Sight Address : Idukki Arch Dam is located 43 kilometers away from the Moolamattom Town of the Idukki District. Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Idukki Arch Dam is synonimous with power generation because a lion’s share of the state’s power is generated by the hydroelectric power station at Moolamattom, the biggest in the state. The famous Idukki arch dam, the first of its kind in India, is built between two huge granite hills- ‘Kuravanmala’ (839 feets) and ‘Kurathimala’ (925 feets )- across the river Periyar. This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam. This prestigeous project of the nation is situated in Idukki District and its underground Power House is at Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha. Idukki Dam is 43 kms away from Moolamattom.
Idukki Arch Dam
HistoryEdit
Idukki was first conceived in 1919 for the possibility of Hydroelecric development. According to history Shri Karuvellayan Kolumban, the head of ‘Araya’ tribe, during 1922 showed the way, to the Malankara Estate Superintendent and his friend Thomas, the spot of present Arch Dam while the two were hunting in the forest. Thomas was inspired by the sight of the water flow between the mountains and his idea made the dream come true of Idukki Arch Dam. Sri. W.J.John of Malankara Estate submitted a report to the Government of Travancore in 1932 on the possibility of constructing a hydroelectric dam at Idukki.
In 1947 Sri.P.Joseph John,then Chief Electrical Engineer to the Government of Travancore made a preliminary investigation report. On the request of the Government, the Central Water and Power Commission took up detailed investigation in 1956. The project report was prepared in 1961 and the Planning Commission accorded sanction for the scheme in 1963. The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. Storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February,1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4th October,1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 sq. kms. and the water stored, is utilised for production of electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves.
Must SeeEdit
Must see
Visiting TimeEdit
N.A.
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
Best time to visit September to March.
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
1-2 horrs.
Ticket Required : No Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : N.A.
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : There are taxi services available from the airport. Kerala taxi services provide extensive taxi services and they can be booked in advance.
Bus : Bus services are also available from Cochin to Idukki, however the buses are crowded and travelling with large luggage is not possible. Buses are very cheap and commute will cost Rs 50. It might be advisable to hire an air conditioned cab as they are comfortable and relatively cheap.
Train : The Nearest rail road station is located at a distance of 113 km at Ernakulam. Kottayam railroad station is at a distance of about 130 km from Idukki.
Air : The Nearest international airport is at Kochi, approximately 104 km from Idukki. From Kochi one can either travel by bus or hire a cab. Travellers taking a connecting flight from Chennai can arrive through Madurai, which is around 125 km from Idukki and will take about 2.5 hours by road.
Others : N.A.
Things to CarryEdit
- Carry sunscreen lotions for protection from the sun.
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat as rain can play truant.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Riding on bike to reach Idukki is little bit risky.Never go through the Thodupuzha -Idukki-Thekkadi forest roads on motorcycles. There is a chance to encounter with wild elephants always.
- Try to catch Government owned bus (KSRTC bus) to the extent possible, It may look not much clean, but your safe journey is assured. if your are there for the first time, try to avoid Limited stop private buses. Most of the drivers are will take unnecessary risk which will make your journey horrible.
HelplineEdit
• Police Control Rooms – 100/ 04862-221100
• Thodupuzha Fire Station – 101/ 04862-222911
• Excelsior Hospital Thodupuzha, Idukki – 102/ 0486 2222445
• Woman Helpline – 1091/0486 2229100
