The Idukki Dam is a double curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravanmala and Kurathimala in Mariyapuram village in Idduki District in Kerala, India. It is 550 ft high and is one of the highest Arch dams in Asia constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. The Length of the dam on its top is approx. 365 meters and has a width of 7.62 m in the top and 19.81 m in the bottom. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom, which started generating power on 4 October 1975.

History of Arch Dam:

        The idea of constructing this dam was first initiated by Italian Engineer Jacob to the Travancore Government in 1919. As per history, this project was rejected by the Travancore Government but later in 1922 Malankara Estate Superintendent W.J. John and his friend AC Thomas Edattu while hunting in the forest near the dam, both of them were impressed by the sight of water flow between the mountains.    

        In 1932, W.J. John submitted a report to the Government of Travancore on the possibility of constructing a dam at Iddiki for Power Generation. In 1935, this project was submitted and brought to the attention of the Government of Travancore. In 1947, a preliminary investigation was done and submitted by Sri. P. Joseph John to Travancore Government. After the detailed investigation in 1964, under the leadership of Sri. E.U.Philipose preliminary works of projects were started.  

         In 1969, the construction of the dam commenced, lead by Dr.D.Babu Paul IAS. The Government of Canada aided this project with long-term loans and grants, hence the project is known as the Indo-Canadian project. Storage of water in Idduki reservoir commenced in February 1973. The inauguration of the trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4 October 1975 and the Commercial operation of the Power station was commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the Honourable Prime Minister Smt.Indira Gandhi.


Power Plant:      

        The dam is situated across the largest river in Kerala, the Periyar River. The powerhouse consists of 6 Units of Pelton-type turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 MW each. The Periyar basin generates 59 % of Kerala's total hydropower capacity.

How to Reach this Manmade Beauty:

        This Idduki Arch Dam is 121 km from Kottayam Railway station, From Kottayam station, you can take a cab and reach there. Even Kerala Transport service is also available.

        The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport from there you can take a taxi and reach the place.

        The entrance fee for the visitors is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. There is a 15-minute boating service for five persons which cost Rs. 600.