A pleasant visit to Mettur Dam

Last weekend, I decided to go visit Mettur Dam. I want to visit a new place every month this year. This ticks of the entry for January.

Bus travel took about two hours in total from my room. The journey was mostly on state highways, so plenty of towns along the way. Lighter traffic compared to national highways, and I spent the time gazing outside the windows (didn't have to bring out my phone to read a book). There were many impressive infrastructure buildings around the outskirts of Mettur. And amazing views of the Cauvery river along the way.

Bridge on the way to Mettur Bus Stand

After a bit of confusion at the Mettur bus stand, I got the direction right and walked about a kilometer to reach the park at the base of the dam. Ticket entry was Rs 5. Outside the gate, plenty of hawkers were selling snacks as well as toys for kids. Plenty of fish stalls nearby as well.

 

After a bit of walk to the main gate (where tickets were checked), I got my first surprise. I didn't know I'd be crossing a bridge overlooking the water flowing out from the dam!

View of dam walls after park entry gate

View of dam walls after park entry gate

 

There wasn't much of a crowd lingering. I took a few snaps, enjoyed watching fishes and finally got to the park. The dam walls took over one end of the horizon.

View from just inside the park

Thanks to the large and sprawling area, the park didn't feel crowded. It was well maintained too. I randomly took a direction and went exploring. There was a path that took you to yet another bridge over the dam water. This one was pretty narrow though. Again I took a few pics before coming back to the park.

View of the park from one end

 

After going around the outer paths, I took the inner one that was surrounded by trees - plenty of mango trees (which were extra pretty thanks to the blooming season). There were lot of resting areas and water taps too. I could see many families lugging along lunches.

Interesting tree

 

Of course, parks need playing area for kids. And this one had enough to spare for adults too. I spent a few minutes on the swing :D

Impressive trees

 

Another attraction were the enclosed structures housing birds and snakes. And when I reached the other end of the park, I got to see this beauty too:

One of the fauna attractions inside the park

After munching on snacks and a bit of rest, I left the park.

Parting shot from another end of the park

 

To keep myself motivated for another visit, I didn't go to the view points this time. Overall, it was a nice way to spend a weekend. Definitely recommended for everybody.