Rallia Dam is a small dam located 10 km from Coonoor, a hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the Coonoor-Kattabettu-Kotagiri Road, near the Wellington Golf Course and Sim’s Falls. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a catchment area for Coonoor town and its surroundings and offers a scenic view of the valley below. Visit during Coonoor Local Sightseeing By cab
Location of Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam is located on the Coonoor-Kattabettu-Kotagiri Road, about 10 km from Coonoor town and 15 km from Kotagiri town. It is surrounded by lush greenery and eucalyptus trees, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. It offers a splendid view of the Nilgiri Hills and the tea estates.
Timing / Entry Fees Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting this place. However, you may have to pay a nominal fee for parking your vehicle near the spot.
How to Reach Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam can be reached by road from Coonoor or Ooty. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also hire a private vehicle or a bike for more convenience. You will have to trek for about 30 minutes on a moderate path from the parking location to reach the dam.
Things to Do / Must See Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam offers various things to do and see for tourists of all ages and interests. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the hills and valleys and spot some birds and animals on the way. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Sim’s Park, Highfield Tea Factory, Laws Falls, etc.
- Sim’s Park: Sim’s Park is a botanical garden near Rallia Dam that features various types of plants, flowers, trees, etc. from different parts of the world. You can also enjoy boating in the lake inside the park.
- Highfield Tea Factory: Highfield Tea Factory is a famous tea estate and factory near Rallia Dam that showcases the history and process of tea production in Coonoor. You can also taste some varieties of tea and chocolates at the factory.
- Laws Falls: Laws Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Rallia Dam that cascades down from a height of about 180 feet into a pool below. It offers a refreshing and relaxing experience.
Significance of Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam is a place of historical and ecological significance. It was built in 1914, before India’s independence, as a source of water for Coonoor town and its surroundings. It is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to various species of flora and fauna, including some rare birds such as hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, etc.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Rallia Dam?
A: The best time to visit the Dam is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Q: What are the facilities available at Rallia Dam?
A: There are basic facilities available at the Dam such as parking, toilets, drinking water, etc. There are also some shops and stalls that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Rallia Dam?
A: Some tips for visiting The Dam are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to trek to reach the dam.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be careful while walking on the edge of the dam as it is very steep and slippery.
Do not litter or feed the animals at the dam.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Rallia Dam is a small dam located 10 km from Coonoor, a hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India. It serves as a catchment area for Coonoor town and its surroundings and offers a scenic view of the valley below. It is one of the most serene spots in Coonoor that attracts tourists who want to enjoy nature away from the crowds.
It is also a place of historical and ecological significance as it was built in 1914 and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most popular attractions of Coonoor and Ooty and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
