Mattupetty Dam: popular Destination in Munnar

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam in Munnar is a well-known tourist destination that attracts visitors for its stunning beauty and recreational activities. The dam, a Concrete Gravity structure, built to conserve water for hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the state’s revenue. The dam’s reservoir is a sanctuary for wild animals and birds, but environmental issues such as salinity and water-logging are a concern.

Visitors to Mattupetty Dam can enjoy boating facilities provided by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki. The drive to the dam is a breathtaking experience, as visitors are surrounded by mist-covered valleys.The area surrounding the dam is also ideal for trekking, with lush green tea plantations and forests hosting a variety of bird species.

Mattupetty Dam is also known as the “cattle village” due to the Indo Swiss farm project, which was launched in 1963 as part of a bilateral agreement between India and Switzerland. The farm is home to hundreds of high-yielding cattle, providing a unique experience for visitors to see the cattle grazing freely on the hills. The best time to visit Mattupetty Dam is from August to May, and it is easily accessible from Munnar town

Visiting Mattupetty Dam in Munnar

If you wish to experience the thrill of water activities at Mattupetty Damor take a leisurely walk across the dam’s roadway, you must abide by the designated timings. Leisure activities at the Mattupetty Lake are open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day.

An entry fee of INR 10 per person required. To rent an ordinary boat fora 15-minute ride, you will pay INR 300 for the boat, which can accommodate between 1 to 5 people. A speedboat ride of the same duration will cost INR 500for a boat that holds up to 5 passengers.

For larger groups, the Mattupetty Lake offers a half-hour big boat ride with a capacity of 20 guests, costing a total of INR 700. In addition to water activities, you can also enjoy horseback riding along the lake’s shores for a fee of INR 50 per person.

Mattupetty Dam, formerly known as Madupetty by the local community, a concrete gravity dam constructed by the Government of Kerala. The construction of this impressive structure started in 1949, shortly after India’s independence from Britain.

Completed in just 5 years, the Mattupetty Dam opened its gates in 1953 with the cost of INR 220 lakhs borne by the government. Over the years, this investment has generated substantial revenue for the state through hydroelectric power generation from the water stored in the dam. The dam continues to be a significant source of electricity to this day.

Cattle Village – Indo Swiss Farm Project

• The Mattupetty Lake is a vital source of water for elephants in the region, who can often be spotted near the lake in groups.
• The water from the lake used for irrigation in the surrounding fields.
• The dense tree cover around the dam and lake are environmentally friendly, however,the salinity due to irrigation and water logging during the monsoon season can be detrimental to the area.
• The top of the dam is accessible by both vehicles and pedestrians, with a well-paved road that spans the entire 237.75-meter length of the dam. It provides stunning panoramic views of the hills and lush vegetation surrounding the lake.
• Mattupetty Dam is 85.34 meters tall.
• It has 3 radial spillway gates.
• The full reservoir level and maximum flood level that can be handled by the dam is1,599.59 meters, with the road on the top of the dam built at a height of1,600.20 meters.
• Mattupetty is a popular destination all year round, except during the monsoon season (June and July) when the dam and water activities can become hazardous. The best time to visit is from August to May.
• The village of Mattupetty situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level and referred to as “The Switzerland of Kerala” due to its cool climate and the Indo Swiss Farm Project implemented in 1963.
• The village also known as the “Cattle Village” due to its high-yielding cattle which can be seen grazing on the meadows and hills.
• Mattupetty is a great place for camping and trekking, with many trails through dense forests and hills.

How to Reach Mattupetty Dam, Munnar

Visiting the stunning Mattupetty Dam and its eponymous lake can be an unforgettable experience. Although the dam is located away from major cities,there are various transportation options available to reach it:

By Air: The nearest airport to Mattupetty Dam is the Cochin International Airport, located 114 km away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi fora 3.5 hour journey to the dam. Taxis from the airport can be expensive but a real so safe.

By Train: If you prefer train travel, book your tickets to the Angamaly Railway Station (also known as the Kalady Railway Station) which is the nearest railway station to the dam at a distance of 115 km. You can then take a bus or taxi for a 3.5 hour journey to Mattupetty Dam

By Bus: If you are arriving in Kerala by bus, you can book an overnight long-distance bus with reclining seats or flat beds. Most buses will stop in a major city, with Munnar being the closest stop to the dam at 11 km. From there,you can take a taxi for a 30-minute ride to Mattupetty Dam.

By Car: For those who want a more convenient journey, hiring a car is the best option. Book an air-conditioned taxi from a reputable car rental company in Munnar with a experienced driver familiar with the roads and conditions.This will save you the hassle of changing modes of transportation and allow you to relax in comfort while enjoying the scenic views from your car window.