Upper Sholayar Dam
சோலையாறு அணை
One of the deepest reservoirs in Asia, surrounded by tea gardens and rainforest. It is a scenic stop on the road from Valparai toward Kerala.
Upper Sholayar Dam lies about 20 km southwest of Valparai. Its depth is said to rank among the greatest in Asia. The reservoir is surrounded by tea estates and evergreen rainforest, creating wide-open views. Visitors cannot access the dam crest freely, but there are several lookout points along the road where you can gaze across the lake and hills. Continuing west from the reservoir leads to Malakkappara on the Kerala border, and beyond that is the rainforest road toward Athirappilly, a classic self-drive route. Watch out for wild elephants along the way.
Opening hours
All day (dam area access restricted)
Nearby sights
- Malakkappara
- Nallamudi Poonjolai View Point
- Valparai Tea Estates
- Balaji Temple, Valparai
- Chinnakallar Falls
- Topslip, Anamalai Tiger Reserve
- Monkey Falls
- Loam's View Point