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. Many travel bloggers and Kerala Tourism boards now promote these dams as “hydel tourism spots,” where you can enjoy nature and adventure together. 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 9 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. Nowadays, some of these dam sites also offer boating, trekking, ropeway rides, wildlife safaris, and adventure sports, which makes them family-friendly destinations.

Extra Tip: Best months to visit most dams in Kerala are November to May for pleasant weather and boating activities. Monsoon is beautiful but sometimes access may be restricted due to safety. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, so plan accordingly for a peaceful visit.

Famous Dams (Reservoirs) in Kerala:

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 Idukki Dam is known as the largest dam in Kerala, making it a significant landmark in the state. 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. This serene location is also one of the popular Film Shooting Locations in Kerala, attracting filmmakers for its scenic views.

More to know:

• Year Built: 1976, one of the highest arch dams in Asia.
• Nearest Town: Thodupuzha (around 60 km).
• Entry Timings: Usually 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (check before visiting).
• Activities: Sightseeing, boating, photography, wildlife watching.
• Fun Fact: On clear days you can see parts of Kochi from nearby Cheruthoni Dam viewpoint.

Extra tip for visitors: Entry to the dam is regulated and photo ID proof is needed. There is also a short guided bus tour that takes you inside the dam premises for a small fee.

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.

More to know:

• Year Built: 1955.
• Attractions: Ropeway ride gives a full view of the dam.
• Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs 25 (Adults), Rs 10 for children (3-12 years)
• Activities: Pedal boats, speed boats, gardens, aquarium.
• Accessibility: Palakkad Railway Station (10 km), Coimbatore Airport (61 km).

Travel suggestion: If you are with kids or senior citizens, plan 3–4 hours here. Evening visits are good for seeing the musical fountain and enjoying the ropeway when it is cooler.

3. Mullaperiyar Dam – First Concrete Dam of Kerala:

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.

More to know:

• Year Built: 1895, designed by British engineer John Pennycuick.
• Nearest Attraction: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, boating in Thekkady lake.
• Note: Dam safety and water level is often in news due to Kerala–Tamil Nadu discussions.

Visitor note: Though tourists cannot walk over the dam itself, the surrounding Thekkady lake offers peaceful boating with views of forests and sometimes wild elephants.

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. Many travelers include Neyyar Dam as a must-visit stop on their Trip From Trivandrum to Kanyakumari.

More to know:

• Attractions: Crocodile park, lion safari park, deer park and nearby Ponmudi hill station.
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs 250 (Adults), Rs 125 for Children (5 to 12 years), Rs 5 for Children (Below 5 years) per Person
• Best time: November to March.
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (33 km).

Tip: If you love photography, try visiting early morning for misty views of Agasthya hills and calm waters. Pack some snacks as there are few shops inside the dam premises.

Read Also: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum (Timings, Ticket Prices, Dress Code)

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.

More to know:

• Activities: Trekking, rock climbing, birdwatching.
• Nearby: Kakkayam Valley and waterfalls are scenic.
• Travel Tip: Carry food and water, fewer restaurants nearby.

Good to know: Mobile network can be weak here. For adventure seekers, the trails are moderate to tough, so wear good shoes and start early.

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

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.

More to know:

• Activities: Boating, speed boat, trekking to Banasura Hill.
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:15 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs 40 per person for Adults, Rs 20 per person for Children
• Nearby: Meenmutty Waterfalls (24 km).
• Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers.

Insider tip: Speed boating here is quite popular, and trekking to the nearby hill gives a wide view of the dam and islands. Morning visits are best to avoid sun and crowd.

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.

More to know:

• Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination.
• Activities: Adventure zone, mountain biking, musical fountain, trekking.
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Nearby: Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and Jatayu Earth Center.

Good suggestion: Combine your dam visit with the eco-tourism park. You can enjoy hanging bridges, tree houses, butterfly garden, and boating in the reservoir.

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 5:00 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/-.

More to know:

• Mattupetty Dam Entry Fee – 10 Rs.
• Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Entry Fees: Rs 10 per person (Adults), Rs 300 for ordinary boat (15 min.), Rs 500 for speed boat (15 min.), Rs 50 for horse ride.
• Nearest Attraction: Tea plantations of Munnar, Echo Point.
• Best season: Post-monsoon for lush greenery.

Visitor suggestion: Club this with a trip to Echo Point and Kundala Lake. Early morning boat rides are peaceful, and you may even spot elephants near the water.

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.

More to know:

• Best time: Morning hours for clear views.
• Activities: Boating and guided tours of the hydroelectric project.

Additional tip: Visitors often combine this with Idukki Arch Dam for a complete experience. Carry water and snacks as there are limited shops nearby.

Conclusion:

Kerala is not just about beaches, hill stations and backwaters; its dams are also a big tourist attraction. These dams give water, electricity and beautiful holiday spots for boating, trekking, photography and picnics. Each dam has its own charm and history – from Idukki’s engineering wonder to Banasura’s natural beauty. Visiting them is a unique way to enjoy Kerala. Plan your trip to explore these dams and see another side of “God’s Own Country.”

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