Idukki Dam — Attraction in Kerala

The Idukki Dam is a double-curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi in Idukki district in the state of Kerala, India. It is constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom, which started generating power on 4 October 1975. At 168.91 metres (554.2 ft), it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The Indo-Canadian project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on February 17, 1976.This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams and Two saddle dams, Kulamavu Saddle Dam (Near Junction) and Kulamavu Saddle Dam (Right Bank) have created an artificial lake that is 60 km2 (23 sq mi) in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. Narakakkanam, Azhutha, Vazhikkadavu, Vadakkepuzha and Kuttiar diversion schemes were later added to augment the Idukki reservoir The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. The project led by Dr.D.Babu Paul IAS, who appointed as Project Coordinator, Idukki Hydel Project & District Collector with several engineers like Sri. C.V Mathews, Sri. M. Ramachandran, (Retired Chief Engineers, Kerala State Electricity Board) . The Government of Canada aided the Project with long-term loans and grants. SNC-Lavalin, Canada, a well-known firm of Consulting Engineers were advising and assisting Project Engineers under Canadian aid, while Hindustan Construction Company (a.k.a. HCC) of Walchand group won the bid for construction. Storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February, 1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4 October 1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.The Idukki Dam is 168.91 m (554.2 ft) tall, constructed between two mountains, Kuravanmala (839 m (2,753 ft)) and Kurathimala (925 m (3,035 ft)). The length of the dam on its top is 365.85 m (1,200.3 ft). It has a width of 7.62 m (25.0 ft) at the top and 19.81 m (65.0 ft) at the bottom. The gross storage capacity of the dam is 1.996 cubic kms (70.50 tmc ft). About 464,000 m3 (16,400,000 cu ft) of concrete was used in the construction of the dam. This project is situated in Idukki District and its underground power house is located at Moolamattom which is about 43 km (27 mi) from the dam. It is notable that the Idukki arch dam does not have any shutters. The reservoir water level is maintained by the shutters in the Cheruthoni dam.The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Moolamattom. The installed capacity of the Power House is 780 MW consisting of 6 Units of Pelton-type turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 MW each. The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 m (2,196 ft) while generating power in the underground power house. The generated power is given to two sub stations. One double circuit line to Kalamassery; one single circuit line to Tamil Nadu; One single circuit line to Pallom, 3 feeder bays for future.Tourism Earlier, there was a blanket ban on public entry to the dam due to security reasons. Later, it was relaxed opening the dam for public for 10 days during the Onam and the Christmas seasons. The duration has been increased to one month since last year. Cameras and cell phones are not allowed inside the dam area. The entry fee is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. The fee for 15-minute boating service for five persons is Rs. 600.Idukki valley is 121 km (75 mi) away from Kottayam, Best Travel...

Idukki Dam View: Majestic Beauty Amidst Nature's Splendor

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala, India, the Idukki Dam offers visitors an awe-inspiring view that combines the grandeur of engineering marvels with the pristine beauty of nature. Spanning the Periyar River in the district of Idukki, this architectural wonder stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and ecological preservation. Let us delve into a vivid description of the Idukki Dam view, capturing its mesmerizing essence.

As one approaches the dam, the sight of its massive concrete structure rising against the backdrop of the Western Ghats is truly awe-inspiring. The dam's towering height and sturdy construction leave visitors in awe of the engineering prowess required to create such a monumental structure. The panoramic view from the dam offers a glimpse into the vast expanse of the reservoir, which stretches as far as the eye can see, reflecting the azure sky and surrounding greenery.

The lush green hills of the Western Ghats encompassing the dam add a touch of ethereal beauty to the landscape. The undulating slopes covered with dense vegetation create a serene and picturesque setting that is a treat for nature lovers. The mist-kissed mountains, veiled in an enchanting cloak of clouds, further enhance the visual appeal, transporting visitors to a realm of tranquility and natural splendor.

The glistening waters of the reservoir, formed by the dam, exude a sense of serenity and majesty. The calm surface mirrors the surrounding hills and dense forests, creating a visual symphony of colors and textures. Visitors can witness various shades of green dancing upon the water's surface, harmonizing with the vibrant blue of the sky above. This captivating reflection creates a surreal ambiance, captivating the senses and soothing the soul.

The Idukki Dam view also offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. The reservoir and its surroundings are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Birds gracefully soar across the skies, their wings painting the horizon with vibrant hues. As one explores the dam, the melodies of chirping birds and the rhythmic sounds of nature fill the air, creating a harmonious symphony that epitomizes the beauty of the natural world.

To enhance the visitor experience, well-designed viewpoints and walkways have been incorporated into the dam's surroundings. These vantage points provide visitors with different perspectives of the dam and its panoramic view. The gentle breeze caresses the face, carrying with it the scent of earth and the freshness of the surrounding foliage, making the experience truly immersive and rejuvenating.

In conclusion, the Idukki Dam view is a captivating blend of human engineering and natural splendor. The sight of the towering dam, the lush green hills, the serene reservoir, and the vibrant avian life creates a tapestry of beauty and tranquility. It is a place where the boundaries between man-made marvels and nature's creations seamlessly merge. A visit to the Idukki Dam is not just a visual delight but also an opportunity to marvel at the harmonious coexistence of human endeavor and the magnificence of the...

Folklore has it that the Idukki dam ended a curse. It is said that when Lord Rama and Sita rested in the area on their way back to Ayodhya, tribal couple Kuravan and Kurathi chanced to see Sita taking a bath in River Periyar. An angry Rama turned them into granite hills Kuravanmala and Kurathimala. As the couple pleaded for mercy, Rama said they would attain salvation when they were joined together. So, when the Idukki dam was built over the narrow gorge between the two hills, the locals believed it was the end of the curse on the mythical couple.

Since its commissioning in 1976, the Idukki dam has indeed proved a blessing for the nearby districts, providing water for irrigation as well as power generation. And yet, as the lynchpin of the Periyar river basin, it is also among Kerala’s biggest challenges when monsoon strikes.

At 168.91 m, the Idukki dam, constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), is one of Asia’s highest arch dams, and India’s first. Along with the Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams, it creates a 60 sq km artificial lake. The double curvature arch dam, said to be earthquake-resistant, is estimated to have a life of 300 years. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.

The Idukki dam is designed to hold over 2,400 feet of water. The effective storage capacity of the Idukki reservoir is 1,460 MCM. The Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs together store 21.3% of the total annual flow of the Periyar, which tends to collect copious amounts of rain water from the southwest monsoon. Idukki, therefore, is critical to Kerala’s flood hazard management programme.

Interestingly, the Idukki dam doesn’t have any shutters of its own. Therefore, when water levels in the reservoir reach hazardous levels, it’s the Cheruthoni dam whose shutters are opened to let water into the Periyar and manage the spillage.

The full reservoir level (FRL) of the Idukki dam is 2,403 feet. A blue alert was issued late last week when the level reached 2,390.86 ft. Once it crossed 2,396 feet, an orange alert was issued. On Monday, the government issued a red alert. On Tuesday morning, the water level in the dam reached 2,398.04 ft, leading the authorities to open...