Aruvikkara Dam
Aruvikkara Dam is a beautiful masonry and gravity dam built across the Karamana River. Constructed in the 1930s, it serves as the primary source of drinking water for the entire Thiruvananthapuram city. The dam site is a popular picnic spot, known for its scenic reservoir and the ancient Bhagavathy Temple located on its banks. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is unique because devotees feed the large schools of fish in the river as an act of worship. Fishing is strictly prohibited here, as the fish are considered sacred. The area surrounding the dam is lush with greenery, providing a cool and calm atmosphere. There is a well-maintained park and a small children’s play area, making it a favorite for family outings. The sight of water gushing through the spillway during the monsoon is a spectacular view that attracts many photographers. Historically, the project was part of the Willingdon Water Works, named after the then Viceroy of India. The dam also features a water purification plant, which can be visited with prior permission. It is a perfect blend of a functional engineering marvel and a spiritual retreat, offering peace and utility in one location.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 HoursPlace Type:
Dam & PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the dam area or the temple.
Park Fee: A nominal fee of Rs.10 may be charged for entering the children's park and garden area. ...Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the dam area or the temple.
Park Fee: A nominal fee of Rs.10 may be charged for entering the children's park and garden area.Timing:
Regular Timings: The dam and temple area are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early mornings (7:00 AM) or late evenings (5:00 PM) are best to avoid the heat and see the temple rituals. ...Regular Timings: The dam and temple area are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early mornings (7:00 AM) or late evenings (5:00 PM) are best to avoid the heat and see the temple rituals.Special Events:
Aruvikkara Temple Festival: The annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple sees the area decorated with lamps, and special cultural programs are held, attracting thousands of local devotees. ...Aruvikkara Temple Festival: The annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple sees the area decorated with lamps, and special cultural programs are held, attracting thousands of local devotees.Best Photo Spots:
The Bridge Overlook: Provides a full view of the dam's gates and the reservoir, especially dramatic when the shutters are open.
Temple Ghats: Excellent for capturing the interaction between humans and the sacred fish in the clear river wate...The Bridge Overlook: Provides a full view of the dam's gates and the reservoir, especially dramatic when the shutters are open.
Temple Ghats: Excellent for capturing the interaction between humans and the sacred fish in the clear river water.
Park Walkway: A shaded path with the reservoir in the background, perfect for portraits and family photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Feeding the Fish: Buy puffed rice from local vendors and feed the large schools of fish at the temple ghats for a unique experience.
Temple Visit: Offer prayers at the ancient Aruvikkara Bhagavathy Temple and admire the traditional rituals performed daily.
Photography: Capture the dam's reservoir, the temple's reflection in the water, and the lush green surroundings.
Picnicking: Utilize the park area for a relaxed family lunch amidst the shade of large trees.
Children’s Park: Let the kids enjoy the swings and slides in the designated play area near the reservoir entrance.
Water Treatment Plant Visit: Obtain permission to see the historical filtration process that provides water to the city.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Sacred Fish Feeding: It is famous for the tradition where visitors feed the large "holy" fish in the river, which are remarkably tame and plentiful.
Historical Water Works: Known as the first major organized water supply system for the stat...Sacred Fish Feeding: It is famous for the tradition where visitors feed the large "holy" fish in the river, which are remarkably tame and plentiful.
Historical Water Works: Known as the first major organized water supply system for the state capital, holding great historical and social value.
Scenic Beauty: Famous for its calm reservoir views and the picturesque combination of a river, a dam, and an ancient temple. -
Architecture:
Gravity Dam Design: The Aruvikkara Dam is an example of early 20th-century masonry gravity dam architecture. It stands at a height of 14. 01 meters and has a total length of 83. 21 meters across the Karamana River. The structure is built using high-quality granite blocks ...Gravity Dam Design: The Aruvikkara Dam is an example of early 20th-century masonry gravity dam architecture. It stands at a height of 14. 01 meters and has a total length of 83. 21 meters across the Karamana River. The structure is built using high-quality granite blocks and mortar, designed to withstand the immense pressure of the reservoir. The spillway consists of 6 radial gates that control the flow of water into the lower reaches of the river. Adjacent to the dam is the Durga Devi Temple, which showcases traditional Kerala temple architecture with tiled roofs and wooden carvings. The water treatment plant nearby features a colonial-style industrial design. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (20 KM) is the closest; taxis can reach the dam in about 45 minutes.
By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central (16 KM) is the nearest railway station with frequent bus services to the dam. -
Near Tourist Places:
Koyikkal Palace (7 KM), Pezhumoodu (5 KM), Neyyar Dam (25 KM), Peppara Dam (20 KM), Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (16 KM), Museum (16 KM), Kovalam (28 KM), Ponmudi (45 KM), Kallar (35 KM), Vellanadu (8 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Avoid swimming in the reservoir as the depth can be deceptive and the currents strong near the dam gates.
Packing: Carry an umbrella for sun or rain, and some small change for buying fish food at the temple. Cash &
...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Rajarajeshwara TempleSadhoo Merry KingdomSree Peralassery TempleSt. Angelo FortSundareswara TempleThalassery FortV-Pra Kaayal Floating ParkBhoothathankettu Dam & Reserve ForestBolgatty PalaceChendamangalam Palace & Jewish SynagogueCherai BeachEdappally Church ComplexErnakulam Shiva TempleJew Town Jewish Synagogue Kalady Sree Sankaracharya TempleKodanad Elephant Training Centre Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism VillageMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Agasthyarkoodam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Amma Para
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aruvikkara Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chittipara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Erattinpuram Rocky River View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Indira Gandhi Monument
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Irappil Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Karimbikkavu Sree DharmaSastha Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Koyikkal Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
LPSC, ISRO Valiyamala
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities