Vattamalaikarai Odai Reservoir rests in Uthamapalayam. It is extended to 205.9 acres. The nearby cities are Dindigul and Kangayam Taluk. From these places, one can easily reach to Vattamalaikarai Odai Reservoir to enjoy its unimaginable beauty and the great construction.

History

The construction of Vattamalaikarai Odai Reservoir was commenced in the year 1974 and was finished in the year 1981.

Hydrography

The reservoir features 2 canals; the right side main canal and the left side main canal. The length of both these canals is 10.20 and 10.11kms respectively. This reservoir caters the need of near about 6,024 acres of land via its irrigation facilities. During the months of monsoon about 20ft. of water is stored in this dam. The farmers dry crops like Groundnut, Mango, Ginger, Chili, Tamarind and Drumstick in the catchment area of the Vattamalaikarai Odai Reservoir. Monsoon period experiences about 20ft storage in the dam.

Tourism

This place is one of the popular destinations of Uthamapalayam in Tamil Nadu. Along the slope of the soil of the reservoir a dense jungle of Juli and scrub trees have grown. Most of the tourists enjoy the beautiful view of the dam when water gushes out in full fledge and is surrounded by the natural greens.

Best Time to Visit

The Reservoir is filled with water to the maximum during the monsoons. Also, in winters the tourists can enjoy a wide range of flora and fauna. So, the best time to visit this place is from August to December.

Nearby Attractions

The Berijam Lake is 13km southwest to the Kodaikanal Lake that is situated in the Dindigul district. This is the closest city from Utthapalayam. The lake is very much blessed with clean water, which also offers boating and fishing activities depending on the permission from the officials. Palni Hills is situated in the Western Ghats and has a Wide Life Sanctuary. The tourists interested in adventures are forcibly advised to visit this place because of its extraordinary experience of the Wild Life Sanctuary. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is another important and local tourist attraction. It is owned by the Institute of Astrophysics and it quite educational. The entire functioning will be explained to you be the guides or respective mentors of the place. Bear Shola Falls is a waterfall and a visit to this place is must in monsoon. The entire place is covered with white waters. The roaring and foggy waters will get you chillers with a scenic view.

How to Reach

By Road

• Chennai to Dindigul - The distance form Chennai to Dindigul is of 6 hrs 21 minutes covering an area of 420.9kms. This distance could be covered via Government Transport, Local Buses or even the rented taxis. The most preferable mode of transport will be the Government buses. The government authorities are responsible for management and the ticket fare will be max of Rs 80-100. Local taxis will be charging more amount of cash, but a smart bargaining or transport sharing will earn you a good deal.
• Coimbatore to Dindigul - The distance form Chennai to Dindigul is of 2 hrs 43 minutes covering an area of 153.3kms. This distance is shorter as compared to one from Chennai and thus, there is even better flexibility offered for commute.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Madurai and it is around 66 km from the town. The alternative route is the nearest international airport of Chennai.

By Rail

Dindigul railway station is connected to the rest of the state and there are regular trains that run from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Trains are the easiest and inexpensive option to reach Dindigul. Trains from Chennai to Dindigul are available on a daily basis and they cost around Rs 250 for a non A/C three tier compartment. A/C tickets are more expensive.