Malankara Dam

Nestled amidst picturesque hills and lush forests, Malankara Dam is a true engineering marvel of Kerala. This magnificent gravity dam stands tall across the Thodupuzha River, providing irrigation water to nearby areas and contributing to flood control and hydroelectric power generation.

Discover the Majestic Malankara Dam

Built in the year of 1995, the dam is part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project, which aims to irrigate around 40,000 hectares of land in Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Idukki districts. With a height of 47.24 meters and a length of 844 meters, the Malankara Dam creates a stunning reservoir that spans an area of approximately 11 square kilometers.

Boasting a capacity of 7.4 million cubic meters, the reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The crystal-clear waters of the artificial lake offer a refreshing escape from the scorching sun, making it the perfect destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Malankara Dam not only contributes to the enhancement of agricultural productivity but also plays a vital role in water conservation. The tailwater from the Moolamattom power station is diverted into the dam, which is made of earth cum masonry. The project is run under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), making it an important irrigation project of the state.

The dam is located in Muttom, about 7 kilometers away from Thodupuzha town, making it easily accessible by road. It is also a halting place for tourists on their way to Vagamon, another scenic destination in Kerala. The Malankara Dam serves as a testament to Kerala’s development and progress, with its unique design showcasing the harmonious balance between nature and human intervention.

Plan Your Visit to Malankara Dam

Located on SH8 and easily accessible from Thodupuzha, the Malankara Dam is a charming hangout spot for families. With an entrance fee of just INR 20 per head and INR 10 for parking, the dam offers a breathtaking view of the reservoir, making it perfect for nature walks and picnics.

The dam is not usually crowded even on weekends and has ample parking space along the Dam side road. There are also walking tracks, a children’s park, and a play area available at the dam, making it a great destination for fitness enthusiasts and families with children.

While there are no washrooms or tea/snack facilities, as per the Irrigation Department, an entrance plaza at the tourism site has been completed by Habitat Group under the Tourism Department. It includes essential facilities such as toilet blocks, drinking water, an amphitheater, and commercial spaces.

However, visitors can bring their own food and enjoy spending quality time with their loved ones. There are two entrances, one without a ticket offering a clear front view of the dam and the main entrance requiring a ticket.

The dam site is about 28 kilometers from Muvattupuzha town and 7 kilometers from Thodupuzha town. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 53 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 60 kilometers away.

With its serene surroundings, stunning reservoir, and vital contributions to Kerala’s growth and development, the Malankara Dam is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Thodupuzha region of Kerala.

Places to Visit Near Malankara Dam

For those who want to explore more of the region, there are plenty of natural wonders near to Malankara Dam. A few of them are,

• Aruvikuthu Waterfalls
• Kulamavu Dam
• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Uppukunnu View Point
• Njadirukki Waterfalls
• Kolani Hill

The list of attractions goes on and on, check out our extensive list of places to visit in the Idukki district and the rest of Kerala for more exploration and adventure!

[Image source|CC BY-SA 4.0]