What to expect
Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial
This memorial at Lower Camp, about 8 km from Gudalur, honours Colonel John Pennycuick, the British engineer who designed and built the Mullaperiyar Dam and diverted Periyar waters to the arid Cumbum and Vaigai basins. The project turned dry country into fertile farmland, and farmers of the region still revere him for the irrigation it brought.
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Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial
Place
Practical guide
Plan Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial
Typeheritage
Nearest baseGudalur
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseGudalur
DistrictTheni
Place typeheritage
Time neededAbout an hour.
This memorial at Lower Camp, about 8 km from Gudalur, honours Colonel John Pennycuick, the British engineer who designed and built the Mullaperiyar Dam and diverted Periyar waters to the arid Cumbum and Vaigai basins. The project turned dry country into fertile farmland, and farmers of the region still revere him for the irrigation it brought.
Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial is planned from Gudalur, one of the travel bases in Theni district. Use Gudalur for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial — at a glance
TimingsRoughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best timeOctober to February for comfortable weather
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial
About 8 km from Gudalur; nearest railway Theni or Bodinayakkanur; nearest airport Madurai (IXM), about 90 km.
A small heritage memorial hall; combine it with a visit to the nearby Mullaperiyar area.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Gudalur or nearby in Theni, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Colonel John Pennycuick MemorialSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
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On the map
Where Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial is
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Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial?
Entry: Free. Timings: Roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial?
Base yourself in Gudalur or nearby in Theni, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial?
About an hour.
What else is near Colonel John Pennycuick Memorial?
Nearby you can pair Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple (7.8 km), Kodi Lingam Temple (12.3 km), Suruli Falls (12.4 km), Suruli Mastan Dargah (12.6 km).
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