The Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in Thekkady, Kerala, India. It is located 150 km southeast of Kochi and 881 m above sea level on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick and also reached in an agreement to divert water eastwards to the Madras Presidency area (present-day Tamil Nadu).
The dam is 53.6 m high from the foundation, and has a length of 365.7 m. The Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity dam made with concrete prepared from limestone and "surkhi" (burnt brick powder), and faced with rubble. Gravity dams use their weight and the force of gravity to support the reservoir and remain stable. The main dam has a maximum height of 53.6 m and length of 365.7 m. Its crest is 3.6 m wide while the base has a width of 42.2 m. It consists of a main dam, spillway on its left and an auxiliary dam (or "baby dam") to the right. Its reservoir can withhold 443,230,000 m3 of water, of which 299,130,000 m3 is active (live) storage.
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a popular tourist destination, and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. Visitors can take a boat ride on the reservoir, or go for a trek in the nearby Periyar National Park.
Here are some of the things you can do at the Mullaperiyar Dam:
- Take a boat ride on the reservoir: This is the best way to see the dam and the surrounding scenery. Boat rides are available from the dam site. Boating in Mullaperiyar Dam, Thekkady, Kerala, India
- Go for a trek in the Periyar National Park: The Periyar National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and deer. There are a number of trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kerala, India
- Visit the Periyar Lake: The Periyar Lake is a beautiful lake located near the dam. Visitors can go for a boat ride on the lake, or simply relax on the shore and enjoy the scenery. Periyar Lake, Thekkady, Kerala, India
- Visit the Spice Plantations: Thekkady is known for its spice plantations. Visitors can visit a spice plantation and learn about how spices are grown and processed. Spice Plantations, Thekkady, Kerala, India
- Go for a wildlife safari: The Periyar National Park is a great place to go for a wildlife safari. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and deer. Wildlife safari in Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kerala, India
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a beautiful and scenic place to visit. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala.