Main Info
Idukki Arch Dam, Idukki overview:
Located in the south Indian state of Kerala, IdukkiArch Dam is an engineering marvel. Built on river Periyar, the dam is an arch dam with a double curvature and is constructed between two hillsKuravan and Kuravati. About 550 feet high, this dam gives a beautiful and breathtaking sight of the rough ground along which it has been built. The structure of the dam can be seen from afar as the dam is quiet high and is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The reservoir gives a quick path for locals, and the whole area is surrounded by lush greenery. Boating is also open for tourists as part of promoting hydel tourism.
Under a project to produce hydroelectric power for regions that are nearby, this Idukki Arch Dam was built by the KeralaState Electricity Board. This dam is one of the double curvature parabolic thin arch dams in India and is a tourist attraction as well. If possible, you can go for a visit to Kalvary and have a look over the beautiful view of the reservoir from the top. As photography is not allowed there, try to take in the mesmerizing beauty of this grand structure and cherish this memory for a lifetime.
You will find many local species surrounding the forest area and reservoir. You can visit the very famous Vyshali Cave that got named after a Malayalam movie got featured there.
Things to do at Idukki Arch Dam :
Reservoir boat ride:
An adventurous boat ride is one of the things you can have at Idukki Arch Dam and have a beautiful view sailing all through the dam.The ride takes around 3 hours of time which begins at Kulamuva Dam and before it ends at the Cheruthoni Dam covers the entire reservoir. The ride lets you absorb the surrounding’s natural beauty and gives you a relaxing vibe. You can watch the golden sunset as you sail through calm waters and also spot various animals and birdsspecies like bison, deer and elephants. Except Wednesdays and Saturdays boat rides are available for tourist all 5 days of the week.
Cheruthoni Dam:
Located just a kilometeraway from Idukki Arch Dam is this beautiful concrete gravity dam, named Cheruthoni Dam. This dam is the highest and the largest dam situated in Kerala. The sunsets and sunrise from this dam are beautiful and mesmerizing.
Kulamuva Dam:
Quiet famous for its activities like boating, trekking and sightseeing, this dam is located just 30 km away from the Idukki Arch Dam. Kulamuva Dam is also a gravity dam.
Hill view park:
On the top of a hillock,there is this natural garden which is about 360 feet above the Idukki Arch Dam opened up for all the tourists.Hill view park is a perfect place to capture the beautiful view of both the dams, Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam. The garden has many things to look around a pond, herbalgarden, children’splay area and government run guest house for accommodation and has visiting hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM all days of the week. To have a better experience at this place, you must take binoculars with yourself.
Idukki wildlife sanctuary:
Few kilometers away from Dam is situated Idukki wildlife sanctuary. Being home to snakes, bison, elephants, deer and variety of birds the lake is formed by three dams and the sanctuary is surrounded by them. Expanded over an are od 78km the sanctuary has tropical evergreen dense forests.
History of Idukki Arch Dam:
The project of Idukki Arch Dam was proposed by an Italian engineer to Travancore Government in the year 1919. It was the in the year 1922 the Head of the Oorali race Shri Chemban Karuvellayan Koluban was believed to be the one who suggested this site for the dam. He noticed this site when he went for hunting which his friends Ac Thomas Edattu, W.J.John and the superintendent of Malankara Estate.
His friend W.J.John in the year 1932 submitted a report to build a hydroelectric plant and a dam. After a very detailed investigation and a project report, the proposal went forward in the year 1956.
The planning commission gave this project a green signal in the year 1963, and the work on the dam began under the supervision of Mr. C. V. Mathews, the chief engineer of the electricity board,in the year 1969. On 4th of October 1975, a trial run was carried out, and on 12th of February 1976, the commercial operation of the power plant was initiated. Then prime minister Smt. Indira Gandhi commissioned the commercial operation.
Construction of Idukki Arch Dam:
Between the two granite mountains,Kuravathimala and Kuruvanmala,is built the Idukki Arch Dam on the River Periyar. The dimensions of the dam is over 365 meters length on the top and 7 meters wide on the bottom whereas 165 meters tall and 20 meters wide in the bottom. The capacity of over 2000million cubic meter is created by the reservoir. This powerhouse is situated 44 kilometers away from the dam at Mollamottam, and the dam is situated in the district of Idukki. With the capacity of 130 ME each, the powerhouse has six units of turbines. Water conductor system is powered by tunnel and underground pressure shafts are used to deliver water to the Mollamottampower house. The tail water is for irrigation inMuvaltupuzha and flows through a tunnel.
Tips for visiting the Idukki Arch Dam:
- Electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
- Photography is banned on the premises.
- parking slots available are limited.
How to reach Idukki Arch Dam:
Idukki Arch Dam can be easily reached by the help of public transport available like busses or cabs if you are within the area of Idukki District.
About 10 km away from the dam is located the nearest railway station, Kottayam Railway station. If you want to avail public transport from the railway junction,you can avail it via SH42. Around 112 km away from the Idukki Arch Dam is the nearest cochin international airport and you can avail public transport from there via NH185.
