silent yet powerful testimonies to the ancient past of Marayoor, these dolmens are the great spot for historians who wish to travel back in time and take a look into the history of the Neolithic Era. These dolmens are typically found atop rocky hills and are nestled amidst the lush green picturesque landscapes.
Location: 40 km away from Amaravathi Dam
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Related Post: Things To Do In Coimbatore
Best Time To Visit Amaravathi Dam
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Amaravathi Dam is the most prominent tourist spot near Marayoor, Tamil Nadu from where you get a picturesque view north of the plains below and south to the Anaimalai Hills and Palni Hills above. The ideal time to visit the Dam and explore its surrounding areas is after monsoon and winter months, from September to March. During this time, you get minimal rainfall, and the weather remains pleasant throughout the day, making walking around and exploring the surroundings easier.
It is advisable not to visit this place from April to June as during this time, the weather is quite warm in Marayoor, with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius. Again, July and August are not favourable months to visit the Dam as heavy rainfall makes the terrain slippery and risky.
How To Reach Amaravathi Dam
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Amaravathi Dam, located 36 km from Marayoor, is well-connected to other parts of the country by road, train, and air. The nearest major town to the Dam is Marayoor. It is around 50 km from Pollachi and 91 km from Coimbatore.
From Marayoor, you can hire a cab or drive your vehicle to Amaravathi Dam. The distance is around 36 km and it would take around 45 minutes to reach the location via Munnar-Udumalpet Road.
If you are travelling from a distant place, you can take the train and get off at Palani Railway Station, which is around 70 km away from Marayoor. Regarding flights, the nearest airport to the central town, Marayoor, is Coimbatore International Airport, which is 85 km away.
You May Also Like To Read: Most Beautiful Waterfalls In India
Undoubtedly an off-beat tourist spot near Marayoor, Tamil Nadu, Amaravathi Dam is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. It promises a picturesque scenic view of Palani Hills and Anamalai Hills, which surround the dam with a lush green carpet. Apart from natural beauty, this dam also offers an opportunity to see crocodiles up close living in their natural habitat. The reservoir of the Amaravathi dam houses the most extensive collection of crocodiles that is open to visitors. So, if you want a fun-filled trip to Tamil Nadu, add the Dam to your itinerary.
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Cover Image Credit : Marcus334 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Amaravathi Dam
Where is Amaravathi Dam exactly located?
Constructed across Amaravathi River, Amaravathi Dam is situated in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu. The exact location of the dam is at Amaravathinagar which is 25 km south of Udumalpet.
How far is Marayoor from Amaravathi Dam?
Marayoor is 36 km from Amaravathi Dam. It will take around 1 hour to reach Amaravathi Dam from Marayoor. This route offers scenic views of the Western Ghats for the travellers to enjoy.
When was Amaravathi Dam built?
The Amaravathi Dam was built in 1957 across the Amaravathi River. The dam is nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of Palani Hills and Anamalai Hills.
What is so special about Amaravathi Dam?
Amaravathi Dam is the most popular tourist spot near Marayoor, Tamil Nadu. Since it is located quite close to the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is also a famous tourist spot near Munnar. One of the major attractions of Amaravathi Dam is its Crocodile Farm which is renowned in the country for its largest population of mugger crocodiles.
What is the entry fee to visit Amaravathi Dam?
There is no entry fee at Amaravathi Dam, however, you need to pay the charges for certain activities here and to enter some specific areas in the dam complex. It is always best to check with the local authorities.
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