Nature & Relaxation
Sholayar Dam
Built across the upper Chalakudy river, Sholayar Dam’s reservoir sits within dense reserve. Forest bordering Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The winding drive up to it passes through some of the region’s least disturbed rainforest. Sholayar Dam sits at an elevation of 800 m. Is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sholayar Tea and Coffee Plantations.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Built across the upper Chalakudy river, Sholayar Dam’s reservoir sits within dense reserve forest bordering Tamil Nadu’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and the winding drive up to it passes through some of the region’s least disturbed rainforest. Sholayar Dam sits at an elevation of 800 m and is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sholayar Tea and Coffee Plantations, Sholayar Forest Check Post & Nature Trail, and Upper Sholayar Dam. Other notable highlights include sholayar Dam crest walk with reservoir and forest views, spotted deer and elephants near the approach road, and misty morning viewpoints over the Chalakudy valley. It falls within Athirapally, Thrissur district, and Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Sholayar Dam crest walk with reservoir and forest views
- Spotted deer and elephants near the approach road
- Misty morning viewpoints over the Chalakudy valley
- Birdwatching for hornbills and kingfishers along forest edges
- Short trek to nearby Sholayar forest watchtower
- Picnic spot beside the dam’s spillway during monsoon
Getting There
Things To Do
Drive through the Sholayar forest range to Athirapally
Take the scenic 20-kilometre forest road that descends from the dam towards Athirapally Falls, passing through dense evergreen forest with cardamom and pepper vines. This drive is a mini-safari in itself, with high chances of spotting wild elephants, sambar deer, and Malabar giant squirrels along the way.
1.5 hours (one-way drive)
Birdwatching at the reservoir edge
Scan the fringes of the Sholayar reservoir for Malabar grey hornbills, great hornbills, and kingfishers that frequent the partially submerged trees. Early morning is best, as the mist lifts and the forest comes alive with calls.
2 hours
Picnic by the Sholayar river outflow
Spread a mat on the flat rocks near the dam’s base, where the clear, cool water flows out into the Sholayar river. The spot is quiet, shaded by giant trees, and perfect for a relaxed lunch with the sound of gushing water as background music.
2 hours
Walk along the Sholayar Dam crest
Stroll across the massive concrete dam wall, taking in the panoramic views of the emerald reservoir on one side and the steep, forested valley on the other. The cool breeze and the sound of water spilling over the spillway make it a serene, unhurried experience.
1 hour
Short trek to the Sholayar viewpoint
Follow a narrow, well-trodden trail that climbs a small ridge above the dam, offering a bird’s-eye view of the reservoir winding through the Sholayar hills. The path is shaded by tall teak and rosewood trees, with occasional sightings of elephants and gaur in the distance.
2.5 hours
Visit the Valparai tea estate overlook
Drive a short distance from the dam towards the Valparai plateau, where the road opens to endless rows of tea bushes rolling over the hills. Stop at a designated pull-off to watch tea pluckers at work and inhale the fresh, earthy aroma of the estate.
1.5 hours
Travel Tips
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and carry a walking stick
The viewing platform and the small walkway near the spillway can be slippery with moss and wet patches. For seniors, a walking stick helps with balance, and shoes with good grip are essential to avoid falls on the uneven stone steps.
Use a small car or van, and pre-book a local driver
The ghat road to Sholayar is steep, with sharp hairpin bends and occasional landslides. For a group of seniors, hiring a local driver who knows the route is safer than self-driving a large vehicle, and it lets everyone enjoy the scenery without stress.
Carry your own water and snacks
There are very few shops near Sholayar Dam, and the nearest decent eatery is a long drive away. Pack enough drinking water and light snacks in your vehicle, especially if you are travelling with seniors or in a large group.
Time your visit for the morning, not the afternoon
The dam area gets extremely hot and humid by midday, and the road to the viewpoint is narrow and winding. Arrive by 9 AM to enjoy the misty morning views and avoid the heat, and also to beat the incoming tour buses.
Check the weather and dam opening status before leaving
The dam is often closed on days of heavy rain or when the water level is high, and the road can be temporarily blocked. Call the Chalakudy Forest Range office or ask your hotel to confirm the spot is open, so your group doesn’t make a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry plenty of drinking water, light snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit, as there are no shops or medical facilities near the dam. Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, and keep a light raincoat or umbrella handy even in dry months. Since mobile connectivity is patchy, inform your driver or hotel about your planned return time, and avoid going near the dam’s spillway or deep water edges.
The main attraction is the scenic reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and tea estates, perfect for a quiet picnic and photography. You can also visit the nearby Valparai plateau (about 25 km away) for its coffee plantations and viewpoints, or the Athirappilly Falls (about 30 km) for a gentle nature walk. For a group, a short, guided nature trail along the dam’s periphery is ideal, but avoid strenuous hikes as the terrain is steep.
The nearest major town is Chalakudy (about 45 km away), and you can hire a private taxi or a small bus for your group. The last 15 km are winding and narrow, with sharp hairpin bends through dense forest, so it’s best to go slow and in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. For senior travellers, plan for frequent short stops to avoid motion sickness, and avoid travelling after dark as the road is not well-lit.
There is a nominal entry fee of around ₹50 per person for adults, and camera charges may apply if you bring a professional camera. Boat rides on the reservoir are available but often require prior booking through the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation or local operators, especially on weekends. It’s wise to book your boat slot at least a day in advance, as slots fill up quickly with group tours.
Yes, the dam is generally open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Entry is allowed from 9 AM to 5 PM, and you may need to show a valid ID at the gate. During heavy monsoon rains (June–September), the authorities sometimes close the upper reaches for safety, so check local updates before you go.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Sholayar Dam
Day 1
Arrive at the base of the Sholayar range and take the winding forest road up to the dam. The journey itself is the highlight, passing through dense evergreen forests, tea and coffee plantations, and occasional viewpoints over the Chalakudy River valley. Spend the afternoon soaking in the calm reservoir views and the cool mountain air, with a short walk near the dam wall.
- Drive up the ghat road, stopping at designated viewpoints for panoramic shots of the Sholayar Valley and the distant Athirapally waterfalls (on a clear day).
- Walk along the dam's perimeter (permitted areas only) to see the vast reservoir surrounded by shola forests and listen for bird calls.
- Visit the small forest check-post area and interact with local Kerala Forest Department staff to learn about the region’s wildlife (elephants, hornbills, and lion-tailed macaques).
Day 2
Start early to catch the mist over the reservoir and explore the lower forest trails before the sun gets strong. The second day focuses on the surrounding natural wonders—short treks to smaller streams and a visit to the famous Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls on the way back down. End the day with a relaxed drive out of the forest, carrying memories of the misty hills.
- Early morning nature walk along the Sholayar–Malakkappara road (a quiet, narrow forest track) to spot birds like the Malabar trogon and great hornbill.
- Visit the Vazhachal waterfalls (about 20 km downhill) – a less crowded cascade where the river splits into multiple streams over rocks.
- Continue to the main Athirapally Falls (the "Niagara of India") – walk the paved path to the main viewing platform and the lower bridge for a closer look at the 80-foot plunge.
- Optional: Stop at the Charpa Falls viewpoint (a small roadside waterfall) on the final descent to the plains.
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