Mettur Dam (Tamil Nadu) History, Images

Mettur Dam, Hogenakkal Overview

Mettur Dam, situated 30 miles from Salem in a small Mettur Village, is one of the largest dams in India. Built across the River Cauvery at the canyon, Mettur Dam was built in the year 1943 and is a sight of sheer beauty. The dam is surrounded by verdant hills and picturesque natural beauty and is quite popular among tourists. One of the most extraordinary features of the dam is its design, which is a testament to the country's engineering genius. Mettur Dam is a huge human-made marvel which spans over a massive length of 1700 metres and is a major hotspot where tourists visit from all across the country to relax and seek solitude.

Apart from being a tourist hotspot, the dam also provides irrigation facility for 2,71,000 acres of agricultural land around it. Another major attraction of the area is a water reservoir flanked by hilly ranges all around. Earlier known as Stanley Reservoir, the place is also in proximity to a major Hydro Electric Power Stations which produces 240MW. The water here is not merely for the generation of power alone, rather it houses a variety of local fish as well. Together with Ellis Park and hydroelectric power plant, the Mettur dam is a favourite among tourists. To visit this facility, one needs to obtain permission from authorities in advance.

Mettur Dam Activities

Perhaps the thing most famous about the Mettur Dam is its tranquil surroundings and scenic natural beauty. It is one of the most quaint and serene destinations in the region where you can enjoy the virgin charms of Hogenakkal. Take out a good 3 - 4 hours and spend some quality time with friends and family in the lap of this destination. Ellis Park is located right at the base of the dam where you can bask in the gentle shade of the trees. If you are a seafood lover, then you must try out the famous fish fry at several eating joints near the park. The park closes down at 5:00 PM. The hydroelectric power station is another attraction where you can gain major insight into the workings of power generation. A mesmerising view of the Cauvery River awaits you here as well.

If you visit the Mettur Dam when the tide is low, local fishers will take you across to the submerged Nandi (bull) statue, the church and the palace of Tipu Sultan, which were inundated when the dam was constructed. If you travel upstream from the Mettur Dam, you can also visit the delightful waters of Hogenakkal Falls.

Architecture of Mettur Dam

The structure of the dam was designed by British architect Mr Ellis, and the project was supervised by another British engineer, Mr Mullings. The Mettur Dam built over a ravine on River Kaveri covers a vast area of 15,540 hectares. The dam has the dimensions of 1700 meter length and 65-meter height with a capacity of 2648 cubic meter. The maximum storage height of the Mettur Dam is 120 feet and facilitates two hydroelectric power stations as well. It provides irrigation facilities to parts of Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur district for 271,000 acres of farmland. A park at the base of the dam called the Ellis Park is another popular attraction located right nearby. The backdrop of verdant hills along with the magnificence of the dam makes Mettur a popular tourist destination.

Best Time To Visit Mettur Dam

The place is open all around the year and you can plan a visit anytime. However, the best time to visit is from October to March. Just make sure to take note of any public holiday to prior your visit.

Tips For Visiting Mettur Dam

1. Make sure to follow all the guidelines provided by the authority there.
2. Also, if you are planning to visit the factories and Hydro Electric Power Stations, do obtain permission well in advance.

History of Mettur Dam

Mettur Dam is regarded as one of the largest and oldest dams in India. The actual construction of this edifice began in the year 1925 and after a ceaseless effort spanning over 9 years, the dam reached its final form. Mettur Dam was inaugurated on August 21, 1934, by the Governor of Madras, Sir George Stanley, hence the reservoir was named after him. It is said that the United Kingdom provided funds to evacuate the site of the dams. Interestingly, when the water level in the dam recedes, you can see several idols and sculptures pertaining to Hinduism and Christianity emerge to the surface.

How To Reach Mettur Dam

The best way to reach Mettur Dam is by bus or a taxi. It takes around one and a half hour to reach the place from Salem which is a bit more than 40 km away.

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Mettur Dam Reviews

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Giri dharan

on Mettur Dam 4 years ago

Mettur is a small and peaceful place with less crowd. Dam is the main Attraction and the Park where we can spend an hour or two. Fish fry are famous in this area and it has few important Industries.