Pazhassi Dam — Attraction in Kerala

The Pazhassi Dam also called Kulur Barrageis a stone masonry diversion structure in Kannur district, Kerala, India. It is named after king Pazhassi Raja, a local warrior. The dam is constructed across the west flowing Valapattanam River near VELIYAMBRA. It was commissioned by Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1979. It mainly functions as an irrigation dam, serving a command area of 11,525 hectares (28,480 acres) in Thalasseryand Thaliparambra taluks of the Kannur District. The water from this dam also meets the drinking water requirement of Kannur district. The dam site and the reservoir are famous for their scenic beauty.

The dam is built at Kuyiloor across the Valapattanam River, in the basin of the West flowing rivers from Tadri to Kanyakumari. It rises in the Coorg (in Karnataka) at 2,500 feet (760 m) and drains a catchment area of 1,028 square kilometres (397 sq mi). The mean annual rainfall in the catchment is 3,622 millimetres (142.6 in). The nearest towns to the dam site are Mattanur and Iritty.

The diversion dam or barrage, built with stone masonry to function as a major irrigation project, is 18.99 metres (62.3 ft) in height and has a length of 245 metres (804 ft). At the Full Reservoir Level of 26.52 metres (87.0 ft), with a water spread area of 650 hectares (1,600 acres), the dam has a gross storage capacity of 97,500,000 m3 (79,045 acre⋅ft). The spillway designed to rout a design flood discharge of 3,510 cubic metres (124,000 cu ft) per second is fitted with 16 radial gates over a length of 138 metres (453 ft).

While the dam was completed in 1978, its irrigation component was completed in 1979. The water stored in the reservoir is diverted for irrigation through a control structure on the left bank of the barrage to the main canal of 46.26 kilometres (28.74 mi) length, designed to carry a discharge of 20 cubic metres (710 cu ft) per second. The gross command area under the canal system is 23,650 hectares (58,400 acres) with a net command area of 11,525 hectares (28,480 acres) (as against the earlier planned figure of 16,110 hectares (39,800 acres)) to mainly raise three crops of paddy every year in the Iritty and Taliparamba taluks of Kannur district; other crops grown in the command are coconut, arecanut, cashew nut, tapioca, pepper, ginger, turmeric and vegetables. The network of canals includes six branch canals of 76.35 kilometres (47.44 mi) total length and 32 distributaries of 136.4 kilometres (84.8 mi) total length. The entire command is covered under the Command Area Development Programme (CADP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India and is being monitored since 2003.

On 7 August 2012, some of the gates of the barrage failed to open, causing the flood waters to overflow the barrage for 20 hours.There was no damage to life or the dam structure, but minor property and crop loss occurred. The gates were repaired at a cost of...

Pazhassi Dam, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Kannur district in Kerala, India, is a vital reservoir and an engineering marvel that serves multiple purposes for the region. Constructed across the Valapattanam River, the dam is named after the iconic freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja, adding a historical touch to its significance.

The primary purpose of Pazhassi Dam is to provide water for irrigation to the nearby areas, supporting agriculture and enhancing the region's productivity. The reservoir created by the dam also plays a crucial role in supplying water for domestic and industrial use, contributing to the overall water management in the region.

Beyond its utilitarian aspects, Pazhassi Dam is a picturesque destination that attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the dam site offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The scenic beauty is further accentuated by the reflection of the hills in the calm waters of the reservoir.

The dam site also features well-maintained gardens and walkways, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings. Boating facilities are often available, allowing tourists to explore the reservoir and take in the panoramic views of the landscape.

Pazhassi Dam is part of the larger Pazhassi Irrigation Project, showcasing the synergy between human engineering and nature. The dam has not only contributed to agricultural development but has also become a popular recreational destination, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Surrounded by the charm of Kerala's Malabar region, Pazhassi Dam offers a harmonious blend of functionality and natural beauty, making it a significant landmark that contributes to the socio-economic well-being of the region while providing a scenic retreat for...

Constructed across the Valapattanam river, Pazhassi dam is a sought-after tourist spot in Kannur district that is known for its scenic beauty and serene environs.

Named after the legendary King Pazhassi Raja, it is a stone-masonry diversion structure irrigating the Thalassery and Thaliparambra taluks of Kannur district.

Located about 37 km east of Kannur, the dam was commissioned by Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1979.

The reservoir with green-carpeted surroundings has been attracting people from far and near. We can drive through the crest of the dam and get sweeping views of the surroundings.

The DTPC provides boating facilities, and there is a beautiful garden adjacent to it that adds to its charm. Installed there are some unique sculpted figures including that of Pazhassi Raja, and the well-maintained garden has a multitude of rides and swings in its children’s park. Surrounded by tall trees, the park lets you feel as though you are inside a jungle. An open stage to host programmes and a couple of eateries and Gandhigramam Wayanad are part of the garden.

Edakkanam River View Point and Iritty Eco Park are some of the nearby tourist places. The dam is the first major irrigation project in Northern Kerala. The dam is also known as Kulur Barrage. Pazhassi Dam is 35km from Kannur town on the Mattannur-Iritty route. The garden is a picnic spot while the dam caters to the irrigation needs of Kannur. Rides in the park, the walkways and well-maintained garden make Pazhassi Garden worth a visit for all age groups. The garden, from where one can have a marvelous view of the dam, also has an amphitheatre where cultural performances are held. The garden, run by the District Tourism Promotion Council, also has accommodation facilities at its...