Vazhani Dams

About Vazhani Dams

This Dam located in Wadakanchery, Thrissur District, Kerala, India, This is one biggest dam made purely of clay. The water of this dam is mainly used for irrigation and drinking. The Vazhani dam is an integral source of water for the people of the Thrissur district. Many renovations are being made to the Vazhani dam, in order to make it a tourist center. This is an earthen dam with a length of 792.48 metres standing across the Wadakkanchery River. The Vazhani dam stands 10 km away from Wadakkanchery town.

Interesting things to Visit

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary:

This is one of the India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. It has one of the richest collections of flora and fauna. The Peechi Vazhani sanctuary is located between the dams of two rivers - Peechi and Vazhni of Trichur. These attract a great variety of birds, reptiles and other animal.

Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy:

Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy in Thrissur was established to promote dance, theater and music in Kerala. Thanks to its efforts Thrissur can now boast of a theatre with all modern amenities.

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy:

Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy was established in 1962 as an attempt to promote the performing and fine arts of the state which had fallen into a decline.

Vadakkumnathan Temple:

The famous Vadakkumnathan temple located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India.A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala’s most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.

Vilangan Kunnu:

This place is in Thrissur is a recreational center and a picnic spot where various amusement devices for children have been constructed.

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.

Guruvayoor:

Guruvayoor is away from Thrissur, this is also one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in the state. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Guru, the preceptor of Gods and Vayu, the God of wind, created the temple.

Kerala Sahitya Academy:

Kerala Sahitya Academy is built in collaboration with the Kendra Sahitya Academy in New Delhi aims at encouraging Malayalam language and promoting its literature especially to the younger generations.

Nearest Visiting places

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.

Koodalmanikyam Temple:

Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It is located 21 km from Thrissur, Kerala. The sanctum is believed to have the presence of all godly powers and hence the name Koodalmanikyam Koodal means ‘joining together’. The temple is surrounded by four vast ponds called ‘Kulipini Teertham’.

Vamanamurthy Temple:

The Vamanamurthy Temple at Trikakkara is an ancient one, located 14 km north east of Irinjalakuda. The presiding deity at the temple is Vamanamurthy. This temple is associated with the Onam festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Leo). The last day of Onam marks the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Vamana and the banishment of Mahabali the demon king, to the netherworld.

The Zoo:

Just 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.

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. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.

Vilangakunnu:

Its just 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.

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple:

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the largest Krishna temples in Kerala. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple is located in Thrissur in Kerala, South India and is considered to be over a 1000 years old.

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.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Casino Hotels
T. B. Rd, Thrissur
Kerala 680 021
0487 424699.

Pearl Regency Hotel
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
0487 2446661.

Hotel Trichur Towers
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2425290.

Hotel Ashoka Inn
Thrissur, Thrissur
Kerala.

Hotel Joys Palace
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2429999.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel:04884 233100.

Chelakkara Police Station
Pazhayannur Road, Chelakkara,
Kerala.

Viyyoor Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala.

Peramangalam Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Government Hospital
Ottupara, Wadackanchery
Thrissur, Kerala.

Divine Hospital
Wadackanchery, Thrissur
Kerala.

Ganga Medical Center
Wadackanchery,
Kerala.

Chelakkara hospital
Pazhayannur Road
Chelakkara,
Kerala.

Government Hospital
Pazhayannur Road, Chelakkara
Kerala.

Link:

Location info

• Address: Wadakanchery, Thrissur district, Kerala.

• District: Thrissur district

• Nearest City: Irinjalakuda, Kochi, sholayar, kaladi, Kunnamkulam, Kodungallur, Ernakulam.

• Best time to visit: October to March.

Climate & weather

The weather Temaparture on Summers: 36°-20° C and in Winters: 16°-32°C.

Things to do at Vazhani Dams

You can see the Wadakkanchery river, Trekking etc.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Mahatma Gandhi Rd
Thrissur, Kerala.

HP Petrol Pump
SH 22, Vasanth Nagar
Thrissur, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Wadakanchery
Thrissur, 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 Vazhani Dams

The best time to visit Vazhani 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 Vazhani Dams

Vazhani 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.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.