About:

The Pothundi Dam is situated at a distance of about 42 kilometers from Palakkad and at a distance of 8 kilometers from Nemmara along the route to Nelliyampathy.. The Pothundi Damwas constructed with the aim of providing water for irrigation to the district of Palakkad in the state of Kerala. In the 19th century, the Pothundi Dam was built in the Indian state of Kerala. The design of the dam constructed at that time was much ahead of its contemporaries. The construction of the dam was made without using a traditional concrete core. The traditional concrete core was used in the construction of most of the dams in order to counter the force applied by huge water pressure. The core of the Pothundi Dam in Kerala is made up of an unusual blend of quick lime and jaggery. This is a dam meant for irrigation, situated close to a small village in the Palakkad district constructed without a conventional concrete core. For the construction of the Pothundi Dam, earth and boulders are used as in case of the construction of other dams. The strength of the Pothundi Dam is one of the wonders for the present technology.an ideal spot for one-day trips and picnics. Surrounding places include Nemmara, Padagiri, Kilakkettara and Kollengode.Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

The climate is always pleasant, The temperature varies between 15' C in December and 30C in April.

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary TravelSprawling over 285 sq.kms, this neighbouring sanctrary shelters the largest population of wild Gaur ( Bison) The Cannimare Teak Tree, said to be the largest in the Asian continent towers roughly 5kms away from Thunakadavu-the headquarters of Parambikulam.

Malampuzha:

Malampuzha has an aerial ropeway across the garden, a telescope tower, boating and fishing facilities, a swimming pool, fresh water aquarium and a snake park. Fantasy Park is a good spot for children. At Dhoni you can go on a 3-hour trek from the base of Dhoni Hills to the waterfall at the reserve forest area.

Jungles of Sahya Ranges:

These Sahya Ranges are famous for its evergreen forests.

Padagiri:

The Nelliyampathy has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations. The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers.

Seethakunda:

Seethakundu offers a fantastic view of the valley below-a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, as beautiful as the green Valleys of Kodaikkanal.

Nemmara Vela:

This is an ancient festival that is much awaited by the people of Nemmara and Valanghi, the famous "Nemmara Vallanghi vela", falls on the 20th day of “Meenam” in the Malayalam month (2nd or 3rd of April, every year).

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Palakkad Railway Junction

Nearest Airport:

Nearest airport is Coimbatore (55km) in Tamilnadu. Kochi airport (160 km) and Kozhikode (130 km) are nearest airports in Kerala.

Road Transport:

Pothundi Dam, Nemmara is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. The region is also well- linked to several districts of Tamil Nadu by well- maintained motor-able roads. A number of bus services also provide service to the region, connecting Nelliyampathy with a number of other cities like Trichur, Guruvayoor, Cochin, Calicut, Kottayam and Trivandrum. Palakkad, located around 45 kms away from Nelliyampathy takes around one and a half hours to reach this quaint hill station.

Nearest Visiting places:

Palakkad Fort:

Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali, the mighty ruler of Mysore, in the year 1766 A.D. The fort was primarily built to speed up the communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. The region, during those days had a great strategic importance. The fort however fell into the hands of British Empire in the year 1784 after a siege that lasted 11 days. With the Zamorin's capture of the fort, the dispute and the battle was not meant to end there. The British recaptured the fort in the year 1790 A.D. and with that established their stronghold in the region. Palakkad Fort, at present, is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple.

The temple is located 10 kilometer from Palakkad at the Chittoor-Kodumbu road. This ancient temple is well decorated with fine wood works and stone sculptures. It is one of the 108 Durga temples in the country. The temple remains unfinished. The annual festival falls at January, which lasts 10 days. Another attraction in the temple is the Mizhavu (a musical instrument), and it is observed as the largest in Kerala.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre:

Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Silent Valley National Park:

It is a dense rain forest located along the western corners of Nilgiris having an area of around 90 square kilometers. It is nearly 60 kilometers far from Palakkad and 90 kilometers from Coimbatore. Silent Valley got this name because of the poetic silence at this forest and it is just because of the absence of cicadas, which is common in all forests. The forest is famous for the very rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Silent Valley also known as Sairandhri Vanam. According to Hindu mythology Sairandhri is the other name of Draupadi who is the wife of Panadavas in MAHABHARATHA epic. Trekking is possible at this forest with prior permission.

