Kerala, God's Own Country, is not only known for its beaches and backwaters but also for its majestic dams that blend engineering marvels with breathtaking natural beauty. With around 60 dams spread across the state, many serve as prime eco-tourism spots, offering activities like boating, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
Let’s explore the 15 best dams in Kerala that are worth visiting for every traveler, photographer, and nature enthusiast.
🌊 1. Neyyar Dam, Thiruvananthapuram
Located in Kallikkad, Kattakada Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyar Dam is built across the Neyyar River. Constructed in 1958, it is a major tourist and recreational destination. The area surrounding the dam is known as Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, with the low hills of the Western Ghats forming its boundary. The site includes a beautiful lake and a variety of wildlife like bison, Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear, wild cats, Nilgiri langur, elephants, and sambar deer. Neyyar Dam Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Top Attractions: Lion Safari, Boating, Deer Park, Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation Center (crocodiles are not caged), Swimming Pool, Viewing Tower, Kerala’s first open jail, Kalipara Temple (2000 ft high, 1 km trek), and Sivananda Ashram (yoga center)
🌲 2. Thenmala Dam, Kollam
Situated in Thenmala Panchayat, Kollam district, along the Punalur–Shenkottai (Tamil Nadu) route. Also known as Kallada-Parappar Dam, it is the first eco-tourism center in Kerala. Built across the Kallada River, it is the second-largest irrigation dam in Kerala, surrounded by dense forest. Boating is available here. Read More Thenmala Dam Kerala: Top Eco-Tourism Destination in India
Specialty: Kerala’s second-largest irrigation dam with forested beauty all around.
🏞️ 3. Idukki Arch Dam, Idukki
Located in Cheruthoni, Vazhathope Panchayat, Idukki district, the Idukki Dam is an arch dam constructed across the Periyar River. It is built for hydroelectric power and is Asia’s first arch dam. It spans between Kuravan Hill (839 m) and Kurathi Hill (925 m) at a height of 555 feet. It stores water from three dams: Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu, covering 60 sq. km. Tourist access is limited to specific times. Read more Idukki Arch Dam
Note: Tourist access is permitted only during specific times.
🚤 4. Mattupetty Dam, Munnar
Situated in Mattupetty near Munnar in Devikulam Panchayat, Idukki, this dam is part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, built across the Muthirappuzhayar, a tributary of the Periyar River. A concrete gravity dam used for hydroelectric power. Tourists are attracted to speed boating, scenic beauty, and the famous Echo Point nearby. Read more Mattupetty Dam, Munnar
🏕️ 5. Idamalayar Dam, Ernakulam
Located in Kuttampuzha Panchayat in Ernakulam district near Bhoothathankettu, this dam is built across the Idamalayar, a tributary of the Periyar River. Part of the Idamalayar Hydroelectric Project, constructed in 1985. The dam is 373 meters long and 102 meters high. Read more Idamalayar Dam, Ernakulam
Height: 102 meters | Length: 373 meters
🌿 6. Bhoothathankettu Dam, Ernakulam
This dam is across the Periyar River in Pindimana Panchayat, Kothamangalam Taluk, Ernakulam. Located 5 km from Keerampara junction on the Kothamangalam–Thattekad road. Read More Bhoothathankettu Dam, Ernakulam
🏔️ 7. Sholayar Dam (Lower Sholayar), Thrissur
Located in Athirappilly Panchayat, Thrissur district, near Malakkappara on the Chalakudy–Valparai–Aliyar route. The dam is 66 m high and 430 m long, part of a project including the flanking dam (28 m high) and saddle dam (18.59 m high). Built in 1965, it is 65 km east of Chalakudy town and close to State Highway 21. Upper Sholayar Dam is in Tamil Nadu, about 5 km away from Malakkappara. Read More Sholayar Dam (Lower Sholayar), Thrissur
🌳 8. Peechi Dam, Thrissur
Built across the Manali River, a tributary of the Karuvannur River, in Panancheri Panchayat, Thrissur district. Part of the Peechi–Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 13 km from Thrissur via NH, then 8 km south from Peechi Road junction. Bus services are frequent. Entry fee is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children. The Peechi guest house provides day lodging for ₹300. No night stay available. Read More Peechi Dam, Thrissur
Entry Fee: ₹20 Adults, ₹10 Children
🏞️ 9. Malampuzha Dam, Palakkad
Built across the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Kalpathipuzha, near Palakkad. Constructed in 1955, it is Kerala’s largest irrigation reservoir. Adjacent to it is the famous Malampuzha Garden. Read more Malampuzha Dam, Palakkad
Main Attractions: Dam, river, mountain backdrop, Malampuzha Garden, Children's Park, Eco Park, Japanese Garden, Freshwater Aquarium, Snake Park, Ropeway, Fantasy Park, Speed Boating, Suspension Bridge, Yakshi sculpture by Kanayi Kunhiraman.
