Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha Dam, Malampuzha

Malampuzha Dam, one of the major tourist attractions of Palakkad, is the biggest irrigation reservoir in Kerala. Comprising of a masonry dam, an earthen dam and a vast network of canal systems, this majestic reservoir offers a picturesque view with winding mountain ranges in its backdrop.

Located at a distance of about 10 km from the town of Palakkad, the dam is easily accessible by road. The damsite has a spectacular garden and an amusement park attached to it. Though originally started as an irrigation project in 1955, other leisure and entertainment options were added to the damsite later.

Constructed across Malampuzha River, the dam and the reservoir cater to the irrigational needs of the region, in addition to acting as a tourist hotspot. Malampuzha Garden is located adjacent to the dam and attracts tourists with some entertainment and sightseeing options. Boating facilities are available for tourists in the damsite. It is an ideal spot for family tours and one day trips.

Malampuzha dam is located in Palakkad district. This dam which has a height of 6066 feet is built across the Malampuzha river and is said to be the largest irrigation reservoir in Kerala. It is combined of 1849 meters long masonry dam and 220 meters long earthen dam. This reservoir can hold 8000 sq m of water. There are 2 canal systems which serve the purpose of irrigation and the reservoir provides water to Palakkad. This is also a major tourist destination. The Malampuzha garden and the reservoir are located having the Western Ghats as the background.

The main attractions here include the Malampuzha garden, snake park, rope way, reservoir, road train, Japanese garden, fish shaped aquarium etc. Malampuzha gardens are popularly called as the ‘Vrindhavan of Kerala’. The passenger rope way takes one on an air journey over the garden. There is a Rope Way Bridge that connects the two sides of the park and a specialty if this bridge is that only 50 persons can walk through this bridge at a time. There are guards to watch this. There is a huge sculpture in Malampuzha gardens which is very famous. It is a cement sculpture of a ‘Yakshi’ and is made by Kanayi Kunjiraman. Boat cruises can be conducted in the reservoir. Pedal boats, Motor boats, Rowboats etc are available for hire.

Another attraction is the Rock garden which is made by Padmashree Nek Chand of Chandigarh. The main feature of this is that the sculptures are made up of unwanted pieces of tiles, bangles, tins, plastic containers etc.  There is a telescopic tower for providing terrestrial view. Japanese garden is one which is constructed in the Japanese style. Thread garden is a marvelous piece of work by the laborers in which they built life like models of flowers and plants made of embroidery threads. It is surprising to note that these are created without using needles and these models are kept in indoor glass houses. There are Road trains within the garden which takes you around the garden. Nearby to the dam also lies an amusement park called as Fantasy Park that provides several rides and games for both children and adults.

Timings:

Malampuzha garden : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Aquarium : 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
1:00 pm to 9:00 pm on holidays
Snake park : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Rock garden : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

How to Reach
District	:	Palakkad
Nearest Bus Station	:	Palakkad bus station
Nearest Railway Station	:	Palakkad railway station at a distance of 5 kms
Nearest Airport	:	Coimbatore International Airport at a distance of 55 kms