Walayar Dam:

It is located about 25 kilometers from Palkkad town in the Kerala Tamilnadu border. The dam is meant for irrigation purpose. There is a deer Park located 3 kilometers from Walayar.

Kalpathi:

Kalpathi is the most famous for 'Agraharam'(Street occupied by Brahmins) in Palakkad and one of the 18 Agraharams(Brahmin residing streets) in the state. The famous Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple is here where the famous ‘Ratholsavam’ (temple car festival) takes place. Kalpathy is located 3 kilometer from Palakkad.

Olappamanna Mana:

Olappamanna is the family name of a feudal lords, belongs to the Namboothiri category. They are the reputed patrons of Kathakali and it is believed that Kathakali originated here. The ‘mana’ (ancestral house) lies at Vellinezhi (Which is known as Kathakali village) near Chepulassery.

Thrithala:

Thrithala is the place where Agnihotri (The eldest son of Vararuchi) conducted 99 yagnas and made Indra (King of Gods) envious. The Agnihotri ellam draws visitors. The village lies 8 kilometer far from Pattambi at the Pattambi-Kuttippuram road in the Ottapalam taluk. The Siva temple here is believed to be built around 10th century is a good example of the Chol-Pandya style of Architecture.

Dhoni Hills:

The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Kottayi:

This is 15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Lakkidi:

Killikurussimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century sitarist and exponent of Tullal (Classical art form). The Poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the state Government as an historical place.

Pothundy (Picnic Spot):

Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Kanjirapuzha :

Kanjirapuzha Dam is situated about 38 kms. from Palakkad.The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch.An evergreen forest, by name ‘Vettilachola’ is immediately beyond the reservoir which is surrounded by hills and during rainy season, the mountain will be covered with mist.All this makes the area extremely beautiful and picturesque. There are three islands in the reservoir with plenty of fish (including commercial varieties) grown by the Fisheries Department.

J.P.Smrithi Vanam :

Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park is in an extent of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu on theside of N.H.47. Deers and other animals move freely in this park.Facilities for elephant ride is provided.The distance from Palakkad town is 22 kms.

Thunchan Gurumadom :

Across the lush green fields, two kms. from ChitturTown on the banks of river Sokanasini an old building where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam Language, lived in the 16th Century.People call it Gurumadom and it is here that he translated the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, for the common people.At the Gurumadomone Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by himthe stylus the wooden slippers (Padukom) and a few old manuscripts are exhibited.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

BP Petrol Bunk
Chittur Road, Kenathuparambu
Palakkad, Kerala.

Bharat Petroleum
Coimbatore Road
Kalmandapam,Palakkad
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kovai Pudur
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Balaji Fuels
Chandranagar, Palakkad,
Kerala 678007
Tel: 0491 2571793.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Fort Palace Hotel
West Fort Road
Palakkad, Kerala
Tel: 0491 2534621.

Hotel Kapliavastu
Melamuri Pudur Kottayi Road,
Palakkad, Kerala.

Soorya Hotel
Olavakode, Palakkad
Kerala.

Whistling Thrush Bungalow
Poothundu Plantations (P) Ltd
Padagiri P.O., Nelliyampathy
Kerala
Tel: 04923 246235.

Hotel Indraprastha
Krishna Gardens, P.O.
Chandernagar, Palakkad, Kerala.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 04884 233100.

Karunya Nagar Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2615701.

Chelakkara Police Station
Pazhayannur Road, Chelakkara
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Paalana Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala

Government Hospital
Chittur, Palakkad
Kerala

Hosephiinr zMemmorial Hospital
Malampuzha
Palakkad-815160, kerala.
Madhavi Amma Hospital
Sultanpet, Palakkad
Kerala.

Kerala Nursing Home
Court Road, Palakkad, Kerala

Thankam Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala.

Link:

http://myhandycam.blogspot.com/2008/09/pothundy-dam.html
http://palakkadtour.blogspot.com/2009/09/palakkad.html
http://pixelshots.blogspot.com/2009/08/kerala-hydro-irrigation-river.html