🌾 10. Pothundy Dam, Palakkad
Situated in Pothundy, Nemmara Panchayat, Palakkad, built across tributaries Meenchadi and Chadi of the Aylur River, a sub-tributary of Gayatripuzha (a Bharathapuzha tributary). Located 42 km from Palakkad and 8 km from Nemmara. One of India’s largest earthen dams. It is 1672 m long, 8 m wide at the top, and 154 m at the base. The Nelliampathy Hills, also called “Poor man's Ooty,” are 17 km away. Read more Pothundy Dam, Palakkad
💧 11. Kanjirapuzha Dam, Palakkad
Located in Kanjirapuzha Panchayat near Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, across the Kanjirapuzha River, a tributary of Kunthipuzha (Bharathapuzha). About 35 km from Palakkad via Thachampara–Muthukurussi. Accessible from Mannarkkad (10 km). A garden called Kanjirapuzha Garden and baby dam with boating are nearby. Vakkodan Hills are visible from the dam. Read more Kanjirapuzha Dam, Palakkad
⛰️ 12. Karapuzha Dam, Wayanad
Situated in Karapuzha village, Muttil Panchayat, Wayanad district. It is 20 km from Kalpetta and 25 km from Bathery, 8 km off NH 212 near Kakavayal. Edakkal Caves, another tourist spot, is only 5 km away. Read more Karapuzha Dam, Wayanad
🏞️ 13. Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad
Built across the Panamaram River, a tributary of the Kabini River, at Padinjarethara village in Wayanad, 21 km from Kalpetta. Constructed in 1979. An excellent starting point for trekking in nearby hills. The submerged land during construction led to the formation of scenic islands in the reservoir. Read more Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad
🌲 14. Kakkayam Dam, Kozhikode
Located 63 km from Kozhikode in Koorachundu Panchayat, across the Kuttiady River. A concrete gravity dam built for hydroelectric purposes and part of the Kuttiady project. Water from Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is diverted here. Post electricity generation, water is stored in Peruvannamoozhi Dam for irrigation. Both dam areas are part of the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary. Read more Kakkayam Dam, Kozhikode
🌊 15. Pazhassi Dam, Kannur
A scenic dam across the Valapattanam River at Kuyiloor in Padiyoor Panchayat, near Mattannur, Kannur district. Also known as Kuyiloor Dam. Part of the Pazhassi Irrigation Project, aimed at supplying water for agriculture across Kannur and Mahe. The Valapattanam River flows from the Coorg Hills and Wayanad forests. The dam spans Irikkur Taluk's Kuyiloor and Thalassery Taluk’s Veliyambra. Read more Pazhassi Dam, Kannur
🧭 How to Plan Your Dam Tour in Kerala
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Best Time to Visit: July to November for greenery and pleasant weather.
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Transportation: Major railway stations like Ernakulam, Palakkad, and Munnar are closest to most dams.
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Activities: Boating, nature walks, wildlife spotting, eco-tourism, photography
❓ Top FAQs about Visiting Dams in Kerala
1. Which is the most famous dam in Kerala?
Idukki Dam is the most iconic and Asia’s first arch dam, a hydroelectric marvel and a scenic spot.
2. Is boating available at these dams?
Yes, boating is available at Neyyar, Thenmala, Malampuzha, and Mattupetty Dams.
3. Are there entry fees at Kerala dams?
Yes, some dams like Peechi and Malampuzha have nominal entry fees for adults and children.
4. What is the best time to visit these dams?
July to November is ideal due to the lush greenery and post-monsoon beauty.
5. Can we visit these dams with family?
Absolutely! Most dams are family-friendly with parks, boating, and gardens.
6. Which dam has a ropeway in Kerala?
Malampuzha Dam offers ropeway rides along with other entertainment facilities.
7. Are wildlife sanctuaries close to these dams?
Yes, Neyyar, Peechi, and Kakkayam dams are near sanctuaries rich in biodiversity.
8. Is trekking allowed around dams?
Trekking is popular around Banasura Sagar, Kakkayam, and Sholayar dams.
9. Which dams are close to Wayanad?
Banasura Sagar and Karapuzha are the main tourist dams in Wayanad.
10. Can I visit all these dams in one trip?
Not in a single short trip. Plan based on proximity—like Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad clusters.
✅ Conclusion
Kerala’s dams are more than reservoirs—they are gateways to nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. From the hills of Idukki to the tranquil rivers of Kannur, each dam showcases Kerala’s eco-tourism potential. Whether you're planning a family trip, a photography tour, or a relaxing weekend, these 15 dams in Kerala offer the perfect getaway.
📌 Bookmark this post and start planning your dam tour through the green heart of Kerala!
