Idukki Dam – Where Engineering Meets Nature ~ Kerala Green Beauty

Overview & History

Idukki Arch Dam, situated in Idukki district of Kerala, is Asia’s first arch dam and one of the highest in the world at roughly 168.9 m (554 ft) .
The concept of a hydropower dam on the Periyar River first emerged around 1919, with local tribal guide Chemban Kolumban guiding the engineers in the 1920s .
The dam was built with aid from the Government of Canada, with construction starting in the early 1960s. It was commissioned in 1975–76 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi .

The dam utilises a double‑curvature parabolic arch design, nestled between the granite hills Kuravan Mala and Kurathi Mala, embodying local folklore about the two figures turned into stone by Rama .
It forms part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project with two other dams—Cheruthoni and Kulamavu—creating a reservoir of around 60 km² .
The power plant at Moolamattom generates 780 MW using six Pelton turbines (130 MW each) .
Tailwater is utilized for irrigation in the Muvattupuzha Valley .

Located near the town of Idukki, about 100 km from Cochin International Airport, and around 109 km from Kottayam Railway Station .
Access routes include road links from Kattappana, Thodupuzha, and Painavu. Nearby is Kalvary Mount, a scenic hillock and pilgrimage spot providing panoramic views of the dam and reservoir .

Tourist visits are permitted only on weekends and public holidays, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though some sources indicate a 9:30 or 17:30 hours closing—check current schedule before visiting .
Entry fees: around ₹25 for adults and ₹5 for children. Boat rides cost approximately ₹600 for a 15‑minute ride (max five persons) .
Due to safety protocols, entry is now strictly via buggy cars and mobile phones/cameras are not allowed inside the dam premises .
Visits are limited to up to 20 visitors at a time, and the site is closed on Wednesdays, during Orange/Red alert situations, and when water release is scheduled .

The dam lake lies within the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1976 and covering around 77 km², home to elephants, bison, deer, wild cats, various snakes, and birds like peafowl and kingfishers .
Boat rides across the reservoir offer scenic views, wildlife spotting along shores, forested hills, and a serene environment .
Nearby, Hill View Park and Kalvary Mount offer elevated vantage points, gardens, heritage and trekking opportunities—ideal for photography and nature lovers .

Feature	Details
Best Time to Visit	October to February for clear weather and scenic beauty
Operating Days & Time	Weekends/Public Holidays, 10 AM–5 PM (sometimes 9:30–17:30)
Entry Fee	₹25 (adults), ₹5 (children)
Activities	Sightseeing, boating (~15 minutes), buggy car tour
Restrictions	No mobile phones/cameras; max 20 visitors; closed on Wednesday & flood alert days