Mangalam Dams

About Mangalam Dams

Mangalam Dam is in the Alathur taluk of Palakkad district in Kerala in south India, and it is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, The Mangalam Dam is located south of Palakkad town. The construction of the scenic dam was completed in the year 1956.The reservoir fringes on the forest area teeming with wildlife like deer, elephants and a variety of birds. The entire area is quite fascinating with beautiful parks, lawns and statues. Mangalam Dam, KeralaStanding across the Cherukunnapuzha River, the Mangalam dam was initially build for the purpose of providing irrigational water in the region. Cherukunnapuzha River is a tributary of Mangalam River. The canal system for irrigation purpose was completed and started functioning in 1966,The dam project consists of the spillway and a network of canal syatem to irrigate 3639 hectres of land in the district of palakkad..The place is an item to be ordered in the menu of kerala tourism…Tourists visiting palakkad district will surely happen to visit Mangalam and pothundy dams..Places like Nelliampathy, Nenmara etc are nearly to these dam sites.

Interesting things to do

This place is popular for Trekking and picnic spot and You can see the Scenic of this dam.

Interesting things to Visit

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary TravelSprawling over 285 sq.kms, this neighbouring sanctrary shelters the largest population of wild Gaur ( Bison) The Cannimare Teak Tree, said to be the largest in the Asian continent towers roughly 5kms away from Thunakadavu-the headquarters of Parambikulam.

Malampuzha:

Malampuzha has an aerial ropeway across the garden, a telescope tower, boating and fishing facilities, a swimming pool, fresh water aquarium and a snake park. Fantasy Park is a good spot for children. At Dhoni you can go on a 3-hour trek from the base of Dhoni Hills to the waterfall at the reserve forest area.

Jungles of Sahya Ranges:

These Sahya Ranges are famous for its evergreen forests.

Padagiri:

Nelliyampathy has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations. The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers.

Seethakunda:

Seethakundu offers a fantastic view of the valley below-a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, as beautiful as the green Valleys of Kodaikkanal.

Nelliyampathy:

Nelliyampathy is located just 75 km from Palakkad and at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m Nelliyampathy Hill Station Tours, the Nelliyampathyhilll comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palght is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen haipin curves of the ghat road passilng through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.

Chettikulam:

Chettikulam is a tourist destination in Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu. This scenic place, located about 22 km south of Perambalur, holds two ancient temples named Arulmigu Ekambareswarar Temple and Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple.

Kapaleeswara Temple:

This is the grand old temple of Chennai is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Golden Chariot :

The Lord and the festival deity called Chinnakumarar, a graceful figure in bronze is placed riding on a golden peacock mount

Nearest Visiting places

Palakkad Fort:

Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali, the mighty ruler of Mysore, in the year 1766 A.D. The fort was primarily built to speed up the communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. The region, during those days had a great strategic importance. The fort however fell into the hands of British Empire in the year 1784 after a siege that lasted 11 days. With the Zamorin’s capture of the fort, the dispute and the battle was not meant to end there. The British recaptured the fort in the year 1790 A.D. and with that established their stronghold in the region. Palakkad Fort, at present, is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple.

The temple is located 10 kilometer from Palakkad at the Chittoor-Kodumbu road. This ancient temple is well decorated with fine wood works and stone sculptures. It is one of the 108 Durga temples in the country. The temple remains unfinished. The annual festival falls at January, which lasts 10 days. Another attraction in the temple is the Mizhavu (a musical instrument), and it is observed as the largest in Kerala.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre:

Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Silent Valley National Park:

It is a dense rain forest located along the western corners of Nilgiris having an area of around 90 square kilometers. It is nearly 60 kilometers far from Palakkad and 90 kilometers from Coimbatore. The forest is famous for the very rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Silent Valley also known as Sairandhri Vanam. According to Hindu mythology Sairandhri is the other name of Draupadi who is the wife of Panadavas in MAHABHARATHA epic. Trekking is possible at this forest with prior permission.

