Kallanai Dam Overview

Ranked 15 of 29 sightseeing in Trichy

The Kallanai Dam is built over the River Cauvery in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. This dam covers a total area of 146.70 sq. km. It is also known as Grand Anicut and was built by the Chola King Karikalan in the 1st century AD. This dam is considered to be the oldest water regulator structure of world which is still in use. The origination of this dam was done with the purpose of string water that can be used for fertilising the delta region during irrigation.

The name of this dam means stone dam, which is significant with its structure. It is 329 m in length and 20 m in width and further from River Cauvery breaks into two channels after reaching Sri Rangam Island. Its northern channel is called Kollidam and it ends at Poompuhar, into the Bay of Bengal.

What travellers are saying about Kallanai Dam

Experience scale

Average 2
Very Good 2
Excellent 1
Terrible 0
Poor 0
Below Average 0
Good 0

Travellers recommend

Length of visit: 1-2hrs
Best Time: During Sunset

Facilities available

Food available for purchase
Bathroom facilities
Camera/Video allowed
Wearing of shoes/footwear allowed

Timing, fees and more

Other Details

Famous for:: Dams
Entry:: free

Reviews and Ratings

Saranya Devanathan2.9/5

331 reviews

No water in summer

Since there was no water in summer when i visited, i could not enjoy much. There are 5 different rivers spreading out from there apart from many canals. It is in 3 different angles. Since it is ancient, we can appreciate its beauty more. There is a park, fish fries of not only the dam's special fish, but also other fishes are fried there. Many view points are there. On the dam itself regular road is there which connects Trichy with Poondi and Thanjavur. Many picnic areas are there. People bring food and eat there with family and friends.

S.m.bega Raaj4.6/5

145 reviews

Stupendous stone structure Dam

Build with Stones !!! Wonderful Structure !!!Build by Karikala Cholan using only Stones and lime mortar, it was constructed in 2nd century AD and still in excellent shape providing the purpose it was built for.We went there on 16th January 2016 after visiting Tanjavur, we where on our way return back to Chennai, reached at 3.30pm and the Dam was absolutely Amazing !!! We enjoyed a lot and took some fabulous photos and videos to cherish for our entire lifetime, we can spend more than 2 hours here, best time is in the early morning to see Sunrise and in the evening to see Sunset.Must visit for all age groups when we are in Trichy, there is a beautiful park and we can park our car in the parking area.

Solomon2.9/5

2 reviews

Dry as a desert

A much hyped up dam on a branch of Kaveri river. Remember to check when they are releasing the Kaveri water. Else, this dam will resemble a desert with loose sand and not a drop of water in sight.

Shiva Mallan4.3/5

5 reviews

Enjoy dam, park and temple together

its a nice place where .. dam is divided to 3 ways and you can enjoy with temple and park .. And we can bath very easily . There is bath zone and you can play with children .

Yosodha varman4.3/5

4 reviews

Marvellous dam. Really amazing

The way they constructed the Dam is really amazing. And the place is really beautiful. We all enjoyed a lot. And also it shows how strong our earlier construction was.Good place to visit