Mulla Periyar dam is situated in Thekkady, Idukki Distict, Kerala State. Mullaperiyar Dam is build over the headwaters of the Periyar River in Kerala, India. The Periyar National Park, Thekkady is located close to the Periyar reservoir. The backwaters of this dam form this park. Government of Tamil Nadu operates the functions of the park and according to a 999-year lease agreement the dam was built during erstwhile British colonial rule.Mullaperiyar Dam, the name of Mullaperiyar Dam is derived from a portmanteau of Mullayar and Periyar. As the dam is located at the convergence of the Mullayar and Periyar Rivers, the river was called Mullaperiyar.The structure of the Mullaperiyar Dam was approved by the British during the colonial rule to redirect the waters of the west-flowing Periyar River eastwards, through the construction of a granite dam, and channelizing the water from the reservoir through a tunnel cut across the division and Western Ghats to the dry rain shadow regions of Theni, Madurai District, Sivaganga District and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu.The British Army Engineering corps for the Travancore kingdom had built the dam. After the first dam being washed away by floods, a second stonework dam was constructed in 1895. Unlike the earlier calculations, the government of Tamil Nadu finally decided to make the storage capacity to be 136 feet to 142 feet.
Here there is a moderate climate, temperature ranging between 21º C and 27º C.
History:
Interesting things to do:
Watch the Beautiful scenic of the dam, See nearby places like The Periyar National Park, Periyar river etc..
Interesting things to Visit:
Vandanmedu:Vandanmedu is famous for its extensive cardamom plantations and is the world’s largest auction center for cardamom. One should take a walk through these lovely plantations to get that heady feeling.Vandiperiyar:This town is famous for its pepper, coffee and tea plantations. The mighty Periyar River flows right through the center of this town thus providing natural irrigation. Vandiperiyar is a major trade center and also has many factories.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.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.Kurisumala:This place is Located on a high altitude, this beautiful place offers lot of opportunities for trekking, mountain climbing and other kinds of adventure sports. It also offers a bird’s eye view of the Periyar sanctuary and Kumily.Murikkady:This is 5 kms from thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Cochin International Airport
Road Transport:The Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) run their buses to Kumily, which is about 5 kms from Thekkady. The state and national highways connect the nearby destinations of Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Cochin and Kottayam apart from the other major destinations of India.
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 Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar Tamil Nadu.Indian Oil Petrol Pump Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar Tamil Nadu.Petrol Pump Pathanamthitta Kerala.Mallapally Petrol pump Kottayam, Kerala.Reliance Petrol Pump SH 32, Pala, Kottayam Kerala.
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.Aranya Nivas & Lake Palace Hotel Thekkady, Kerala 685 536 04862 322023.Paradisa Plantation Retreat Kottayam Kumily Road Murinjapuzha Kumily, Kerala 685532 Tel:0469 2602828.Hotel Treetop Thekkady P.O, Kerala 685536 Tel: 09895077199.Edassery resorts Periyar, Kumily Road Kattappana Thekkady, Idukki Dist, Kerala – 685508 Tel:09945273814.
Things to carry:
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 Kerala 685612.RJPM North Police Station Rajapalaiyam, Virudhunagar Tamil Nadu.Srivlliputhur Police Station Srivilliputtur, Virudhunagar Tamil Nadu.
Nearest Hospital:Ashramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre Idukki, Kerala Tel: 09746063255.Chempenkulam Ayurveda Hospital 7/1100, NH 220, Thekkady Jn, Kumily Kerala 685509 Tel:04869 222094.Mind and Body Homoeopathic Clinic and Research centre Karrotukunnel plaza Kalathipady, Vadavathoor po Kottayam 10, Kerala 686003 Tel: 09994088751.Lifeline Hospital P.B. Number: 46 14th Mile, Adoor Pathanamthitta, Kerala 691523 Tel: 09447091144.
