Mukkadal
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Mukkadal dam is built across the Vambaru River in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, 10 km from town of Nagercoil. It is a scenic place, favored as a picnic location among local residents. It was built by Sree Chitra Thirunal in 1645, the King of Thiruvancore. The dam is constructed of clay and granite stones. The depth of water behind the dam is approximately 50 feet. The reservoir supplies water for the town of Nagercoil, but ironically, not the people living near the dam.
The forest consist of soaring and lofty trees of Mesua Ferrea, Bischofia Javanica, Vitex Altissima to smaller trees of Dillini a species of festooning climber, shrubs, valuable herbs, variety of orchids, two types of canes and many indegenious palms and cycas. The important timbers are teak, Rosewood, Vengai, Aini and this place worth mentioning here for the easy availability and quality of above timbers. various types of forest products like bamboos, reeds, canes, soft wood tamarind, lemon grass, rubber, coconut, Areca nut, Kadukai, cinnamon bark, Nelli, Cardamom, mango, lemon varieties, Supari, jack fruit, and many medicinal plants of high value which are harvested here, from tourism angle, the forest are highly enhancing with pleasant sholas, hill top forests, beautiful grasslands, panoramic valleys, top hillocks, singing streams, vast stretches of rubber plantations, valuable Teak plantations and excellent climate. Nobody should miss seeing the enchanted view of this place.
The dam and reservoir are surrounded by hills on three sides and is near the villages of Karikulam, Kariyankonam, Mavilai, Marthal, Kanchiramkulam and Mathiasnagar. The people in the above villages and near by villages mainly depend on this beginning point of the Western Ghats. They do mountain agriculture.
Also nearby is the Shanti Ashram and an old age home operated by the Malankarai Syrian mission. It is under the management of Fr. Chrispin Acharya.
The dam can be reached through 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4G, 4H, 318 buses from Nagercoil to Thuvarancaud or Thittuvilai; followed by a short ride in an auto rickshaw to the dam.
- Manoj
