Mangalam Dam
A Nature Lover's Retreat: Built across the Cherukunnapuzha River, a tributary of the Mangalam River, this dam is a vital irrigation source and a scenic masterpiece. The construction was completed in 1966, primarily to support the agricultural needs of the Palakkad district. What makes Mangalam Dam u nique is the dense forest cover that surrounds the reservoir, creating a habitat for various wildlife species. It is a popular spot for bird watchers as many migratory and local birds can be spotted near the water's edge. The drive to the dam is equally beautiful, passing through rubber and spice plantations that fill the air with a refreshing aroma. Unlike more commercialized spots, Mangalam Dam offers a quiet atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle of city life. The reservoir area is vast, and the water is remarkably clear during the post-monsoon months. Local fishermen can often be seen in their traditional boats, adding to the rustic charm of the location. The dam is also a gateway to several trekking trails that lead into the deeper parts of the Western Ghats. It serves as a perfect example of how man-made structures can coexist with nature without disrupting the ecological balance. For photographers, the reflection of the surrounding hills in the calm water provides endless opportunities for stunning shots.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Nature & EngineeringEntry Fees:
Entry Charges: Admission is usually free, but there might be a nominal fee of 20 INR for vehicle parking.
Boating Fees: Boating costs vary between 100 INR to 300 INR depending on the boat type. ...Entry Charges: Admission is usually free, but there might be a nominal fee of 20 INR for vehicle parking.
Boating Fees: Boating costs vary between 100 INR to 300 INR depending on the boat type.Timing:
Operating Hours: The dam area is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM to enjoy the sunset without the midday heat. ...Operating Hours: The dam area is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM to enjoy the sunset without the midday heat.Special Events:
Annual Dam Illumination: The dam is sometimes lit up during the January-February festival season or on Republic Day.
Local Harvest Festival: The region celebrates Vishu in April with traditional fervor and local fairs. ...Annual Dam Illumination: The dam is sometimes lit up during the January-February festival season or on Republic Day.
Local Harvest Festival: The region celebrates Vishu in April with traditional fervor and local fairs.Best Photo Spots:
Reservoir Reflection: Take photos from the dam top looking towards the water to catch the sky's reflection.
Spillway View: The masonry section provides a great industrial-chic background for portraits. ...Reservoir Reflection: Take photos from the dam top looking towards the water to catch the sky's reflection.
Spillway View: The masonry section provides a great industrial-chic background for portraits.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boat Riding: Take a rowboat or pedal boat to explore the vast expanse of the reservoir.
Nature Photography: Capture the vibrant birdlife and the mist-covered mountains in the early morning.
Plantation Walk: Visit the nearby spice gardens to learn about the cultivation of Kerala's famous spices.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot kingfishers, egrets, and occasional hornbills.
Enjoy a Picnic: The landscaped areas near the dam are perfect for a quiet lunch with family.
Trekking: Explore the light forest trails around the dam area for an adventurous experience.
Local Food Tasting: Try the local snacks from the small shops near the dam entrance. ...Boat Riding: Take a rowboat or pedal boat to explore the vast expanse of the reservoir.
Nature Photography: Capture the vibrant birdlife and the mist-covered mountains in the early morning.
Plantation Walk: Visit the nearby spice gardens to learn about the cultivation of Kerala's famous spices.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot kingfishers, egrets, and occasional hornbills.
Enjoy a Picnic: The landscaped areas near the dam are perfect for a quiet lunch with family.
Trekking: Explore the light forest trails around the dam area for an adventurous experience.
Local Food Tasting: Try the local snacks from the small shops near the dam entrance.
Information
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Why Famous:
Picturesque Picnic Spot: It is famous for its breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the lush canopy of the surrounding forests.
Spice Plantation Hub: The area is renowned for its proximity to high-quality pepper and cardamom plantation...Picturesque Picnic Spot: It is famous for its breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the lush canopy of the surrounding forests.
Spice Plantation Hub: The area is renowned for its proximity to high-quality pepper and cardamom plantations. -
Architecture:
Classic Dam Engineering: The dam is an earthen structure with a masonry spillway section designed for high-efficiency water discharge.
Key Dimensions: The dam has a maximum height of approximately 108 feet and a length stretching across the ...Classic Dam Engineering: The dam is an earthen structure with a masonry spillway section designed for high-efficiency water discharge.
Key Dimensions: The dam has a maximum height of approximately 108 feet and a length stretching across the river valley.
Reservoir Capacity: It has a total storage capacity of 25. 34 million cubic meters, serving thousands of acres of farmland. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore Airport is about 95 KMS away.
By Train: Palakkad Junction is 50 KMS away; Wadakkanchery station is closer at 20 KMS.
By Road: Accessible via the Palakkad-Thrissur highway; take the turn ...By Air: Coimbatore Airport is about 95 KMS away.
By Train: Palakkad Junction is 50 KMS away; Wadakkanchery station is closer at 20 KMS.
By Road: Accessible via the Palakkad-Thrissur highway; take the turn at Vadakkencherry.
By Local Transport: Local buses run from Vadakkencherry town to the dam site regularly. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon Beauty: July to September shows the dam at full capacity with roaring spillways.
Winter Chill: November to January is perfect for misty morning walks and birding.
Summer: February to May is good for ...Monsoon Beauty: July to September shows the dam at full capacity with roaring spillways.
Winter Chill: November to January is perfect for misty morning walks and birding.
Summer: February to May is good for boating as the water levels are manageable. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Pothundy Dam (25 KM), 2. Nelliyampathy (40 KM), 3. Peechi Dam (35 KM), 4. Meenvallam Falls (55 KM), 5. Palakkad Fort (50 KM), 6. Dhoni Hills (55 KM), 7. Malampuzha (60 KM), 8. Kalpathy (52 KM), 9. Kanjirapuzha Dam (70 KM), 10. Parambikulam (85 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Safety First: Do not venture into deep waters; the reservoir can be slippery and dangerous.
Packing: Carry an umbrella and insect repellent for the forest trails.
Cash & ATMs: Carry enough cash; the neares...Safety First: Do not venture into deep waters; the reservoir can be slippery and dangerous.
Packing: Carry an umbrella and insect repellent for the forest trails.
Cash & ATMs: Carry enough cash; the nearest ATM is in Vadakkencherry (12 KMS away).
Connectivity: Mobile signals can be weak near the forest; Wi-Fi is generally unavailable.
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