Chalakkudy Dam

About Chalakkudy Dam

The Chalakudy dam lies 65 km east of Chalakudy town and it is constructed across the Chalakudy River in the Thrissur district, within the state of Kerala. This is also known as the Sholayar Dam. Chalakudy is both a city and a municipality in India. Athirappilly lies thirty kilometres from Chalakudy, which falls on the way to waterfalls. This route is a well-known tourist spot, where two water theme parks are the prime attraction. The name “Chalakudy” is taken from the word “Shalakudy” depicting a place where sacrifices were made. The tourists often visit this spot to enjoy the beauty of Athirappilly Water fall and Sholayar Dam, while on the way to Sholayar city.

Interesting things to Visit

Vazhachal waterfalls:

The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.

Sholayar Dam:

Sholayar Dam is situated 20 km from Valparai, a hill station on the Anamalai range in Coimbatore District. It is the second deepest dam in Asia. With its scenic surroundings, the dam is a busy tourist spot in the hidden forest area. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.

Vachumaram:

Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.

Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.

Malakapara Tea Gardens:

For the best adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife.

Charpa Falls:

To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.

Nearest Visiting places

Heritage Garden:

Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace.Its a good place to visit for exploring the rare species of flora grown in mountain ranges of Kerala. The plants and trees preserved here include many varieties which come under the protected list.The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.

Lourdes Cathedral:

Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.

Archaeological Museum:

The archaeological and art museum at Thrissur has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Located near the Zoo, at a distance of 2 km from the Thrissur town, this museum is a treasure trove of various Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal , megaliths like earthen pots and urns etc.

Peechi Dam:

Quite near to Thrissur, there is an irrigation project site ‘Peechi Dam’, which is a well-known picnic spot. There are also boating facilities at the reservoir, and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.

The Zoo:

This is 2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace:

One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the tourists having special interest on history.

Vilangakunnu:

This is 7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.

Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter):

Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time.

Christian Divine Retreat Centres:

They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi - Thrissur route.

Thriprayar Temple:

This Temple is located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight.

Mummiyur Temple:

This is a small temple dedicated to Shiva, whose image is said to have been existing in Guruvayoor, even prior to the installation of the image of Krishna. It is located near the famous Krishna temple.A visit to this shrine is considered mandatory for all those worshipping at the Krishna temple.

Chavakkad Beach:

Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad beach is an important tourist spot. Chavakkad is famous for Haidross Kuttee, a lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. St Thomas Church at Palayur and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby tourist spots.

Parthasarathy:

This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha)

Anakkaya:

Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

Chowalloor Shiva Temple:

Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum.

Elephant Camp:

Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Rain Forest Resort
PIV/93A, Kammamkuzhy P.O
Athirappilly, Kerala - 0480 2769062

A N Z Hotel
22, 295/2 Puthenveettil House
Perumpadanna N Parur
Ernakulam, India - 683513

Motel Aaram
Athirapally, Vettillappara Chalakudy
Thrissur, Pin - 680 721.

Hotel Riverrok Villas
Athirappilly,kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur
Kerala.

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur
Kerala.

Police station
Kattoor Town, Thrissur
Kerala.

Police Station
Kodakara, Thrissur
Kerala.

Anthikkad Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Janatha Hospital
Market Road, Alwaye Aluva, Ernakulam
Kerala 680101
Tel:0484 2624931.

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam,
Ernakulam, Kerala 680562
Tel: 0484 2680511.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple
Ravipuram Road, Ernakulam
Kerala 680016
Tel:0484 2357135.

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin
Kerala 682019
Tel: 0484 2301922.

Link:

http://chalakudymp.blogspot.com/2009/03/athirappilly-dam-issue.html
http://tourdekeralam.blogspot.com/2008/10/beautyful-places-to-vist-in-kearala.html
http://natural-aspiration.blogspot.com/2009/08/valparai-and-chalakudi-trip-ive-been-to.html

Location info

• Address: Chalakudy, Thrissur District , kerala, India.

• District: Thrissur: Thrissur District**.
  **

• Nearest City: Chalakudy, Kochi, Sholayar, Kaladi, Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam, Kodungallur.

• Best time to visit: July to September.

Climate & weather

The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January - May) 15º C to 36º C. and Monsoon: (June - October) 26º C to 36º C.

Things to do at Chalakkudy Dam

You see the Chalakudy river across the dam, and also Sholayar dam.

Nearest petrol pump

HP Petrol Pump
SH 22, Vasanth Nagar
Thrissur
Kerala.

Thaliyath Petrol Pump
Irinjalakuda, Thrissur
Kerala

Petrol pump
Panampilly Nagar Avenue
Panampilly Nagar
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Things to carry

You can carry the binoculars and Cameras etc..

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Chalakkudy Dam

The best time to visit Chalakkudy Dam is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the reservoir is full from the monsoon rains. Post-monsoon (October–December) offers scenic views with lush green surroundings. Summer months see lower water levels but easier access.

Timings & opening hours

Dams are typically open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Some dams restrict access during monsoon months (June–September) due to safety concerns. Check with the Kerala State Electricity Board for specific timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to dam viewing areas typically costs INR 10–30 per person. Boating charges are extra: INR 100–300 for speed boats and INR 50–150 for pedal boats. Parking fees apply.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to view the dam, explore the reservoir area, and enjoy boating if available. Picnic areas near dams can extend the visit.

Safety tips

Do not swim or bathe in the reservoir near the dam structure. Stay behind safety barriers and observe warning signs. Be cautious of sudden water release from the dam. Do not venture into restricted areas. Follow instructions from security personnel and dam authorities.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Chalakkudy Dam

Chalakkudy Dam is part of Kerala’s extensive hydroelectric and irrigation infrastructure developed after India’s independence. Kerala’s first hydroelectric project was commissioned in 1940, and numerous dams were built in the subsequent decades to harness the state’s abundant water resources from the Western Ghats rivers. These dams transformed Kerala’s economy by providing irrigation for agriculture and electricity for industry and domestic use, while also creating scenic reservoirs that became tourist attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Is boating available at the dam? — Many dams in Kerala offer boating facilities — speed boats, pedal boats, and rowboats are common. Charges range from INR 100–500 per person. Availability varies by season. Can I walk on the dam wall? — Walking on the dam wall is permitted at some dams (within designated areas) and restricted at others for safety reasons. Follow local signage. What is the best time to visit? — Post-monsoon (October–January) when the reservoir is full and the surroundings are lush green.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.