Dams in Kerala

Kerala is a blessed land in terms of natural beauty. Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mountains and hill stations make the land awesome.  There are 44 rivers in Kerala and has 33 dams and reservoirs.  Dams in Kerala are being used for generating electricity, drinking water facility and for irrigation purposes.  The dams and its surrounding areas are becoming major Kerala tourist attractions.

1. Idukki Dam

This is one of the highest arch dams in Asia.  Idukki Dam is a  double curvature arch dam.  It is situated between the two mountains—Kuravanmala and Kurathimala.  It is an ideal spot to promote hydel tourism in Kerala. This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake.  The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Powerhouse, which is located inside nearby rocky caves.

Tourist attraction:

• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:   It is an ideal place to spot elephant herds and other wildlife.
• Calvary Mount: Here we can enjoy the beautiful scenery,  the real wind, and the atmosphere.
• Painavu: It is a cute hill resort and it is a good destination for Trekkers.
• Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Hill view park, Ramakkalmedu are the nearest tourist attractions.

District: Idukki
How to reach: 109 km to Kottayam Railway Station.

2. Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam is another gravity dam situated in the Neyyar river.  The calmness and picturesque beauty of the spot attract tourists.  The scenic lake of Neyyar Dam is one of the most popular picnic spots.

Tourist attraction:

• The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: It houses Gaur, Sloth Bear, Niligiri, Tahr, Jungle Cat, Sambar Deer, and Elephants, etc.
• Lion Safari Park and Deer Park: It will enthrall the tourists.  From the watchtower, tourists can get the splendid view of the entire river, dam and  It is the perfect picnic spot to relax on the lap of mother nature.

District: Trivandrum

How to reach: 32 km to Trivandrum  Railway station.
38 km to Trivandrum Airport.

3. Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha Dam the largest dam is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats and is the largest reservoir in Kerala state. The Malampuzha Dam is situated in the Malampuzha river. The reservoir has tourist gardens, amusement parks, rock gardens, and ropeway.

Tourist attraction:

• Malampuzha rose Garden
• Snake Park
• Fantasy Park: It is a premier amusement park in the southern state of Kerala.
• Tipu Sultan Fort
• Yakshi Statue

District: Palakkad

How to reach: 15 km away from Palakkad railway station.
55 km away from Coimbatore Airport.

4. Mullaperiyar Dam

The first and oldest dam in Kerala is Mullaperiyar.  It is a  masonry gravity dam on the Periyar river. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread around the reservoir formed by this dam.  The water of this reservoir is used for irrigation purposes in Tamil Nadu.

Tourist attraction:

• Periyar wildlife sanctuary.
• Thekkady –Trekking, Boat rafting

District: Idukki
How to reach: 23 km from Kumily.

5. Banasura  Sagar Dam

It is the biggest earthen dam and a very beautiful place to visit.  The dam is the largest earth dam in India and the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas of Banasura Hill. Banasura Sagar dam is across the Karamanathodu river, a tributary of river Kabini, in Kalpetta.  These islands with the Banasura hills in the background are a visual treat.  The dam is very close to Karalad Lake.

Tourist attraction:

• Trekking and boating are the major attractions.
• Thirunelly temple, Jain temples at Sulthan Bakery and Panamaram and Valliyoorkav at Mananthavady in the 12th to 16th centuries. The Edakkal Caves are at Ambukutty Mala.
• The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism.

District: Wayanad
How to reach: 21 km away from Kalpetta

6. Idamalayar Dam

Idamalayar Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Idamalayar river and creates a large multipurpose reservoir.  It is operated for its peak power generation requirements. It is near Bhothathankettu, on the Idamalayar River, a tributary of the Periyar river.

In this reservoir area,  several species of birds have been found.  Edamalayar originates in the Anamala Hills also known as elephant mountains.

Tourist attraction:

• It is a forested area and an ideal place for boating, bird watching, and trekking.
• Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary, Bhoothathankettu.

District: Ernakulam
How to reach: 36 km from  Kothamangalam

7. Kakkayam Dam

 It is the most picturesque dam site in Kerala and listed as one of the best hydel tourist destinations.  Kakkayam is on the outskirts of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO world heritage site, and Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, a large hectare abode of wild animals including elephants and bison.

