Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams

Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams in Athirappally (celebrated across southern India as monumental hydroelectric engineering achievements and Kerala's most scenic mountain reservoir drives, set deep within the dense tropical evergreen rainforests of the Anamalai wildlife corridor along the roaring Chalakudy River, world famous for their massive masonry gravity dam structures, expansive turquoise catchment reservoirs surrounded by mist covered Western Ghats peaks, adventurous 75 kilometer ghat road crossing through Kadar tribal settlements, Malakkappara emerald tea plantations, and prime elephant migration habitats), located along the Chalakudy Valparai Highway in Athirappally in Kerala, stands as the rainforest corridor's premier engineering and mountain wilderness landmark.

Commissioned in 1957 (Peringalkuthu) and 1966 (Upper & Lower Sholayar) by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), these dual reservoirs harness the immense hydraulic power of the Chalakudy River basin while preserving one of Asia's most ecologically sensitive rainforest habitats.

It's the home of the expansive deep blue mountain lakes where wild Asian elephants and sambar deer emerge at twilight to drink along forested shorelines, the dramatic concrete spillway gates discharging roaring torrents of white water during monsoon surges, the winding mountain highway snaking through high altitude evergreen rainforests draped in wild orchids and mosses, the scenic panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Sholayar reservoir backwaters, and an intensely invigorating, cool mountain ambiance where the scent of eucalyptus and wet rainforest soil fills the mountain breeze.

It represents a rich post independence hydroelectric power legacy, untouched Western Ghats ecology, and interstate mountain touring where masonry gravity dams, turquoise reservoirs, wild elephant corridors, and Athirappally eco tourism unite in Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams.

Located along State Highway 21 (SH 21), Peringalkuthu Dam sits 20 km east of Athirappally, while Sholayar Dam is located 55 km east near the Tamil Nadu border and Malakkappara tea gardens (65 km east of Chalakudy town), easily accessible by private vehicle, tourist taxi, or KSRTC interstate bus.

The Hydroelectric Feats of Peringalkuthu & Sholayar

Peringalkuthu Dam (38 meters high) is the primary reservoir feeding the downstream Athirappally waterfalls, ensuring perennial water flow through all seasons.

Upper Sholayar Dam (66 meters high) forms one of the largest water reservoirs in Kerala, connected through deep underground pressure tunnels to generate clean hydroelectric power.

Truth is, driving through the silent rainforest road between Peringalkuthu and Sholayar while mist swirls over the water is an unforgettable road trip.

Rainforest Ghat Road, Wild Elephants & Malakkappara

Elephant Corridor Drive: The highway passes directly through the Vazhachal Forest Division and Parambikulam Anamalai tiger corridors, making wild elephant and hornbill sightings common.

Malakkappara Tea Estates: As you climb past Sholayar Dam, dense jungle gives way to rolling emerald green tea plantations at 3,500 feet elevation on the Kerala Tamil Nadu border.

Athirappally & Anamalai Wilderness Circuit

Lower Rainforest Hubs: Sits just 15 km from Vazhachal Forest Gardens, 20 km from Athirappally Waterfalls, and 18 km from Charpa Falls.

Interstate Valparai Circuit: Continues smoothly past Sholayar Dam into Tamil Nadu, connecting with Valparai Hill Station (25 km from Sholayar) and Pollachi (90 km).

After exploring Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams, visit Vazhachal Forest Gardens, marvel at Athirappally Falls, or tour Athirappally.