Walayar Dam in Palakkad, Kerala

Walayar Dam, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Palakkad district, Kerala, was completed in 1964. Built across the Walayar River, a tributary of the Kalpathipuzha River, it serves as a crucial irrigation source for the region. The dam also supports local industries, including the Malabar Cements factory.

About Walayar Dams

Recent Developments: As of October 2024, increased rainfall has brought the water level close to maximum capacity, leading to the
controlled opening of two shutters. This has raised the water levels of the Korayar River, and residents along the riverbanks are advised
to exercise caution.

Tourism & Safety: The dam is a popular spot with scenic views, though safety concerns have emerged due to unauthorized entry points.
Enhanced patrolling and possible restrictions aim to prevent incidents, with official entry points designated for visitor safety.

Nearby Attractions: Visitors can explore the Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park adjacent to the dam, perfect for family visits.
Coimbatore International Airport, located 48 km away, and the nearby Walayar railway station make the dam accessible year-round.

Location info

Address: Walayar, Palakkad District, Kerala, India.

District: Palakkad District.

Nearest Cities: Palakkad, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, and Madurai.

Best Time to Visit: September to March. This period offers pleasant weather and fuller reservoir levels, enhancing the scenic beauty.

Accessibility: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 48 kilometers away, and Walayar has a railway station for convenient access.

Nearby Attractions: Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park, adjacent to the dam, provide a natural habitat for local wildlife, making it a popular spot for family outings.

Safety Advisory: Visitors are encouraged to use official entry points and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents in the area.

Climate/Weather

Climate Type: Walayar has a tropical monsoon climate with warm and humid conditions year-round.

Temperature Range:

Summer (March to May): Average temperatures range from 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F).
Winter (November to February): Average temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F).

Monsoon Season: The southwest monsoon from June to September brings significant rainfall, refreshing the area’s greenery
and filling the dam reservoir.

Best Time to Visit: September to March offers the most pleasant weather, with cooler temperatures and scenic reservoir views.

Visitor Advice: Check current weather forecasts before planning a visit, as local conditions can vary seasonally.

History

Walayar Dam, located in Palakkad, Kerala, was completed in 1964 to serve as a significant irrigation source for the region. Positioned
across the Walayar River, a tributary of the Kalpathipuzha River, the dam was constructed to support agriculture and local industries,
particularly during periods of lower rainfall.In the years following its construction, Walayar Dam has played a crucial role in regional
development, providing water to both farmland and industrial sectors like the Malabar Cements factory. Over time, the dam has become
a popular destination for visitors due to its scenic surroundings and proximity to attractions such as the Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park.

Today, Walayar Dam remains an essential part of Palakkad’s infrastructure, although changing rainfall patterns have impacted water
levels in recent years, sparking initiatives to manage and maintain its resources effectively.

Interesting Things to Do

Visit Deer Park: Observe local wildlife at Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park nearby.
Picnic Spot: Enjoy a relaxing picnic with scenic views by the dam.
Photography: Capture beautiful landscapes and reservoir views.
Bird Watching: Spot native and migratory birds, especially in cooler months.
Temple Visits: Explore nearby temples for a cultural experience.
Nature Walks: Take light hikes or walks around the dam’s natural surroundings.

Interesting Things to Visit

Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park: A popular spot to see local wildlife, especially deer, in a serene park setting.
Walayar Dam Reservoir: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the reservoir, a perfect location for nature lovers and photographers.
Palakkad Fort: A historic fort located in Palakkad, offering insight into Kerala’s rich heritage.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: Known for its beautiful gardens, this nearby dam is another popular attraction in the region.
Silent Valley National Park: A biodiverse rainforest area perfect for trekking and wildlife exploration, located a short drive away.
Nearby Temples: Explore the ancient temples around Palakkad to experience local culture and spirituality.

Mobile range info

Walayar has reliable mobile network coverage from major Indian telecom operators, including BSNL, Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea),
all of which offer 4G LTE services for voice and data connectivity.

BSNL: Strong coverage in rural and semi-urban areas, with 2G, 3G, and 4G services available.
Airtel: Provides robust 4G coverage with reliable voice and data services in the area.
Jio: Offers good coverage and high-speed data, expanding rapidly across the region.
Vi (Vodafone Idea): Has satisfactory 2G, 3G, and 4G services throughout Kerala.

Factors Influencing Coverage: The hilly terrain and vegetation may affect signal strength in certain areas. Urbanized parts of Walayar
generally have stronger signals.

