Idukki is one of Kerala’s most scenic spots for seeing nature in its purest form. Idukki never fails to impress visitors with its lush green mountains and gorgeous dams. It is also home to Anamudi, India’s tallest peak. The dams in Idukki district are one of the district’s most impressive characteristics. Let’s have a look at some of the district’s best dams, which you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to this beautiful spot!
idukki arch dam
The Idukki Dam is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam in Kerala, India. The dam is situated between the Kuravanmala (839) and Kurathimala (925) mountains. It is Asia’s third tallest arch dam and one of Asia’s highest arch dams. When you consider the sheer size of the structure and the role it serves, it’s awe-inspiring. The Kerala State Electricity Board built it and now owns it. It is home to a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 780 MW.
kulamavu dam
Kulamavu Dam, one of the Idukki reservoir project’s triad dams, was built in 1961 to control the flow of water into the Kallivally river. The Periyar River’s 100-foot gravity dam, consisting of concrete or stone masonry, spans between rocky mountains, forming a 33-square-kilometer reservoir. Kulamavu is a popular hill station in the Idukki area and one of the locations to visit in Idukki. The scenic environment, rubber and spice farms entice visitors to the hill station. The visitors are enthralled by the numerous species of birds that inhabit the hill station, such as the darter or snakebird, kingfisher, and others. Kaulamavu has fantastic walking tracks with equally captivating surroundings that will pump up the adrenaline of hikers and trekkers.
malankara dam
Malankara Lake is an artificial lake that spans 11 kilometres and was created as part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. For irrigation purposes, a dam has been built across the Thodupuzha River. This location is ideal for a picnic, and there are boating facilities on the lake. This is where the Moolamattom Power House’s waste water is stored. With the surrounding nature, Malankara Reservoir gives a tranquil and pleasant setting. The location is great for wildlife enthusiasts. Before the flood of 2018, the dam and its premises were open to the public, but after that, due to security concerns, public access was severely restricted. The location was opened to the public in November 2019, with an entrance price of Rs. 20/- for adults and Rs. 5/- for children. Other fees, such as parking, filming on the grounds, and so on, contribute to revenue.
cheruthoni dam
Cheruthoni Dam, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, is another well-known dam. The Cheruthoni dam is being built across the river. This river is a significant tributary of the Periyar. This dam produces hydroelectric electricity, which is distributed to the surrounding areas. The Kerala State Electricity Board manages the dam and also lends out boats for the two-hour voyage between Kulamavu and Idukki. On the journey, visitors are captivated by the natural beauty of the area, as well as the breathtaking dawn and sunset views that can be seen from here. On a clear day, one can see parts of Kochi city from the Cheruthoni Dam’s vantage point at a considerable height. The dam, on the other hand, can only be reached on foot or by jeep.
mattupetty dam
In Munnar’s tourism hotspot, Mattupetty is one of the most popular places. It’s a lovely picnic place that gets a lot of attention. Mattupetty is a charming area that worth a visit, with its undulating tea plantations and gorgeous rolling meadows. This concrete gravity storage dam was built in the 1940s for hydropower generating and water communication. The dam is now a renowned tourist attraction as well as a key source of electricity in the area. Mattupetty Dam’s most appealing feature is its still water, which reflects the tea gardens surrounding it. You can participate in water sports such as speed boating, which are offered by the district Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar), and take in the stunning natural surroundings of this lovely dam. Trekking in the Shola forest is an option for adventure seekers.
mullaperiyar dam
The Periyar Tiger Reserve encompasses the area surrounding and including an artificial lake formed as a result of the Mullaperiyar Dam’s construction. Because the dam is positioned after the junction of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers, the river and dam are given that name. The dam is 1200 feet long and 155 feet tall. Its construction started in 1887 and ended in 1895. The dam was created to suit the water needs of Madurai, a temple town in Tamil Nadu. As a result, although though the dam is in Kerala, it is managed by the Tamil Nadu government. The operational rights were passed over to Tamil Nadu through a 999-year lease arrangement signed during the British reign.
Anayirankal Dam
Anayirankal Dam, one of the most gorgeous sites to visit in Munnar, is a great picnic location for visitors and residents alike. Anayirankal is 22 kilometres from Munnar, Kerala’s most popular hill station. The dam where elephants come down to drink water is known as the Anayirankal Dam. If you’re lucky, you might see herds of elephants from neighbouring forests making their way down to the lake to drink. You can spend your time boating or eating at the park’s café/food court.
Ponmudi Dam
The Ponmudi Dam, located in the Idukki region of Kerala, India, is a hydroelectric project that spans the Panniar River, a tributary of Kerala’s longest river, the Periyar. The view from the dam is breathtaking, with small communities below and water in the reservoir on one side, gigantic rock on the other, and reserve forests on the other. Despite the fact that driving is permitted through the dam, photography is strictly prohibited. Ponmudi Dam is a masonry gravity dam in Idukki with a height of 59 metres (194 feet) and a total length of 294 metres (965 ft). It is recommended that visitors visit this location during the rainy season. This dam is not a popular tourist destination. If you travel from Adimali to Rajakkad, you may view the dam. The Dam is a component of the highway. You can park your car near the dam and take in the scenery. It’s lovely and not too crowded.