The construction of Aliyar dam across the Aliyar River took around 10 years, from 1959 to 1969, which is now mainly used for irrigation. The dam project was commissioned in September 2002 to generate hydroelectric power. As per Wikipedia, this lake receives water from Upper Aliyar Reservoir through the hydroelectric power station in Navamali and the Parambikulam reservoir through a contour canal. Aliyar dam, built as a part of Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), is about 2 kilometers in length. Located about 918 feet above sea level, the project has a series of dams—Aliyar, Parambikulam, Thunakadavu Dam, Peruvaripallam Dam, Sholayar Dam, Upper Nirar Dam, Lower Nirar Dam and Thirumoorthy Dam that are all interconnected by tunnels and canals. The dam is located at the foot of Valparai, in the Anamalai Range of the Western Ghats and has parks, gardens, aquaria and a mini theme-park, which make it a must visit attraction as well as a popular picnic spot.