Walayar Dam:

It is located about 25 kilometers from Palkkad town in the Kerala Tamilnadu border. The dam is meant for irrigation purpose. There is a deer Park located 3 kilometers from Walayar.

Kalpathi:

Kalpathi is the most famous ‘Agraharam’(Street occupied by Brahmins) in Palakkad and one of the 18 Agraharams(Brahmin residing streets) in the state. The famous Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple is here where the famous ‘Ratholsavam’ (temple car festival) takes place.

Olappamanna Mana:

Olappamanna is the family name of a feudal lords, belongs to the Namboothiri category. They are the reputed patrons of Kathakali and it is believed that Kathakali originated here. The ‘mana’ (ancestral house) lies at Vellinezhi (Which is known as Kathakali village) near Chepulassery.
Thrithala
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Thrithala:**

Thrithala is the place where Agnihotri (The eldest son of Vararuchi) conducted 99 yagnas and made Indra (King of Gods) envious. The Agnihotri ellam draws visitors. The village lies 8 kilometer far from Pattambi at the Pattambi-Kuttippuram road in the Ottapalam taluk. The Siva temple here is believed to be built around 10th century is a good example of the Chol-Pandya style of Architecture. The presiding deity here is Siva and deity here known as ‘Thalathilappan’.

Dhoni Hills:

The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Kottayi:

This is 15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Lakkidi:

Killikurussimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century sitarist and exponent of Tullal (Classical art form). The Poet’s house has been preserved as a monument by the state Government as an historical place.

Pothundy (Picnic Spot):

Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Nearest Petrol Pump

IBP Petrol Bunk
Chittur Road, Kenathuparambu
Palakkad, Kerala.

Bharat Petroleum
Coimbatore Road
Kalmandapam, Palakkad
Kerala.

Balaji Fuels
Chandranagar, Palakkad
Kerala 678007
Tel: 0491 2571793.

Petrol Pump
Palakkad, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Ashok Bhavan
Palakkad
Kerala.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort
Olassery, Kodumbu, Palakkad
Kerala 678551
Tel: 04923 222553.

Whistling Thrush Bungalow
Poothundu Plantations (P) Ltd
Padagiri P.O., Nelliyampathy
Kerala
Tel: 04923 246235.

Hotel Indraprastha
Krishna Gardens, P.O.
Chandernagar, Palakkad, Kerala.

Hotel Srichakra International
Palakkad, Kerala.

Emarald Hotel Silent valley
Mannarkkad
Palakkad, kerala.

Hotel Soorya Continental
Pudhiyapalam
Palakkad, kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
9/690, Mangalam Dam P.O
Palakkad, Kerala - 678706.

Wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery
Thrissur, Kerala
04884 233100.

Police Station Vadavalli
Coimbatore, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2423100.

Police Station
Kodakara, Thrissur
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Manoj Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala
Tel: 04922 224876.

Thankam Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala.

Santhi Hospital Kodakara
Thrissur
Kerala.

Link:

http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/07/mangalam-dam.html
http://palakkadtour.blogspot.com/2009/09/dams.html
http://palakkadtour.blogspot.com/2009/09/dams.html
http://constructiontenders.blogspot.com/2007/10/modernisation-of-rs-mangalam-big-tank.html

Location info

• Address: Alathur, Palakkad district, kerala, India**.
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• District: Palakkad district

• Nearest City: Coimbatore Madurai, Palakkad and Nelliyampathy.

• Best time to visit: Between November and April.

Climate & weather

Climate Generally warm and humid. The weather temparature Summers: 36°-20°; Winters: 16°-32°C.

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 Mangalam Dams

The best time to visit Mangalam Dams 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.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, a camera for panoramic views, drinking water, snacks, an umbrella or raincoat, binoculars for scenic views, and a hat for sun protection. Boating, if available, requires life jacket usage (provided on-site).

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 Mangalam Dams

Mangalam Dams 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.