Idamalayar Dam - Beautiful and Peaceful
Introduction
The concrete Idamalayar Dam, a multipurpose dam situated near the Bhoothathankettu at the place Ennakal on Idamalayar River is a branch of Kerala's Periyar River. The dam was completed in the year 1985 measuring 373 m long and was created for using as reservoir for all purpose. The total area covered is 28.3 km with a beautiful background of Western Ghats.
The storage of the reservoir is used for the generation of hydroelectricity with a power of 75 MW divided into two units with a capacity of 37.5 MW. The reservoir in Idamalayar Dam is managed by the Board of Kerala Electricity to supplement the requirements of peak power generation. Various projects by the Irrigation Development has also benefitted with this dam.
Tourist Attractions
Very few people know about the various tourist attractions of this dam and the surrounding areas. A cool ride to this dam is exciting as you can see many elephants on the road, which are quite a common sight. The passing by green trees and mountains look amazing. The view from the dam is beautiful, especially in the morning.
The landscape of Idamalayar is breathtaking and the background of lush green trees are a treat to your eyes. The €Vaishali Caves€, named after the shooting of the film, €Vaishali€ is a must visit place. To reach here, you have to trek uphill around 2.5 km to view this amazing caves shaped out of hard rock during the period of British rule.
Only four wheelers can take you till the hilltop. The view of the mountains and greenery from the hilltop is awesome. There is only one restaurant here that serves tasty snacks. You can also carry your own food with you. The roads are in good condition. On the way to the Idamalyar Dam, the clouds and the mountains appear to be kissing each other.
Never forget to capture the beautiful view of the dam and the surroundings in your camera before reaching here, as the photography is not allowed once you reach this area. The photography is prohibited under the Official Secrets Act as it is a reserved forest. Using polarized camera with wide angled lens would help you in taking clear pictures, as there are heavy lightings.
In the Idamalayar Dam area, many kinds of birds can be spotted such as Heart Spotted Woodpecker, Black Rumped Flameback, Common Flameback, Greater Flameback, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson Fronted Barbet etc. Some of these birds are migratory and can be seen only the seasonal months. Perfect time to visit this dam is in the month of monsoon wherein the sound of the gushing water in the dam is melodious.
Spending quality time in the lap of the nature around the dam with your family is an exciting experience. Away from the busy city life, this place feels like heaven on earth.
How to Reach
Many buses ply from the main bus stop in the Ennakal place. You can either hire a bus or buy bus tickets to reach this place conveniently. It is advisable to do bus tickets reservations in advance in order to avoid disappointment later.
The concrete Idamalayar Dam, a multipurpose dam situated near the Bhoothathankettu at the place Ennakal on Idamalayar River is a branch of Kerala's Periyar River. The dam was completed in the year 1985 measuring 373 m long and was created for using as reservoir for all purpose. The total area covered is 28.3 km with a beautiful background of Western Ghats.
The storage of the reservoir is used for the generation of hydroelectricity with a power of 75 MW divided into two units with a capacity of 37.5 MW. The reservoir in Idamalayar Dam is managed by the Board of Kerala Electricity to supplement the requirements of peak power generation. Various projects by the Irrigation Development has also benefitted with this dam.
Tourist Attractions
Very few people know about the various tourist attractions of this dam and the surrounding areas. A cool ride to this dam is exciting as you can see many elephants on the road, which are quite a common sight. The passing by green trees and mountains look amazing. The view from the dam is beautiful, especially in the morning.
The landscape of Idamalayar is breathtaking and the background of lush green trees are a treat to your eyes. The €Vaishali Caves€, named after the shooting of the film, €Vaishali€ is a must visit place. To reach here, you have to trek uphill around 2.5 km to view this amazing caves shaped out of hard rock during the period of British rule.
Only four wheelers can take you till the hilltop. The view of the mountains and greenery from the hilltop is awesome. There is only one restaurant here that serves tasty snacks. You can also carry your own food with you. The roads are in good condition. On the way to the Idamalyar Dam, the clouds and the mountains appear to be kissing each other.
Never forget to capture the beautiful view of the dam and the surroundings in your camera before reaching here, as the photography is not allowed once you reach this area. The photography is prohibited under the Official Secrets Act as it is a reserved forest. Using polarized camera with wide angled lens would help you in taking clear pictures, as there are heavy lightings.
In the Idamalayar Dam area, many kinds of birds can be spotted such as Heart Spotted Woodpecker, Black Rumped Flameback, Common Flameback, Greater Flameback, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson Fronted Barbet etc. Some of these birds are migratory and can be seen only the seasonal months. Perfect time to visit this dam is in the month of monsoon wherein the sound of the gushing water in the dam is melodious.
Spending quality time in the lap of the nature around the dam with your family is an exciting experience. Away from the busy city life, this place feels like heaven on earth.
How to Reach
Many buses ply from the main bus stop in the Ennakal place. You can either hire a bus or buy bus tickets to reach this place conveniently. It is advisable to do bus tickets reservations in advance in order to avoid disappointment later.
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