In Trichy, This 2000-year-old Dam Is An Architectural Marvel

Trichy or Tiruchirappalli is located in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Fresh air, pure Kaveri water, spiritual and historical temples, joyful street shopping and more touristy places make you add Trichy to your travel itinerary. When it comes to cleanliness, Trichy stands tall and bags the award of the Cleanest City of Tamil Nadu every year. One of the most highly touristy places in Trichy is Kallanai Dam also known as the Grand Anicut.

It is one of the oldest irrigation dams in the world which was built around 2,000 years ago. It is also the world’s first ancient dam which is built (in running water) across the Kaveri River in the district.

The architectural marvel was originally constructed by the Chola king Karikalan around the 2nd century AD and is considered to be one of the oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world which is still functioning. According to the official website, the main idea of building the dam was to divert the river to the delta districts thereby boosting irrigation. Later in the 19th century, the dam was remodelled by the British. The Lower Anaicut was built by Sir Arthur Cotton in the 19th century AD across Coleroon, the major tributary of Cauvery and is said to be a replicated structure of Kallanai till now.

What Can You Do at Kallani Dam?

The Kallani Dam offers a panoramic view of still waters and lush shrubbery. There is a small park adjacent to the dam which is a perfect place to have a picnic with your friends and family. The park also has a play area filled with children’s rides. The place gives an artistic view of nature which also delivers tranquility if you stay there for a while. If you are a bird watcher make sure you carry your binoculars as you may find many species around the dam. Around the dam, you can get good street foods which are set up by the locals there.

How Can You Reach?

Kallanai Dam is located 19 kilometres from Trichy. The nearest bus stop to the dam is Chatiram Bus Stop which is 18 km away. From Sarkapalayam village, one can take the Sarkarpalayam-Kalanai road and travel for 1.5 km to reach Thogur Village, where the Kallanai Dam is built.