The Popular Idukki arch dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom. This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 feet high and 650 feet wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni Barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby Idukki Arch DamThe sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. Idukki Dam started generating power on 4 October 1975. Technically, the dam is a concrete double, curvature parabolic and thin arc type.The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969 and storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February 1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4th October 1975. Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi commissioned Commercial operation of the Power Station on 12 February 1976. Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms width. The water stored of this lake is utilized for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house. This is located inside the rocky caves.Idukki Arch dam is one of India’s proudest achievements, being Asia’s biggest arch dam and second of its kind in the country. Idukki arch dam sprawls between two mountains ’Kurathimala’ (925 meters) and ‘Kuravanmala’ (839meters). With breathtaking views of the location that visitors are treated to, the dam has now become a popular tourist attraction. With a catchment area of 60 km, its total capacity is now 2 billion tones or 2000 cubic meter.So if you are looking for some quiet and peaceful time amidst scenic beauty, relaxing, enjoying a picnic or some adventurous expeditions, then idukki arch dam is just the ideal place for you.
Location info:
Address:Moolamattom, Idukki District, Kerala, India
Here there is a moderate climate, temperature ranging between 21º C and 27º C.
History:
Interesting things to do:
This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to this Arch dam, there is two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms width, watch Moolamattom Power house etc.
Interesting things to Visit:
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq.km. and is about 450-748 m. above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu – extends to 33 sq.kmPeriyar Tiger Trail:A unique, nature – friendly trekking project developed with the aim of converting poachers into defenders of the forest.Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km Thodupuzha) Main attraction : Animals : elephants, gaur, samber deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc.Marayoor:The little town located 36km from munnar.It is famous for the exotic sandal wood forests in the region.Thekkadi:Rolling hills,tea and cardamom plantation welcome you to thekkadi.it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India,the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a tiger reserve.A boat ride on the spendid periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.Here we can see herds of elephents,tiger,sambar,spotted deer etc.Trekking facility is another advantage of Thekkadi.Kunthakulam bird sanctuary:Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is one of the delights for the ornithologists. The sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri Taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. Tourists who are keenly interested in adventure and trekking will enjoy visiting the place.Eravikulam National Park:Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.The Periyar Lake:A boat ride on the lake will make your Periyar tour absolutely fantastic. Sighting the elephants from the boat is very easy, as they come in herds near the lake to frolic in the water.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kumarakom and Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport
Road Transport:From Iddukki, there are regular buses to the sanctuary. A good network of roads serves Tirunelveli. There are bus services to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, etc.
Nearest Visiting places:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.Kuthumkal Waterfalls:The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!Top Station:Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.Lock Heart Gap:This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.Chellarkovil:This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.Kuttikanam:This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.Mattupetty:Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairyRajamala:Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.Pothamedu:Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.Devikulam:This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.Pallivasal:Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.Echo point:As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.Nyayamakad:This is Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.Kundala:
Kundala is a town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.Power House waterfalls:
This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.Attukal:A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.Chithirapuram:
Chithirapuram is having sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
BP Petrol Pump Thodupuzha, Idukki Kerala.Reliance Petrol Pump SH 32, Pala, Kottayam Kerala.Petrol Pump Puimoodu junction NH 220 Kottayam, Kerala- 43.Jawahar Petrol Pump Kothamangalam, Ernakulam Kerala State.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Greenwoods Resort K.K .Road, Kumily,Thekkady Idukki, Kerala 685536 Tel:09446574383.Ambadi Hotel Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkadi Idukki, Kerala 685536 Tel:04869 222195.MISTY MOUNTAIN RESORT Randam Mile Pallivasal P.O. Munnar, Kerala 685565 Tel:0484 2539465.Paradisa Plantation Retreat Kottayam Kumily Road, Murinjapuzha Kumily, Kerala 685532 Tel:0469 2602828.Hotel Mount Sinai Thekkady Junction, Idukki district PO Box 14, Kumily Kerala 685509 Tel:04869 222605.
Things to carry:
Food and water, cameras etc.
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station Thodupuzha, Idukki KeralaPolice Station Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd) Karimannoor Idukki, Kerala Tel:04862 262434.Ponkunnam Police Station NH 220, Ponkunnam Kottayam, Kerala.Munnar Police Station Munnar P.O. Idukki District 685612, Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Ashramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre Idukki, Kerala Tel: 09746063255.Amaritan Hospital Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam Ernakulam, Kerala 680562 Tel: 0484 2680511.Nairs Hospital Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass Ernakulam, Kerala 682304 Tel: 0484 2302666.Cardinal Speciality Hospital Cheenkallel, Monippilly Kuravilangad Kottayam, Kerala 686636 Tel: 04822 243099.Holy Family Hospital Muthalakodam Thodupuzha, Idukki.Govt. Ayurveda Hospital Thodupuzha, Idukki Kerala.St Mary’s Hospital SH 44, Thodupuzha Kottayam, Kerala Tel: 04862 222525.
