Cheruthoni River

About Cheruthoni River

Cheruthoni river is located 5 km from Painavu, Idukki district, It is the major tributary of the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala state south India.Cheruthoni River is now more known for being a adjacent to the `Idukki Arch Dam’ and Cheruthoni dam. These dams along with Kulamavu Dam makes the Idukki Hydel resorvoir. The Idukki sanctuary is located in the forest land between the Cheruthoni river and the Periyar river. Cheruthoni is part of Vazhathope Panchayat, in Idukki District of Kerala. Other villages adjacent to Cheruthoni are Vazhathope, Thadiyanpadu, Karimban, Manjappara, Maniyarankudi, Bhoomiyamkulam, Peppara, Manjikkavala, Painavu, and several others.You can reach Cheruthoni only by jeep. The Kerala State Electricity Board, which looks after the dams, rents out boats for the two hour cruise between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.

Mobile range info

Idukki arch dam:

The Popular Idukki arch dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom. This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 feet high and 650 feet wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni Barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby Idukki Arch DamThe sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. km and is about 450-748 m above sea level.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary:

This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq.km. and is about 450-748 m. above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamanu - extends to 33 sq.km

Periyar Tiger Trail:

Its a friendly trekking project developed with the aim of converting poachers into defenders of the forest.Idukki

The Periyar Lake:

A boat ride on the lake will make your Periyar tour absolutely fantastic. Sighting the elephants from the boat is very easy, as they come in herds near the lake to frolic in the water.

Cheruthoni Dam:

Cheruthoni Dam is located in Moolamattom, Idukki district, Kerala the largest concrete gravity dam in Kerala, which is located close to Idukki Arch Dam. It is also stands as the third highest dam in India. The Dam built across the Periyar River & it attracts thousands of tourists.

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary:

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is one of the delights for the ornithologists. The sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri Taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. Tourists who are keenly interested in adventure and trekking will enjoy visiting the place.

Nearest Visiting places

Top Station:

Top Station, the hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.

Lock Heart Gap:

This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls:

The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!

Kuttikanam:

This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.

Mattupetty:

Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy

Rajamala:

Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.

Pothamedu:

Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.

Devikulam:

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.

Pallivasal:

Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.

Echo point:

As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Nyayamakad:

Nyayamakad is Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.

Kundala:

Kundala is a town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.

Power House waterfalls:

This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Chithirapuram:

Chithirapuram is having sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Thommankuthu waterfall.

Here, you have lovely waterfalls as a picnic spot.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Paradisa Plantation Retreat
Kottayam Kumily Road, Murinjapuzha
Kumily, Kerala 685532
Tel:0469 2602828.

Greenwoods Resort
K.K .Road, Kumily, Thekkady
Idukki, Kerala 685536
Tel:09446574383.

Ambadi Hotel
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkadi
Idukki, Kerala 685536
Tel:04869 222195.

Misty Mountain Resort
Randam Mile Pallivasal P.O.
Munnar, Kerala 685565
Tel: 0484 2539465.

Hotel Mount Sinai
Thekkady Junction, Idukki district
PO Box 14, Kumily
Kerala 685509
Tel:04869 222605.

Green Berg Resort
Nadukani, Kulamavu
Idukki.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Munnar Police Station
Munnar P.O.,. Idukki District
685612, Kerala.

Police Station
Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd),
Karimannoor
Idukki, Kerala
Tel:04862 262434.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Govt. Ayurveda Hospital
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

St Mary’s Hospital
SH 44, Thodupuzha
Kottayam, Kerala
Tel: 04862 222525.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Ashramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre
Idukki, Kerala
Tel: 09746063255.

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

Cardinal Speciality Hospital
Cheenkallel, Monippilly
Kuravilangad
Kottayam, Kerala 686636
Tel: 04822 243099.

Holy Family Hospital
Muthalakodam
Thodupuzha, Idukki.

Link:

http://moviesdekho.blogspot.com/2008/06/cheruthoni-dam-kerala-india.html
http://lifestyle-india.blogspot.com/2007/09/periyar-river.html

Location info

• Address: Cheruthoni, near Painavu, Idukki District, Kerala, India

• District: Idukki District

• Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikannal and Thodupuzha .

• Best time to visit: November to May.

Climate & weather

Here there is a moderate climate,The temparature ranges from Min: 22.5°C and Max: 37.5°C

Things to do at Cheruthoni River

Watch Longest river Periyar river which joins this river, also visit the Cheruthoni and Idukki Arch Dam. Visit to Idukki wildlife sanctuary nearby.

Nearest petrol pump

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

BP Petrol Pump
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Reliance Petrol Pump
SH 32, Pala, Kottayam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
Kottayam, Kerala- 43.

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.

Best time to visit Cheruthoni River

The best time to visit Cheruthoni River is from November to February with pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after the monsoon (July–November). Summer months (March–May) see reduced water levels. Boating and riverside picnics are best in the post-monsoon months.

Timings & opening hours

River areas are accessible 24 hours. Boating and bathing are recommended only during daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Some riverside temples and ghats have specific access timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to riverside areas is generally free. Boating or rafting charges, if available, vary by operator. Rivers flowing through forest areas may require forest entry permits.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for riverside walks and photography. Additional time for boating, fishing, or picnicking if available.

Safety tips

Be cautious of strong currents and depth variations when near the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during heavy flow. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar stretches. Be mindful of slippery riverbank rocks. During monsoon, water levels can rise rapidly — avoid riverbanks during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Comfortable footwear, drinking water, camera, light snacks, mosquito repellent, a towel if you plan to wade, and an umbrella or rain cover for your bag. For riverside picnics, carry a ground sheet or mat.

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 Cheruthoni River

Cheruthoni River is part of Kerala’s extensive river network — the state has 44 rivers, 41 of which flow westward to the Arabian Sea and 3 eastward. These rivers originate in the Western Ghats and have shaped Kerala’s geography, agriculture, and culture. Rivers have been central to Kerala’s civilisation — providing water for rice cultivation, serving as trade routes, and inspiring countless works of literature and folklore. The riverbanks are dotted with temples, churches, and settlements that have flourished for centuries.

Things to visit & highlights

The flowing river waters with scenic riverbanks, riverside ghats and temples (if present), traditional boats on the river, the lush green riverbanks, and the local life along the river — fishing, washing, and daily activities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go boating on the river? — Boating availability depends on the river’s width, depth, and current. Some rivers offer boat rides, especially wider stretches. Inquire locally. Is the river safe for swimming? — Swimming in rivers requires caution. Some stretches are safe, while others have strong currents. Check locally and avoid swimming near dams or after heavy rain. What is the best time to visit? — Early morning for the best light and bird sightings. Post-monsoon (October–January) offers the best water levels and scenic beauty.