Pazhassi Dam

Pazhassi Dam (celebrated across North Malabar as the premier river barrage and eco tourism garden destination of Kannur, affectionately named in historic honor of the legendary guerrilla warrior king Veera Pazhassi Raja), situated across the scenic Valapattanam River in Veliyamba near Mattannur just 35 km east of Kannur town in Kerala, is one of the district's most popular, family friendly, and historically evocative irrigation landmarks.

Constructed in 1979 as a monumental irrigation barrage to supply agricultural water to over 11,500 hectares of paddy, coconut, and rubber cultivation across Kannur and Thalassery taluks, Pazhassi Dam impounds a wide, placid freshwater lake surrounded by rolling emerald hills and dense riparian bamboo thickets.

It's the home of the heroic bronze statue and memorial commemorating Veera Pazhassi Raja (the 'Lion of Kerala' who waged fierce guerrilla warfare against British colonial rule from these forested Malabar hills in the 1790s), a beautifully landscaped botanical park featuring blooming flowerbeds and shaded tree lined avenues, thrilling speed boating and pedal boating facilities operated across the vast river reservoir, children's amusement amusement parks equipped with play rides, riverside inspection walkways offering sweeping views of the 16 spillway radial gates discharging sparkling white water cascades during peak monsoons, and tranquil picnic groves where cool freshwater breezes drift off the river all day long.

It represents a rich hydraulic, patriotic, and recreational sanctuary where Valapattanam river hydrology, anti colonial warrior history, family weekend boating, and peaceful riverside gardens unite in Kolayad and Padiyoor grama panchayats.

Located in Veliyamba near Mattannur and Iritty along the Thalassery Coorg highway corridor, it sits just 8 km from Kannur International Airport (CNN), 12 km from Iritty, 32 km from Thalassery Railway Station (TLY), and 35 km from Kannur Railway Station (CAN), easily accessible by state KSRTC buses, airport taxis, and private vehicles.

The Valapattanam River Barrage & Pazhassi Raja Memorial

The dam features a grand barrage stretching across the Valapattanam River with 16 steel radial spillway shutters.

A prominent memorial statue honors Veera Pazhassi Raja, whose guerrilla armies utilized these river networks and forests to outmaneuver British forces.

Truth is, sitting by the calm river reservoir while cool breeze ripples across the water and dragonflies hover over lotus plants is deeply refreshing.

Pedal Boating & Reservoir Speed Cruises

River Safari Boating: DTPC operates family pedal boats, row boats, and motorized speedboats gliding through secluded river channels.

Island Viewpoints: Small forested islets in the reservoir provide scenic turning points for leisurely boating trips.

Landscaped Gardens & Children's Play Park

Picnic Meadows: Well manicured green lawns with benches and ornamental shrubs offer an ideal weekend picnic venue for families.

Proximity to Airport: Located just 8 km from Kannur Airport, it works as a convenient stopover for arriving tourists heading to Coorg or Wayanad.

After exploring the gardens of Pazhassi Dam, visit the historic St. Angelo Fort in Kannur, tour the sea bridge at Thalassery Fort, or drive toward the misty tea slopes of Wayanad and Coorg.