Pazhassi Reservoir

About Pazhassi Reservoir

Pazhassi Dam is located 37 km east of Kannur and It is an ideal retreat for tourists; the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. the Pazhassi Dam is nestled amidst an idyllic and picturesque setting. The Pazhassi Dam is a popular tourist hangout.With an abundant water body present amidst ample greenery, Pazhassi quickly emerged to become one of the most favored tourist attractions cum picnic spot in the region.Riding on its fame for being unimaginably beautiful, the Pazhassi Dam draws tourists by a large number every year, from the across the country and different parts of the world.The DPTC provides tourists with boating facilities at the reservoir, making boating the primary source of entertainment at the Dam.one may enjoy a scenic drive to the dam on the route that greets you with Cashew nut trees in full bloom. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.

Interesting things to Visit

Pazhassi Raja tomb:

Pazhassi Raja tomb is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb.

Tellicherry Fort:

22 kms from Kannur, the fort constructed in 1708,was the military centre of the British and is now a historical monument. The S.A.I. Gymnastic Centre, an old Muslim Mosque.

Valapattanam:

The small town on the Valapattanam river is situated about 7 kms from Kannur. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in India and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia.

Nearest Visiting places

Meenkunnu Beach:

The peaceful, quiet and beautiful Meenkunnu beach is a tourist paradise, situated at Azhikode, 12km from Kannur. It is an extension of the Payyambalam Beach. The golden sands of the beach lined with coconut trees and surf, is a perfect place to spend leisure time.

The Residence of the Gundert:

The Gundert Bungalow is situate at Illikkunnu, 2 kms away from Thalassery near the National Highway. It was here that Gundert, the German missionary and the plyglot resided for 20 years from 1839. He made invaluable contributions to the Malayalam language.

Parassinikkadavu Temple:

It is a famous temple in south India. It is situated 20 kms away from Kannur. It is famous for its natural beauty. Boating facilities are available for tourists.

Dharmadam Isle:

This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from southern part of Moithu bridge in the national highway. During ebb time one can reach here by foot. From this isle one can see the rocks around and the beauty of Muzhuppilangad beach and the distant beauty of Thalassery town.

Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary:

Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Found in this tranquil sanctuary is elephants, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer as well as fauna and reptiles. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.

Parassinikkadavu (Snake Park):

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park signifies the great role played by Snakes in keeping the ecology of nature. The park is dedicated to preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are getting extinct gradually. It has many snake pits and glass cases especially made only for king Cobras. In all there are about 150 snakes including spectacled Cobras, Monosialed Cobras, Russell, Vipers, Pit Viper and three magnificent king cobras.

Arakkal Palace:

This palace is situated just 3 kms from Kannur, is a beautiful palace of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala that controlled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep.

Thodeekulam Siva Temple:

Thodeekulam Siva Temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road in the Kannur district. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. This temple was constructed 2,000 years ago.

Moppila Bay:

Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countriea, in imports.

The Residence of the Gundert:

The Gundert Bungalow is situate at Illikkunnu, 2 kms away from Thalassery near the National Highway. It was here that Gundert, the German missionary and the plyglot resided for 20 years from 1839. He made invaluable contributions to the Malayalam language.

Thodeekulam Siva Temple:

Thodeekulam Siva Temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road in the Kannur district. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. This temple was constructed 2,000 years ago.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad:

Sree Rama Swami Temple is located in Thiruvangad, about 23 kms. from Kannur. This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama and one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple were done about 400 years ago.

Sri Krishna Temple:

This temple is located at Kadalayi about 6 km from Kannur. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. An eight day annual festival is celebrated here. Traditional art performances like the Kathakali, the Ottamthullal, etc., are performed during the festival.

Kavvayi Island:

Kavvayi Island is a small island, near Payyannur in the Kannur district of Kerala state is connected with Payyannur by a small bridge on the Kavvayi Pozha, which means the river of Kavvayi. Recently there have been a number of researches done by a number of archaeologists in this river.Kavvayi Island is one of the most fascinating destinations among the backwaters in Kerala. The backwaters down the south of Kerala; like those in and around Kollam and Alappuzha have their own unique attractions, surroundings and ways of life. Kavvayi Island too has its own unique elements that attract hordes of tourists round the year.

