Kallanai Dam, Srirangam - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 17 km from Srirangam, and 20 km from Trichy, Kallanai Dam, also known as the Grand Anicut, is an ancient dam situated in Srirangam. It is one of the prominent Srirangam tourist places.

The Kallanai Dam, constructed by Karikala of the Chola dynasty in 150 CE, built across the flowing Kaveri River. During the 19th century, the British remodeled this dam. It holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structure globally and the oldest one in India that is still functional. Its primary purpose was to divert water from the Kaveri to the fertile delta region for irrigation through canals, as well as to the northern delta branch known as Kollidam/Coleroon.

Made of unhewn stone, the Kallanai Dam measures 329 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 5.4 meters in height. Remarkably, the dam remains in excellent condition and served as a model for later engineers, including Sir Arthur Cotton's 19th-century dam on the Kollidam, a major tributary of the Kaveri. The ancient irrigation network irrigated approximately one million acres of land.

Visitors to the Kallanai Dam can enjoy a picturesque view of calm waters and lush vegetation. Adjacent to the dam, there is a small park that locals often visit for picnics. Additionally, a section of the river is accessible to visitors, allowing them to enter the River Kaveri and swim alongside small fish and tadpoles. The park also features food stalls renowned for their mouthwatering fish fry.

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free