A scenic reservoir known for its dual-state architecture, trekking trails, wildlife encounters, and colonial-era bungalow, originally built to supply water to Coimbatore.
Nestled in the Kalladikodan hill ranges of Palakkad district, Siruvani Dam and Reservoir is a picturesque spot that has become a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Originally built by the Kerala Government to supply drinking water to the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the Siruvani Reservoir has also become a beloved picnic spot, offering breathtaking views and a serene environment.
As you approach the Siruvani Dam, you are greeted by two gateways that showcase the architectural styles of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, adding a cultural charm to the natural beauty of the area. The lush greenery, refreshing climate, and stunning visuals of Coimbatore from the Tamil Nadu outpost make it a perfect place for a peaceful retreat.
For those seeking more adventure, a safari to Keralamedu, the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border managed by Mannarkkad Ecotourism, offers a journey through the lush woods, culminating in the breathtaking grasslands of Keralamedu.
One of the highlights of visiting Siruvani is the trekking experience it offers. The surrounding forest area is crisscrossed with trekking trails that lead you through dense woods and offer encounters with the region's wildlife. As you trek through the forest, guided by local tribal experts, you might experience the thrill of hearing distant animal calls and the rustling of leaves, making it an adventurous and immersive experience.
With more than around 17 scientists, the institute has been instrumental in discovering four flora and fauna species. The Institute has a large library that is accessible to both students and guests. Guests can visit SACON between 9.00 am to 5.30 pm and the entry is free. The institute is closed on weekends and there are special guidelines for taking photography.
After a day of trekking, the Siruvani Dam site offers a tranquil setting to relax by the silent streams and lush green carpets along their banks. The Pattiyar Bungalow, a beautifully maintained Inspection Bungalow of the Kerala Forest Department, is situated on the banks of the reservoir and is known for its colonial charm. Built by the British over 150 years ago, this bungalow provides a serene spot to unwind, with its veranda offering stunning views of the Muthikulam waterfalls cascading down the mountain.
Siruvani river is certified by UNESCO as the second sweetest water in the world. The surplus water from the Siruvani dam, flows and passes through the Attappadi reserve forest which is accessible by humans and reaches Pillur Dam, and is then finally distributed in the cities.
A Day Walk to Siruvani Riverside
Apart from the water it provides, the river is a major tourist attraction by itself. It is one of the most popular tourism zones of South India. The Siruvani waterfalls, the Siruvani dam and the river have not been spared by the film industry either. You will be sure to spot the place in some lovely duet. If in Coimbatore, the Siruvani dam is the ideal Sunday hangout with friends or family. So take a day off and do visit the Sweet Pride of Coimbatore!
Siruvani River Dip
Attappadi is an extensive mountain valley at the headwaters of the Bhavani River nestled below the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It is bordered to the east by the Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, on the north by the Nilgiris, south by the Palghat taluk. Gneisses are the predominant rocks found here. The other rocks found are charnockite, hornblende gneiss, migmaititic amphibolite, quartz biotite gneiss, quartz-feldspathic gneiss, biotite granite gneiss, and pegmatite. The Gneisses are metamorphic rocks which are formed from the sedimentary rocks that have medicinal properties. The rock charnockite is found to have healing properties. Also the presence of Gold in the Attappadi region has been confirmed by the Deccan Gold mines. In Attappadi region gold grains are found only in native state and occur in different shapes and sizes. Gold having its own wide range of medicinal properties is a sure contributor to the richness of Siruvani water.