Idukki Dam - Asia's largest arch dam

Idukki dam is the largest arch dam in Asia and one of the highest dams in Asia. It is a double curvature arch dam construed across the Periyar river. It was constructed in 1969 and owned by Kerala State Electricity Board. With massive 6 units of Pelton-type turbine generators of 130MW each generates a combined output of 780MW of electricity which is the largest in Kerala State. The dam was constructed between Kuravan and Kurathi hills named after the tribal couple who helped the designers to find a suitable location for dam and reservoir. Idukki dam was constructed along with Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dam with total catchment area of 649 Sq KM. The generators are located at Moolamattom Power house which is one of its kind an underground generating station.

Due to security reasons Idukki dam is open to public (only) twice every year, during Onam and Christmas. One has to get the entry ticket form Cheruthoni dam and walk to Idukki dam ( approximately 2 KMs) and back to Cheruthoni dam since there is not public exit at the Idukki Dam end.  There is ample parking space and tourist amenities at the entrance of Cheruthoni dam. There is Boating on the reservoir for which tickets can be purchased at Cheruthoni Dam.   The view form the centre of the arch dam is such a spectacular one. A view from such height renders humans  as if they are too tiny like an ant!