Peechi Dam

Peechi Dam (celebrated for its sprawling hydel reservoir, botanical gardens, and the adjoining 125 square-kilometer Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary), situated at the verdant foothills of the Western Ghats just 22 km east of Thrissur in Kerala, is one of Central Kerala's most scenic, historically pioneering, and ecologically rich eco tourism destinations.

Constructed in 1957 across the perennial Manali River by the Government of Kerala as a primary irrigation and drinking water project for Thrissur district, this massive straight gravity masonry dam creates an expansive 3,200 acre catchment reservoir surrounded by dense tropical rainforests and cardamom hills.

It's the home of scenic speedboating and peaceful passenger boat cruises across the blue reservoir waters, the world famous Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) featuring an international bamboo and butterfly garden, a 125 square-kilometer protected wildlife sanctuary sheltering wild Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, sambar deer, and Indian gaurs, beautifully landscaped terraced floral gardens with musical dancing fountains, and a concrete watchtower offering panoramic 360 degree vistas across the mist shrouded Western Ghats.

It represents a rich ecological sanctuary where mid 20th-century hydel engineering, tropical biodiversity research, refreshing reservoir water cruises, and peaceful foothill nature unite in eastern Thrissur district.

Located in Peechi village near Pattikkad along the National Highway 544 (Kochi Salem Highway) corridor, it sits just 22 km east of Thrissur Railway Station (TCR) and 65 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by KSRTC buses, tourist cabs, and private cars.

The 1957 Gravity Masonry Dam & Reservoir Boating

Rising 42 meters above the riverbed, the Peechi Dam creates an enormous artificial lake that quenches the drinking water needs of Thrissur city while irrigating thousands of acres of paddy fields in the Mukundapuram and Thalapilly taluks.

Kerala Water Transport Department and forest authorities operate motorized cruise boats, pedal boats, and high speed motorboats, allowing travelers to glide across calm reservoir waters while admiring dense rainforest hills.

Truth is, taking the sunset boat safari along the forested reservoir coves frequently rewards patient visitors with sightings of wild elephant herds drinking at the water edge.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary & Elephants

The 125 sq km Sanctuary: Established in 1958, the sanctuary forms part of the Palakkad Elephant Reserve, featuring over 50 species of mammals, 176 bird species, and rare orchids.

Forest Trekking & Watchtower: Guided nature trails lead through teak plantations to elevated forest watchtowers, providing commanding views of the catchment basin and birding hotspots.

Botanical Gardens, Musical Fountain & KFRI

Terraced Botanical Gardens: The base of the dam features manicured lawns, colorful rose gardens, children's play parks, and synchronized musical dancing fountains illuminated on weekends.

Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI): Located near the dam entrance, this premier institute houses a world renowned Bamboo Information Centre, a living Arboretum, and a butterfly park.

After exploring Peechi Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the ancient Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple in Thrissur, tour the royal Shakthan Thampuran Palace museum, or relax at the scenic Vilangan Hills viewpoint.