Malampuzha Dam and Garden

Malampuzha Dam, Kerala’s largest reservoir, is a majestic sight located about 10 kilometers from Palakkad town. Constructed in 1955 across the Malampuzha River, a tributary of the River Nila, this engineering marvel consists of a masonry dam stretching 1,849 meters and an earthen dam of 220 meters. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, it offers a perfect backdrop of lush greenery and serene waters, attracting nature lovers, photographers, and families alike.

Explore Malampuzha Gardens and Attractions

Adjacent to the dam lies the beautifully maintained Malampuzha Gardens, South India’s only rock-cut garden created entirely from recycled materials like broken bangles, tiles, and plastic containers. Designed by the renowned artist Nek Chand, the garden showcases an extraordinary example of sustainable art. The area also features manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, fountains, and the famous Malampuzha Yakshi sculpture, crafted by celebrated sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman in 1969.

The garden also offers boating facilities in the calm reservoir waters, a freshwater aquarium, a children’s park, and an aerial ropeway with 64 cars, gliding 60 feet above the gardens, providing panoramic views of the dam and surrounding landscape. Trekking trails around the Akamalavaram forest and the nearby snake park, home to pythons and king cobras, add adventure and wildlife exploration opportunities to the visit. Despite occasional maintenance issues and stray dogs, Malampuzha remains a family-friendly destination, ideal for leisurely strolls, boat rides, and weekend picnics.

Visitor Information

Malampuzha Dam and Garden are open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Entry fees are Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 10 for children aged 3-12, while attractions like the ropeway and snake park have separate ticket charges. The best time to visit is during the annual flower show or the cooler months from October to February. Parking facilities are available, but two-wheelers are often more convenient due to limited space. The nearest railway station is Palakkad Junction, about 14 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located 55 kilometers from Malampuzha.

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