Tourist attraction:

• Kakkayam has an abundant wildlife population. An ideal spot for trekking and rock climbing. Urakkuzhi waterfalls are an important attraction.

District: Kozhikode

How to reach: 58 Kms from Kozhikode Railway Station

8. Peechi Dam

The dam was started as an irrigation project for the surrounding villages in Thrissur. At the same time, it catered to the drinking water needs of the population of  Thrissur City. It serves as an irrigation dam, reaching out to the paddy fields in and around  Thrissur city built across the Manali River,

The Dam provides water for irrigation and drinking water needs.

Tourist attraction:

• Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, It is a home for Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Spotted & Barking Beer, Sambar, etc.

District: Thrissur.

How to reach: 28 km from Thrissur railway station

9. Thumboormuzhi Dam

It is built across the Chalakudy river. It provides water for irrigation purposes. The dam is on the way to Athirapally waterfalls.

 Tourist attraction:

• Butterfly garden, children’s park, and a hanging bridge. The butterfly garden is a natural habitat of butterflies and it has different species. The hanging bridge links the two banks of the Chalakudy River. Ezhattumukham situated on the other side is part of Ernakulam district. We can enjoy the river view, lush green forest, and a small dam.

District: Thrissur

How to reach: 55 km Thrissur Railway Station.

10.Parambikulam

Parambikulam Dam is on the Parambikulam River in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This dam is one of the top ten embankment dams in the world. It is connected to the Aliyar Dam through a series of canals and underground tunnels that connect each one of the dams in the sanctuary.

Tourist attraction:

• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding naturally beautiful area. An excellent place for bird watching, boating.

District: Palakkad

How to reach: 93 km from Palakkad.

11. Aruvikkara Dam

It is located on the banks of the Karamana river. The reservoir and garden make it a tourist spot.  An ancient Durga Devi temple is situated here. The stream in front of the temple contains large fishes, which are fed by the devotees. It provides a drinking water facility to Thiruvananthapuram city.

Tourist attraction:

• It is a popular picnic spot. Durga Devi temple situated on the rock is a major attraction.

District: Thiruvananthapuram.
How to reach: 15 km from Thiruvanathapuram.

12. Thenmala Dam

The Thenmala dam is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala, India. It impounds the longest reservoir in the state and water from the reservoir is also used for power generation. It is a beautiful picnic spot.

Tourist attraction:

• It is an ecotourism destination. Boating is available on the reservoir, which is bordered on both sides by the Shendurney wildlife sanctuary.

 District: Kollam
How to reach: 71 km from Thiruvanathapuram.

13.Mattupetti Dam

It is situated near Munnar in Idukki District. Munnar is located near the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha River, Chanduvarai River, and Kundali River. The dam built to conserve water for hydroelectricity. The reservoir is one of the visiting grounds of elephants in the region.

Tourist attractions

• The lush green tea plantations and forests. Trekking and boating are a major attraction.

District: Idukki
How to reach: 109km Aluva railway station.

14. Poomala

Poomala Dam is an irrigation purpose dam and a tourist spot. It is the oldest dam and has a mud and stone construction.

It is one of the popular tourist hill stations.

Tourist attraction:

• Hill stations, Muniarra(cave), Cheppara caves, Pathazhazhakund dam, Pamboorampara rock, etc.
• The peaceful and greenish forest area is a major   Tourists that can enjoy boating.

District: Thrissur

How to reach: 11km from Thrissur.

15. Pothundi Dam

It is considered as one of the oldest dams in India.  An unusual feature of the earth dam is the core wall, which is built with a mixture of jaggery and quick lime. The various species of river fishes found in the reservoir. The dam is built across River Padipuzha and River Meenichiladipuzha.

Tourist attraction:

• Beautiful views of Western Ghats. A  popular festival held on the shores of the reservoir is known as Nemmara Vallengi Vela Festival. The beautiful view of Nelliampthy hills is another attraction.

District: Palakkad
How to reach: 42 km from Palakkad.

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