Grand Anaicut

Located on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli, Grand Anaicut is a 330 m long and 30 m wide dam. Also called Kallanai, this engineering marvel was constructed in the 2nd century by Chola ruler Karikalan Chola. The Grand Anaicut is a delight for nature lovers and history buffs as it has been the centre of ancient irrigation system, which has kept the diverse flora of the region alive over the years. In the 19th century, the Lower Anaicut was built across River Kollidam by Sir Arthur Cotton. The dam was initially constructed to divert water to the delta districts, thereby providing the requisite water for irrigation and cultivation of the fertile region. In 1804, a British military engineer, Captain Caldwell supervised the remodelling of the dam by raising its height by 0.69 m so as to supply more water for irrigation purposes.

Grand Anaicut

Pachamalai

Pachamalai is a green hill range lying about 80 km north of Tiruchirappalli. The word 'Pachai' means green and 'malai' means mountain. The place is a poplar hill station and lies at an elevation of about 700-1,000 m above sea level. It is inhabited by the region's tribal population that has a unique lifestyle and culture. Pachamalai is popular among tourists as it offers numerous trekking options through waterfalls and small water streams. The area is a hotspot for nature lovers due to the vibrant flora and fauna that thrives around the fertile lands. Pachamalai is one of the lesser known albeit must-see attractions around Tamil Nadu as it presents an opportunity to experience the native and virtually undisturbed ecosystem of the coastal state.

Pachamalai

Mukkombu

Divided into three sections, the 685-m-long Mukkombu Dam or Upper Anaicut is located on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli. Drawing inspiration from Kallanai Dam, built by Karikalan Chola in the 2nd century, Sir Arthur Cotton supervised the construction of the dam in the 19th century. Also known as Upper Dam, the construction of this site was completed in 1838 on the banks of River Kaveri; it is at this point Kollidam, a tributary of River Kaveri branches out. The area gained popularity amongst tourists and locals alike due to the various small excursions that lead up to the dam. The surrounding area is home to several manicured gardens, an amusement park featuring a scattering of attractions and ripe opportunities for fishing and boating.

Mukkombu