Tips for Visitors: Use dual SIM with different networks for continuous coverage, consider a local SIM for affordable data, and download offline maps as a backup.

Nearest Visiting Places

Loknayak J.P. Smrithivanam and Deer Park: Wildlife park near the dam, great for family visits.
Palakkad Fort: Historic fort in Palakkad, ideal for history enthusiasts.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: Scenic dam with beautiful gardens and boating facilities.
Silent Valley National Park: Biodiverse rainforest offering trekking and wildlife spotting.
Meenkara Dam: Picturesque dam, popular for picnics and scenic views.
Dhoni Waterfalls: A beautiful waterfall with trekking trails nearby.

Nearest Petrol Pumps

IndianOil Goodwill Fuels
Address: Ground Floor, Near Kanjikode Industrial Estate, Walayar, Palakkad - 678621
Phone: +91 8129452676
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Services: Fuel refilling, air filling, and convenience store.
Trivikramma Agencies
Address: Palghat Main Road, K.K. Chavadi, Walayar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641105
Phone: +91 9894090036
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Services: Fuel refilling and basic amenities.
HP Petrol Pump
Address: Patna Gaya Road, Sampatchak, Patna, Bihar - 800027
Phone: Not Available
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Services: Fuel refilling and air filling.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Country Club Coimbatore - Resort with pool, restaurant. Location: Walayar, Coimbatore.
Dvara Resort - Cottage-style with pool, mountain views. Location: Coimbatore.
Sree Bharat Residency - Hotel with restaurant, 24-hour service. Location: Coimbatore.
Park Royal Inn - Hotel with restaurant, room service. Location: Kuniyamuthur, Coimbatore.
Siruvani Palace - Resort with pool. Location: Coimbatore.

Things to Carry

Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight clothes for warm weather, and a jacket for cooler evenings.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to explore outdoor areas.
Sunscreen and Hat: Protection from the sun during the day.
First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries or discomfort.
Camera: To capture scenic views and wildlife around the dam.
Snacks: For energy during day trips or hikes.
Comfortable Footwear: Ideal for walking, hiking, and exploring the area.
Power Bank: Keep devices charged, especially for photography and navigation.
Rain Gear: An umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the monsoon season.

Tips & Suggestions

Plan Ahead: Check weather conditions before your visit, especially during monsoon season.
Respect Nature: Avoid littering and help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Stay Safe: Use designated paths, especially near the dam and reservoir, as water levels can vary.
Travel Light: Carry only essentials to keep your trip comfortable and manageable.
Keep Hydrated: Carry enough water, as some areas may not have nearby facilities.
Local Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples and nearby villages.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Make time to explore places like Deer Park and Palakkad Fort to enrich your trip.
Early Start: Begin your day early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Stations:

Walayar Police Station
Address: Salem-Ernakulam Highway, Walayar, Kerala - 678620
Phone: 0491 286 2264
Email: siwlrpkd.pol@kerala.gov.in
Thondamuthur Police Station
Address: Thondamuthur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 0422 261 7258
Karunya Nagar Police Station
Address: Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 0422 261 5701
Vadavalli Police Station
Address: Vadavalli, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 0422 242 3100
Narasimhanaickenpalayam Police Station
Address: Narasimhanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 0422 246 1000
Mannarkkad Police Station
Address: Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala
Phone: 04924 222 290

Hospitals:

Palakkad Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)
Address: Opposite Deer Park, Walayar, Palakkad - 678624
Phone: 0491 286 3000
Emergency Line: 0491 286 2566
Ahalia Ayurveda Medical College Hospital
Address: Kozhippara, Walayar, Palakkad - 678557
Phone: 04923 226 888
Email: mail@ahaliaayurvedic.org
Sree Abirami Hospital
Address: 33, Madukkarai Road, Sundarapuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641024
Phone: 0422 267 2972
KG Hospital
Address: Arts College Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641018
Phone: 0422 221 2121
Vikram ENT Hospital and Research Institute
Address: 54, Venkatasamy Road, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641002
Phone: 0422 254 6387
Sheela Hospital
Address: 46, East Periasamy Road, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641002
Phone: 0422 254 2044
Lakshmi Nursing Home
Address: Kenathuparambu, Palakkad, Kerala - 678001
Phone: 0491 252 2088
Madhavi Amma Memorial Hospital
Address: Sultanpet, Palakkad, Kerala - 678001
Phone: 0491 252 2088

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 Walayar Dams

The best time to visit Walayar 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.

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.

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.