mountains. The dam has been built to produce hydroelectric power and the tourists are not allowed to take their cell phones and camera inside the dam area. The dam is surrounding area of the dam is lush green that is inhabited by a variety of wildlife animals.
History
The initial idea of a hydroelectric project on the
Periyar River was introduced by W H John, the superintendent of Malankara
Estate. He has spoken about the benefits of such a project in an article
published in Malayala Manorama daily, in 1935. Later, the area between the
Kuravan and Kurathi mountains was introduced to him by Chemban Kolumban, a
tribal person of the region.
When the engineers came and approved the area,
Kolumban was allowed a monthly pension of Rs 40 for his services, by the Kerala
Electricity Board. A memorial has been established on the dam site in order to
honor Kolumban.
The project work at this site was initiated in the year
1963. The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, inaugurated the first
phase of the dam in 1976. The water reservoir of this site has the capacity of
holding 2 billion tons of water.
The reservoir is fed by Periyar and Cheruthoni
rivers and it has been held with the help of three dams, namely Idukki,
Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. The main purpose of Idduki dam is to store the water
while the other dams, built at the lower section of the reservoir, direct the
water to the powerhouse.
The hydroelectric power is generated at an underground
station in Moolamattahm and the Idukki
project has largely helped the generation of power in Kerala, with the project
alone generating 780 MW of power.
Attractions
The dam offers you a splendid view of the surrounding
regions. The water reservoir of the site is not only used for power generation
but also to facilitate irrigation in the surrounding areas. The dam is open for
the common visitors only for 10 day during the festive season of Onam and
Christmas. With its entry fee being cheap, thousands of tourists come to this
place during this time of the year. Boating facilities are also provided to the
visitors on the waters of the reservoir.
There are various other tourist attractions in Idukki,
which you can visit while on a trip to this dam. Thommankuthu Waterfall, Hill
View Park, Idukki National Park and Nadukani hill station are some of
the must visit destinations in this region.
Opening Time: The place remains open for only 10
days during the festive season of Onam and Christmas.
Entry Fee: The entry fee to this place is Rs 10
for adults and Rs 5 for children. The boating in the waters of the dam is
charged as Rs 600 per person, for 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Idukki Dam is from August to
March.
How to Reach
By Road: The dam is easily accessible by road
from the main town of Idukki. Shared and hired taxi services are available from
the town to the dam. Idukki is well connected through road with the places like
Munnar (37 km), Ernakulam (116 km) and Kottayam (120 km). Both public and
private buses are available from these places to Idukki.
By Air: The nearest airport to the dam is
Cochin International Airport, which is located at a distance of about 132 km.
Regular buses and taxi services are available from the airport to the place.
By Train: The nearest train station to the dam
is Kottayam, located at a distance of about 133 km. The station is well
connected with various major cities within the country. Both bus and taxi
services are available outside the station to get to the place.
Categories: Kochi
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