Payyanur Pavithra Mothiram:

This Payyanur Pavithram is being made of Gold and Silver. The Pavithram is to be worn on the right ring finger by the person performing Vedic Karmas.

Muchilot Bagavathi:

This Muchilot Bagavathi is one of the most popular deity worshipped in North Kerala. There is a practice for suppling food to thousands of devotees in connection with the Muchilot Bagavathi. Highly decorative figure of Muchilot Bagavathi attracts the minds of devotees and the men of esthetic sense.

Sree Rayarothidam Someswari Temple:

This temple is located at Padinjarkkara, Kadannappalli West. It is one of the famous Bhagavathi temple.

Ezhimala beach:

The Ezhimala beach has a hillock at an elevation of 286 meters. The much acclaimed Naval Academy of Kerala undergoes development at this very spot. This beach is situated at a radius of 55 kilometers from Kannur. It is a delighting combination of natural beauty and history. This beach is positioned between hills and is hence situated at a higher altitude. An altitude of 286 m and 55 km from Kannur is Ezhimala, which has fascinating scultured stone pillars scattered all over the beach.

Payyambalam Beach Resort:

The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepcti ve of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or’ Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.

Pythal Mala:

This enchanting hill station ,situated 4,500 ft. above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border ,is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills.

Kottakkunnu park:

Kottakkunnupark is located at Kottakkunnu , which is just 1 km away from Malappuram town.It is an definitive fun spot for the entire family.For people, who are looking for fun and frolic with a bit of adventure, they must visit Kottakkunnu Park.This is a water theme park; an entertainment place for all age groups from children to adults.This is an ambitious joint venture by the Malappuram Municipality and Distric Tourism Promotion Council.

Thirunelly temple:

Thirunelly temple is 32 km northeast of Mananthavady. Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Falcon Plaza
Iritty, Kerala
0490 2493880.

Hotel Vadakara
Mananthavady Road
Kottiyoor, Wayanad
Kerala.

Hotel Malabar Fort
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Hotel The Mark
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Hotel Paris Presidency
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Hotel Arafa International
Padanapalam, Kannur
Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
NH 17, Thalassery
Kannur, Kerala.

Edakad Police Station
NH 17, Kerala.

Old Police Station
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Payam Homeo Hospital
Kannur, Kerala.

Nivil Hospital
Kannur, Kerala.

Government Ayurvedic Dispensary
Panthakkapara Pinarayi Road
Kerala.

Shreyas Hospital
Kayalode Kadirur Road
Kadirur, Kannur, Kerala.

Unity Hospital
SH 30, Thalassery
Kannur, Kerala.

Welcare Hospital
Thalassery, Kerala State.

Co operative Hospital
NH 17, Koduvally, Thalassery
Kannur, Kerala.

Link:

http://mudnigga.blogspot.com/2009/06/pazhassi-dam-kannur.html
http://bloggerhanif.blogspot.com/2007/06/pazhassi-dam.html

Location info

• Address: Pazhassi, Kannur District, Kerala, India.

• District: Kannur District.

• Nearest City: Payyannur, Mattannur, Koothuparamba Chakarakkal and Kannur.

• Best time to visit: November to April.

Climate & weather

Climate is Humid and Tropical. And the average maximum temperature is 31.2oC and minimum is 23.6oC.

Things to do at Pazhassi Reservoir

This dam has scenic beauty, DPTC provides tourists with boating facilities at the reservoir.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Koothuparamba
Kannur, Kerala.

Parippayi Petrol Pump
Kannur, Kerala.

KTC Petrol Pump
Mahe.

Petrol pump
SH 30, Iritty
Kerala.

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 Pazhassi Reservoir

The best time to visit Pazhassi Reservoir 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 Pazhassi Reservoir

Pazhassi Reservoir 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.