Dams and Reservoirs

Dams & Reservoirs

Though built for generation of electricity and for irrigational purposes the dams in Kerala are a tourist destination in themselves thanks to the greenery surrounding them. Forests and grass lands surrounding these sites make them an enchanting stopover. Some of the dams like the Bhoothathan Kettu Dam in Kothamangalam are surrounded by forests which offer the tourist a spectacle of a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a botanist delight. Others are teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. Elephants are regular visitors at the mattupetty dam in Iddikki.The Banasura Sagar dam in Kalpetta is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains. The Idukki dam on the Periyar river is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. At an elevation of 167.68 meters it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia, at 555 feet in height. Peechi dam in Thrissur is another of the dams in Kerala which is a good picnic spot. With extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains, the dam offers numerous inviting avenues for tourists.

Aruvikkara Dam......................................01 Banasura Project....................................02 Bhoothathankettu..................................03 Cheruthoni Dam.....................................04 Chulliar Dam..........................................05 Idukki Arch Dam.....................................06 Kakkayam Dam.......................................07 Kakki Reservoir.......................................08 Karappuzha Dam...................................09 Kundala Dam..........................................10 Malampuzha Dam.................................11 Malankara Dam.....................................12 Mangalam Dam.....................................13 Mullaperiyar Dam.................................14 Neyyar Dam.............................................15 Pazhassi Dam.........................................16 Peechi Dam.............................................17 Peruvannamuzhi Dam...........................18 Pothundy Reservoir................................19

Aruvikkara Dam: (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This picturesque picnic spot associated with blessed name of Sree Narayana Guru, the greatest social reformer, is on the bank of Karamana river.

Banasura Sagar Dam: (25 km northeast of Kalpetta) A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is built here.

Bhoothathankettu Reservoir: (50 km from Ernakulam) Picturesque haven situates in a vast virgin forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu.

Cheruthoni Dam: (2 km from Idukki Arch Dam) An ideal retreat for tourists, the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. Chulliar Dam: The dam offers spectacular views of hills and it is situated at the foot of Western Ghats.

Idukki Arch Dam: Asia’s first and world’s second arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is a spectacular view to explore the greenary of Kerala. Close to Cheruthoni barrage, it is 550 ft high and 650 ft wide.

Kakkayam Dam: (45 km from Kozhikode) This picturesque damsite, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers trekking and rock climbing opportunities. Kakki Reservoir: Exhilarating boating experience is offered in the artificial lake here. The wild life of surrounded forest gives magical moments in lake. Karappuzha Dam: (13 km North - East of Kalpetta) It gives marvelous sight of the dam and the premises.

Kundala Dam: (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfall is also near Kundala.

Malampuzha Dam: (10 km from Palakkad) This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of Western Ghats. Malampuzha takes its name from the River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Malankara Dam: (6 km from Thodupuzha) An artifical lake speread over 11 km, the reservoir is a popular picnic spot.

Mangalam Dam: (50 km from Palakkad) A popular picnic spot, the dam is built across the Cherukunnath river, a tributary of the Mangalam river. The beautiful parks and lawns are an enchanting experience.

Mullaperiyar Dam: (192 km from Ernakulam) The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the beauty of Thekkady. It is the unique experience of viewing wildlife.

Neyyar Dam: (32 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Pazhassi Dam: (37 km East of Kannur) An ideal retreat for tourists, the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. Accommodation is available at the project inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.

Peechi Dam: (20 km east of Thrissur) It is a spectacular dam site with beauty of flowery gardens. This picnic spot offers boating facilities. The Peechi-

Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district is a good spot for nature lovers and animal lovers.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam: (60 km from Kozhikode) The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speed and row boat cruises.

Pothundy Reservoir: (45 km from Palakkad) Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.