Do you know that Kerala is just not about the Hill Stations, Backwaters, Houseboat or Wildlife Sanctuaries. Kerala has much more to offer that’s the reason Kerala is one of the best tourist destination of India. Kerala has 40+ Dams and Reservoirs and many offers good views for tourists. Yes, tourists are allowed to visit some dams in Kerala. So, let us help you to identify famous dams of Kerala.

How about visiting Dams on holidays?

Isn’t it sound interesting? If you replied a YES, then plan your upcoming vacations in Kerala to visit these Eight Dams in Kerala to witness how they are helping Kerala Tourism to promote itself as Hydel Tourism. From the state’s economy to tourism; these dams have been an important part of the state’s heritage. Their abundance of beauty and usefulness can only be understood by visiting them in-person. Kerala is blessed with more than forty rivers and lakes flowing across. To utilize the power of flowing water; Kerala has wisely constructed Dams over many of its rivers to water the fields, generate electricity, and develop tourist spots.

Famous Dams (Reservoirs) in Kerala:

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Through this write-up, we are introducing you to eight beautiful dams in Kerala that should be a part of your itinerary when you plan for the Kerala Tour.

1. Idukki Dam – First arch dam of India:

To support the 782 MW hydroelectric power station; this dam was built with a height of 168.91 meters by Kerala State Electricity Board. The dam stands in the middle of the two mountains – Kuravanmala (839) meters and Kurathimala (925) meters. It is constructed on the Periyar River. Besides, power generation the dam also supports the irrigation in the Muvattupuzha Valley. This dam was built in conjunction with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. The three dams together have formed a non-natural lake i.e. 60 km² in area. Please visit this dam with a camera during your Kerala tour as you will get to click the natural beauty of neighboring Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Malampuzha Dam – Biggest dam in Kerala:

Located 10 km from Palakkad, this is one of the largest reservoirs in Kerala. Surrounded by the Western Ghats; this dam is a combination of a stonework dam with a length of 1849 meters and an earthen dam with a height of 220 meters. The Malampuzha Dam is 108 meters high and crosses the Malampuzha River. You can spend time in the rock garden, ropeway, amusement park, and boating in the dam fraternity itself. Also visit the Japanese Garden, Yakshi Garden, and Fantasy Park nearby. The months from April to August are the best time to visit this dam.

3. Mullaperiyar Dam – First concrete dam of Kerala :

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The dam is built on Periyar River in 1895 by Madras State, now Tamil Nadu. This dam is 365.7 meters long and 53.6 meters high and is one of the oldest in the world. It is a masonry gravity dam. It is located on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and one of the best places to visit in Thekkady. The dam is facing a dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The control and protection of the dam and the legitimacy and impartiality of the lease agreement have been points of dispute between the states.

4. Neyyar Dam – Popular picnic spot in Trivandrum :

It is a gravity dam on the Neyyar River and one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum. 56 meters high and 294 meters long; this dam is located on the base of the Western Ghats almost 30 km from Trivandrum. The peak Agasthya Kooodam is close to Neyyar Dam. Speed boats are available on rent for Rs. 250/- per head to view the neighboring woodlands. Besides you can also opt for Yoga courses and practice meditation in the serene Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram here. 

5. Kakkayam Dam :

This beautiful, untouched, and serene dam is a cookout spot for all picnic lovers. 58 km from Kozhikode Railway Station; this dam is the simplest dam to spent time at. As Kakkayam offers hard trekking and quiver climbing experience along the Kuttiady River; this place is most loved and visited by adventure lovers. Also, this area has an amusing wildlife population that gives a soothing and enchanting experience to photographers as well.

6. Banasura Sagar Dam, Padanjarithara – Largest earth dam in India :

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When you are listing the best places to visit in Wayanad then this dam should be on your list. This dam holds the pride of being the largest Earth Dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is situated in the foothills of Banasura Hills. The dam is named after the son of the great king of Kerala, King Mahabali. It was constructed to support Kalyan Hydroelectric Power Project. The dam is located in Padanjarithara; less than 30 km of the ride from Wayanad city. A road journey of less than an hour is the easiest way to reach Banasura Sagar Dam. The reservoir at the dam draws every tourist’s attention with its principal picturesque attractiveness. The best time to visit this dam is from November to May.

7. Thenmala Dam

There is a distance of 68 km between Kollam and Thenmala Dam. Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats. It preserves nature’s true colors in a spectacular ecological spot. This picturesque region is known for its biodiversity, its culture, and its mind-blowing scenery.

8. Mattupetty Dam :

It is storage Concrete Gravity Dam built in the mountains of Kerala to preserve water for hydroelectricity. With an entry fee of Rs.10/- per person; this dam is open on all weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can enjoy boating into an ordinary boat and in a speed boat for 15 minutes at nominal charges of Rs. 300/- and Rs.500/- respectively. Also, you can roam around the dam on a horse ride for Rs.50/-.

Mattupetty Dam Entry Fee – 10 Rs.

9. Cheruthoni Dam :

Being the third highest dam in the country, this dam was built in 1976. It was built to support the Idukki Hydroelectric Project in consort with two other dams specifically Kulamavu and Idukki. The dam is taken care of by the Kerala State Electricity Board. The boats are available on rent to entertain the visitors on a two-hour cruise between Kulamavu and Idukki. A jeep drive is the easiest way to reach Cheruthoni Dam. It is worth mentioning that the dam has a height of 138 meters. This height enables all its visitors to view specific parts of the Kochi city on a sunny day.