Idukki Dam - Where Nature’s Majesty Meets Human Strength
Until I saw it, it was only a dam known as Idukki dam – an electricity-producing location – an inseparable part of any Keralite’s day and nights concerned with. The power supply in every home in Kerala is directly proportional to the amount of rain in the Dam location which none of the newspapers or TVs fails to report. But the unknown reality about this place is, they hardly realize that Idukki dam is situated in a place where nature is blessed with its matchless beauty.
Every part interconnected to the dam in different locations of this tiny district reflects like different paradises that nature Gods has made for the human beings or precisely made for people in Kerala. Each and every location we visited seems to be so unique with different landscapes consisting of water bodies, green forests, huge rocks, mighty valleys, etc with even the clouds around played its role to enhance the beauty of those places.
What Makes Idukki Dam Special?
Idukki dam is one of the highest in Asia which is an Arch dam built across the Periyar river situated in a village in the Idukki district of Kerala state. Out of all districts in Kerala, Idukki looks geographically special since it has the maximum forest cover of approximately 4000 sqm, more than 60 % of the land. The history of this dam is dated to many decades back, maybe almost a century when the first proposal was put forward in 1919 that does not consider a feasible project at that time. Later a tribal village head was helpful in choosing this location and showing it to then competent authorities as they proceeded with the survey and construction with the help of foreign collaboration in the form of project management and assistance.
Two gigantic rocks known as Kuravan and Kurathi hills on either side of a stream was a perfect location for a dam that has been surveyed and built as an Arch dam. Construction started in 1969 with its first trial run inauguration was in 1975 and the commercial operation was formally commissioned in 1976 by then Prime Minister Smt: Indira Gandhi. As per the history books around 4,64,000 m3 of concrete were used as for the dam and its related part’s construction The powerhouse is an underground one around 43 km away in Moolamattom. (Statues of Kuravan and Kurathi is installed as symbolic remembrance for their contribution in another tourist location in the same district, viz Ramakkalmedu)
550 Feet Concrete Structure Between Two Gigantic Rocks Of Above 800 Meters
Idukki dam opens for visitors only for few days in a year mostly Christmas new year time and we were lucky for being around there during those time. Our journey to Dam was from Kattappana from where the Dam is almost 24 km away and our first stop over was at the opposite side of the dam reservoir. It was a massive concrete structure of around 550 feet height ie equivalent to a 50 storey building between two mountains with more than 800 meters in height on either side. The huge structure makes any size of a human being standing at the bottom of it as insignificant as an ant. It was the arch dam that holds the water that serves as the real powerhouse for all the population of Kerala.
Visitors are allowed only up to a barricade around 50 meters away from the structure and a permanent police post is there to avoid any trespassing. So, the exact curvature of the wall was not clear. We were being told that the arch shape is such that even the rainwater doesn’t fall directly on the exact bottom of the wall.
A mere look towards any direction standing in front of the wall gives you a glimpse of how most of the places might look like, had it not been replaced with concrete jungles. Wherever the eyes reached it was raw greenery all around, a luxury of the landscape for any city dwellers. The place was perfect for spending some time to experience the nature and for some photoshoots and selfies.
Blissful Climate And “Treat To The Eye And Soul” Kind Of Place.
Slight drizzle and cloudy sky at the peak of noon was like setting up a perfect climate for outing keeping us as fresh as we left in the morning. Neither the sun was out, nor the cold was unbearable despite mild breeze blowing across which made an ideal atmosphere which may looks like good to spend a day in the area surrounding the dam. If nothing else, this climate - a pollution-free atmosphere - itself was something which could be enjoyable to any person new to this location. Further journey towards the dam was equally interesting as the locations look always blessed by nature.
There are three entrances, one towards Cheruthoni dam, another to Hill View Park, and the last one to Idukki dam and we headed towards a location from where a vast area of the reservoir and adjacent landscape is possible through the park entrance. The place is just above the beautiful Hill View Park which was made for popularizing tourism to this district that consists of a hotel and a parking area. It was at a steep and overlooking the lake on which people were enjoying boating. The place we reached seemed to be empty but there was absolutely no confusion regarding the location as it was found to be another “treat to the eye and soul” kind of place.
May be this location was too part of the park seen below and constructed beautifully with careful planning and design with spiral stairs to climb in an elevated platform and the purpose is well served too. It offered another spectacular view of this terrain which consists of multiple geographical features like water bodies, several hills with different profiles, clouds that look like kissing the forests and the reservoir all in a single frame. A boat ride must have been another memorable experience but sadly we couldn’t make it as there was long queue waiting for the boats.
Experience The Hidden Beauty Inside Idukki Dam
Experiencing Idukki dam is a long walk approximately 4 km and there is an exit point at the far end from where another 300 meters only to the main road, which was the same we travelled to reach the dam from home. A return walk of 4 km can be saved provided if some sort of arrangements can be made to bring the car to this place. My cousin has already visited this place many times and agreed to stay back to bring the car after giving proper instructions for us.
Before heading straight away to the dam, he took everyone to another nearby spot which no other visitors were even aware of in fact. Since photography is strictly banned inside the dam area, so this place was good enough to capture a few snaps to capture some amazing landscape and selfies. It was so close to the road leading to the dam entrance maybe just 50 mts down to the right side through the trees.
