Thekkady - Mullaperiyar Dam

Thekkady - Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam constructed across the famous Periyar River, located near Thekkady in the Idukki district of Kerala. Positioned at an elevation of 881 meters (2,890 feet) above sea level, it stands amidst the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, creating a picturesque and serene environment. The dam serves as a testament to early engineering prowess and is a significant historical and functional structure. The primary purpose of the Mullaperiyar Dam is to transfer water from the Periyar River to the Vaigai River basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation and power generation.

Constructed between 1887 and 1895, Mullaperiyar Dam stands as a marvel of 19th-century engineering. The British engineer John Pennycuick led the construction efforts, facing numerous challenges such as hostile terrain, heavy rainfall, and financial constraints. Remarkably, he even sold his wife’s jewelry to fund the project. The dam, built using lime-surkhi mortar and rubble masonry, was designed as a curved gravity structure. It stands 176 feet high and stretches 1,200 feet long, with a storage capacity of 443 million cubic meters. This monumental effort aimed to address water scarcity in the Madras Presidency, now Tamil Nadu, by diverting the west-flowing Periyar River eastwards.

The dam's primary function is to transfer water from the Periyar River to the Vaigai River basin in Tamil Nadu. This is achieved through a tunnel that carries water from Periyar Lake to a forebay near Kumily town in Kerala, and then another tunnel conveys it across the Western Ghats to a canal leading to the Vaigai River. This network of canals and channels distributes water to various regions in Tamil Nadu, facilitating irrigation for approximately 685,000 hectares of land across five districts. Additionally, the dam supports hydroelectric power generation through four power plants, contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s energy needs.

The dam is surrounded by the Periyar National Park, a renowned biodiversity hotspot that is home to numerous endangered species of animals and birds. This protected area, also known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, includes an artificial lake created by the dam. The lush greenery and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for eco-tourism. Visitors can enjoy boating on the reservoir, trekking through the forest trails, and exploring the rich flora and fauna of the region.

The dam and the surrounding National Park offer excellent photography opportunities, especially for capturing the serene landscapes and wildlife. Apart from exploring the dam, tourists can visit nearby attractions such as the Cardamom Hills, spice plantations, and the scenic beauty of Thekkady. The region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendour make it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.