The short answer
Upper Sholayar Dam: what visitors should know first
Go only if you have confirmed permission. The drive through forest and estates is scenic, but the dam itself may not be accessible without prior arrangement.
History and context
The story behind Upper Sholayar Dam
Wikipedia records that the Solaiyar flanking dam was built in 1964 and the dam officially opened in 1965, with power units commissioned in 1971. Figures on the page are flagged as unverified, so treat the details as approximate.
Useful facts
Upper Sholayar Dam facts at a glance
- Location
- About 20 km from Valparai
- River
- Chalakkudi river
- Project
- Hydroelectric project, 120 MW installed capacity
- Access
- Special permission required
- Opened
- 1965 per Wikipedia
Why it matters
Why Upper Sholayar Dam is worth your time
Upper Sholayar is part of the system of dams that supplies water and power across the Anamalai range. Wikipedia describes the Solaiyar Dam, also called Upper Sholayar, as impounding the Chalakkudi river about 20 km from Valparai, with a power house of 120 MW installed capacity, operated by Tamil Nadu's green energy corporation.
For visitors, the dam is a reminder that Valparai's rain feeds more than tea: reservoirs and power stations in the hills turn the monsoon into electricity and irrigation. Because it is a working project, access is controlled, and respecting that is part of visiting.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The drive
Forest and estate scenery on the way.
- 02
The reservoir
A large reservoir among forested hills.
- 03
Permission
Confirm before you set out.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Upper Sholayar as a permission-dependent drive. Before you go, ask your hotel or the local office whether visits are allowed and what documents you need. Without permission you may only see the forest road and estates, which are scenic in themselves.
If you do get in, you will see a large dam holding back a reservoir in hill country, with forest on both sides. Take photographs only where allowed, and avoid wandering off. The route runs through elephant country, so stay in your vehicle where animals are near and keep to daylight.
The Tamil Nadu urban portal lists the dam about 45 km away by one measure, while Wikipedia says about 20 km from Valparai, so treat distances as approximate and ask your driver. Combine the trip with a tea estate stop on the way back. In the monsoon, expect cloud and rain, and the road may be rough.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm permission before you go
- Carry photo ID
- Keep to daylight hours
- Follow site rules on photography
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 20 km from Valparai, Anamalai Hills
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours with the drive
- Best time
- Dry months; avoid heavy rain
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The drive is long and winding, with little shade and few facilities. If access is granted, walking at the site is limited and mostly level. Carry water and plan around daylight.
- Tickets and access
- Visitors need special permission because the dam is part of a hydroelectric project; check current rules, as they can change. Photography restrictions may apply.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Upper Sholayar Dam
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The drive is long and winding, with little shade and few facilities. If access is granted, walking at the site is limited and mostly level. Carry water and plan around daylight.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I visit Upper Sholayar Dam freely?
No. Wikipedia and the urban portal say special permission is needed as it is part of a hydroelectric project.
How far is it?
About 20 km from Valparai per Wikipedia; other sources give larger distances, so ask your driver.
Is it the same as Sholayar in Kerala?
No. The Tamil Nadu dam is Upper Sholayar; the Lower Sholayar dam is in Kerala.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