The place looked like a paradise of God’s own country after seeing the nature around in its pure form with lakes, forests, rocks etc. Being in the place where no other visitors entered except us made it special like we entered in a hidden treasure of the nature. The entire sight from the place was a thing to behold for the eyes. Everything in front of the eyes was beyond any imagination, the peaceful lake appeared in opaque blue color, forest on the other side, the cover of clouds above like a panoramic scenery, the view of the dam and some huge rocks that we were standing which all these things made to look like we were in a secret expedition to find out nature’s secret.
It felt like the area was a secured one as some policemen were coming in a boat and we immediately moved to the main entrance of the dam. Many people were already walking towards the main gate from where we needed to collect the tickets. Some disappointed faces were also seen as cameras and mobiles were not allowed to carry along with.
Walk 4 Kilometers To Enjoy Idukki Dam
A 4 km walk seems to be a little difficult, but it was worth on any count. Looking around was a chance to enjoy this lovely location which is one of the most beautiful places that the small southern state has having. The nature God was so kind to provide such a lovely landscape that even in this 21st-century majority of the area looks like never been accessed by humans, a comparison to get some clue about the distinction this place still carries.
Walking through the dam enjoying every bit of its surroundings, admiring the brain behind finding this place for such a huge structure at a time when these places might have been inaccessible, the herculean effort by everyone concerned to complete this dam and its associated activities, building, etc to produce electricity when modern construction technology was not even conceptualized was made me feel proud of being here to witness.
At the top, there was another surprise in the form of a cave known as Vaishali cave which had been famous by the movie in the same name as this cave was one of its shooting locations. The cave was used for shifting the rocks after the blasting while the dam construction was in progress. From the cave everyone will be feasted with another incredible view of this area.
There was never a dull moment in an almost two-hour journey. And experiencing such engineering wonders planned prior to India’s independence and competed in 1973 with an unconditional purpose to benefit every household in its state made the day. Walking through the top of the dam starting from one hill to the other one was an experience of another kind, enjoying the beauty of nature from the top of a man-made structure built in the middle of forest and lake offered changing sceneries at different locations all around.
Would you like to travel through another scenic place nearby? Then click here.
Click here for Wikipedia page on Idukki Dam
TRAVEL INFORMATION
📍 Location:
Idukki Dam is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, about 121 km from Kochi and 47 km from Munnar. It lies between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, across the Periyar River, surrounded by thick forest and rolling hills.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road: Idukki is well connected by road from Kochi, Kottayam, and Munnar. Regular KSRTC buses and taxis operate to Idukki town or Cheruthoni, from where the dam is about 3 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam (around 114 km), from where you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to Idukki.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (around 120 km). From there, taxis and buses are easily available.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit:
The dam opens to visitors only for a limited period each year — usually during the Christmas and New Year season (December–January). It’s best to check with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) or local tourism office before planning a visit.
For climate and scenery, the monsoon (June–September) and post-monsoon (October–February) months are ideal, with misty hills, lush greenery, and cool weather.
🎟️ Entry Details:
- Entry Pass: Visitors must purchase tickets at the entrance gate.
- Photography: Cameras and mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the dam area for security reasons.
- Walking Distance: The total walk inside is around 4 km, with beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
🏨 Stay Options Nearby:
- Hill View Park, Idukki: Offers panoramic views and nearby accommodation options.
- Cheruthoni & Kattappana: Both towns (10–25 km away) have decent hotels, home stays, and restaurants.
- Munnar (47 km): Ideal for travellers who want to combine the Idukki visit with a hill-station stay.
💡 Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes and carry water for the 4 km walk.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best views and pleasant weather.
- Avoid weekends and holidays if you prefer less crowd.
- Don’t miss nearby attractions like Cheruthoni Dam, Hill View Park, Painavu, and Ramakkalmedu (where the statues of Kuravan and Kurathi stand).
Would you like me to also add a short “Travel Tips & Stay Options” box (like a sidebar-style summary with icons or bullets) for your blog format? It’ll look great after this section.
TRAVEL TIPS & STAY OPTIONS
🌦️ Best Season:
October to February — pleasant weather, clear skies, and lush green surroundings.
🚪 Dam Visiting Time:
Open only for a few days each year, usually during Christmas–New Year holidays. Confirm with KSEB before visiting.
📵 Photography Rules:
No mobiles or cameras allowed inside the dam premises. Keep your valuables safely in your vehicle or lockers provided at the entrance.
🥾 Travel Tips:
- Comfortable footwear is a must for the 4 km walk inside.
- Carry light snacks and water bottles.
- Try to reach early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy misty views.
- Light drizzle is common — an umbrella or cap can help.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions:
- Cheruthoni Dam – just 3 km away.
- Hill View Park – panoramic views and boating.
- Painavu – scenic route through forest roads.
- Ramakkalmedu – windy hilltop with giant Kuravan & Kurathi statues.
🏨 Stay Options:
- Hill View Park Cottages – close to the dam, ideal for nature lovers.
- KTDC Hotel (Cheruthoni) – clean and family-friendly.
- Homestays in Kattappana or Painavu – perfect for an authentic local experience.
- Munnar (47 km) – excellent hill-station resorts if you plan an extended trip.
