Malankara Dam

Malankara Dam (celebrated for its expansive freshwater reservoir, scenic lakeside tourism park, and water sports hub), situated along the Thodupuzha Idukki State Highway 33 in Muttom just 6 km southeast of Thodupuzha in Kerala, is one of Central Kerala's most scenic, accessible, and popular hydel tourism destinations.

Constructed across the perennial Thodupuzha River as part of the prestigious Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project (MVIP), this straight gravity masonry dam impounds an enormous 11 square-kilometer artificial lake created by the tailrace discharge waters of the giant underground Idukki Hydroelectric Power Station at Moolamattom.

It's the home of scenic speedboating and family pedal boating across calm reservoir coves, the expansive Malankara Tourism Park featuring illuminated lakeside walkways and children's amusement rides, popular film shooting locations framed by misty mountain peaks and rubber plantations, fresh freshwater fish stalls serving spicy Karimeen and Tilapia fry, and peaceful sunset viewing decks overlooking the Western Ghats foothills.

It represents a rich ecological and recreational sanctuary where modern irrigation hydrology, thrilling reservoir water sports, refreshing mountain breezes, and family leisure unite in Idukki district.

Located in Muttom along SH 33, it sits just 6 km from Thodupuzha KSRTC Bus Station, 40 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 55 km from Ernakulam Junction (ERS), and 58 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by frequent state transport buses, taxis, and private cars.

The MVIP Hydel Project & Moolamattom Tailrace Waters

Built in 1994 to harness water discharged from the Idukki powerhouse, the Malankara Dam ensures year round irrigation for over 18,000 hectares of agricultural land across Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam districts.

Because it is fed continuously by tailrace waters from the powerhouse at Moolamattom, the reservoir maintains high water levels throughout the year, even during peak summer months.

Truth is, gliding across the calm blue reservoir waters surrounded by green rubber plantations and undulating hill ranges provides an instantly soothing getaway.

Malankara Tourism Park & Reservoir Boating

Speedboating & Pedal Rides: Managed by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), visitors can rent thrilling high speed motorboats, family rowboats, and water scooters to cruise around scenic reservoir islands.

Lakeside Tourism Park: Spanning 15 acres along the reservoir banks, the park features paved jogging tracks, ornamental gardens, a treehouse, and safe play rides for children.

Cinematic Film Locations & Fresh Catch Delicacies

Kollywood & Mollywood Film Sets: Malankara's scenic island bridges and mist covered hills have made it a favorite shooting backdrop for dozens of famous Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Fresh Fish Delights: Lakeside shacks serve freshly caught reservoir fish fried in traditional Kerala spices with hot tapioca (Kappa) and lemon tea.

After exploring Malankara Dam, tour the grand seven step Thommankuthu Waterfalls, visit the ancient rock cut cave temple at Edakkal, or drive up the scenic mountain road to Idukki Arch Dam.