IDUKKI DAM

Idukki Dam is a breathtaking blend of engineering brilliance and natural grandeur, rising to an impressive height of 168.91 metres and ranking among the tallest arch dams in Asia. Set deep within the Western Ghats, it stands as one of Kerala’s most iconic architectural landmarks.

The project comprises three dams— Idukki, Cheruthoni, and Kulamavu—together forming a vast 60 sq km artificial reservoir. The majestic Idukki Arch Dam uniquely links the legendary Kuravan and Kurathi hills, steeped in local folklore. According to legend, Lord Rama turned two devoted natives, Kuravan and Kurathi, into stone for witnessing Sita bathing in the Periyar River. Moved by their plea to never be separated, Lord Rama blessed them to stand eternally together—today symbolised by the hills embracing the dam.

Surrounded by dense forests, the reservoir banks serve as a vital water source for elephants, deer, and bison, adding to the region’s ecological richness. Trekking around the dam offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, while a serene three-hour boat ride across the reservoir allows visitors to absorb the sheer scale and tranquillity of this monumental structure—where time seems to pause before nature and human ingenuity in perfect harmony.