Kundala Dam and Lake

Kundala Dam and Lake (celebrated across India as the engineering marvel home to Asia's first arch dam completed in 1947 and Munnar's most scenic alpine reservoir surrounded by cherry blossom trees and rolling tea mountains), situated along the Munnar Top Station highway just 20 km east of Munnar in Kerala, is one of the state's most visually romantic, historically significant, and popular high altitude boating destinations.

Perched at an elevation of 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level at the confluence of three mountain streams, Muthirapuzha, Chanduvarai, and Kundaly, this sparkling reservoir was created by constructing a 46 meter-high curved granite masonry arch dam across the Kundaly River as part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, forming a calm mirror like body of deep blue water framed by pine forests and tea estates.

It's the home of traditional Kashmiri style Shikara boat cruises gliding across quiet mountain waters, pedal boats, row boats, and high speed water safari launches, seasonal blooms of exotic cherry blossom trees (wild Himalayan cherries blooming twice a year in bright pink shades), rolling hillsides that transform into purple blankets during the rare 12 year flowering cycle of the Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana), horseback riding along the lakeside pine fringe, roadside tea shacks serving piping hot spiced tea and sweet corn, and a profoundly peaceful highland atmosphere where mountain mist rolls slowly across the tranquil lake surface.

It represents a rich hydraulic engineering heritage, alpine lake ecology, and Western Ghats eco tourism sanctuary where 1947 arch dam architecture, Kashmiri shikara romance, cherry blossom botany, and Top Station route vistas unite along the Kundaly valley.

Located on Top Station Road (SH 18), it sits just 20 km east of Munnar town, 7 km before Top Station viewpoint, 128 km from Aluva Railway Station (AWY), and 122 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by tourist cabs, private vehicles, and Top Station bound KSRTC buses.

Asia's First Arch Dam (1947) & Pallivasal Project

Constructed between 1945 and 1947, Kundala Dam is historically famous as the first curved masonry arch dam built in all of Asia.

Its massive curved granite structure holds back millions of cubic meters of pure mountain water to feed downstream power generators.

Truth is, walking along the wide crest of the historic arch dam while looking down at the turquoise lake on one side and the deep gorge on the other is deeply exhilarating.

Kashmiri Shikara Boating & Pedal Rides

Shikara Cruises: Experience colorful Kashmiri style canopied Shikara boats paddled gently across the calm waters of the lake.

Pedal & Row Boats: Families and couples can rent 2 seater and 4 seater pedal boats to explore quiet wooded bays at their own leisurely pace.

Cherry Blossoms, Neelakurinji & Horseback Riding

Cherry Blossoms: Kundala is one of the rare places in South India where cherry blossom trees burst into spectacular pink flowers in spring and autumn.

Pony Rides: Guided horseback rides are available along the unpaved pine shaded trails bordering the lake perimeter.

After enjoying the Shikara cruises on Kundala Lake, continue your journey to Top Station for panoramic valley views, visit Echo Point, or explore Mattupetty Dam in Munnar.