Mattupetty Dam and Lake
The Mattupetty Dam is a significant concrete gravity dam constructed for the Pallivasal Hydro-Electric Project in the late 1940s. Situated at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level, the dam itself is an impressive feat of engineering. However, the greater attraction for tourists is the be autiful Mattupetty Lake, formed by the dam's reservoir. The tranquil lake, nestled amidst the dense evergreen forests and rolling green tea estates of the surrounding hills, offers a truly picturesque setting. The calm waters of the reservoir beautifully reflect the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers. The area is also famous for the nearby Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, which is a highly specialized dairy farm. Although the livestock project farm has restricted entry, the "Cattle Village" near the lake is sometimes referred to in connection with it, though the main focus for visitors is the natural beauty and the recreational activities available on the lake. Boating facilities are provided by the DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council), allowing visitors to hire speedboats or pedal boats to enjoy the serene environment up close. The surrounding woods are often frequented by wild elephants, making it an occasional wildlife-spotting location for the lucky visitor. The entire area, particularly the road leading to the dam, is lined with small spice plantations and tea vendors, adding to the sensory experience of the hill station. The dam serves a vital role in water conservation and power generation, while the lake serves as a major tourist and picnic spot.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2-3 Hours (Includes time for sightseeing and a boat ride)Place Type:
Dam, Lake, Picnic Spot, BoatingEntry Fees:
Dam Entry Fee: The entry fee to the dam area and the vicinity of the lake is minimal, usually around Rs.10 (Rupees Ten) per person. This fee is subject to change and may vary based on the season.
Boating Activity Charges: The main cost is fo...Dam Entry Fee: The entry fee to the dam area and the vicinity of the lake is minimal, usually around Rs.10 (Rupees Ten) per person. This fee is subject to change and may vary based on the season.
Boating Activity Charges: The main cost is for the recreational activities on the lake, which are operated by the DTPC:
Speed Boat Ride: The charge for a speed boat ride is typically around Rs.300 to Rs.500 (Rupees Three Hundred to Five Hundred) for a short ride of about 15-20 minutes, for a small group (e. g. , up to 5 people).
Pedal Boat/Row Boat: Charges are generally lower, ranging from Rs.100 to Rs.200 (Rupees One Hundred to Two Hundred) per hour, depending on the type of boat.
Camera Fees: Typically, there are no separate camera fees at Mattupetty Dam, unlike the national park, but this is subject to local authority rules.Timing:
Regular Timings (Dam and Boating): The area is generally open for visitors from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The boating counter operates within these hours. It is advised to reach well before the closing time, as the last boat ride slot might be earlier than 5:00 PM.Regular Timings (Dam and Boating): The area is generally open for visitors from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The boating counter operates within these hours. It is advised to reach well before the closing time, as the last boat ride slot might be earlier than 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time (Best Experience): The Ideal Visit Time is the early morning (before 10:00 AM) or the late afternoon (4:00 PM onwards). In the morning, the air is crisp, the mist is just lifting, and the lake is at its calmest, providing excellent reflective views. The late afternoon offers beautiful, soft sunlight for photography and a cool, tranquil atmosphere before sunset.
Recommended Activity Timing: It is best to plan your boat ride during the day's cooler hours or when the lake is less windy, as strong winds can make the water choppy and affect the reflections.Special Events:
Cherry Blossom Season: The area around Mattupetty Dam and the adjacent Kundala Lake is one of the places in Munnar where cherry blossom trees are planted. The special event is the delicate, beautiful blooming of these Cherry Blossom flowers, which typically occurs twice a y...Cherry Blossom Season: The area around Mattupetty Dam and the adjacent Kundala Lake is one of the places in Munnar where cherry blossom trees are planted. The special event is the delicate, beautiful blooming of these Cherry Blossom flowers, which typically occurs twice a year (around January-February and then again in September-October). This period transforms the lakesides with a soft pink-white hue, adding a unique charm to the landscape and creating a temporary, beautiful spectacle.
Local Tourism Events and Festivals: Though not regularly scheduled, the DTPC occasionally organizes promotional events, small carnivals, or seasonal fairs near the lake to attract tourists, especially during major festive seasons like Onam or Christmas.Best Photo Spots:
The Lake Reflection Point: Stand near the lake's edge, particularly where the water is calm, to capture the perfect reflection of the surrounding hills, tea gardens, and the sky on the surface of the water. This spot offers a serene and perfectly symmetrical shot.The Lake Reflection Point: Stand near the lake's edge, particularly where the water is calm, to capture the perfect reflection of the surrounding hills, tea gardens, and the sky on the surface of the water. This spot offers a serene and perfectly symmetrical shot.
The Dam Wall and Reservoir View: Position yourself at a vantage point that captures the entire length of the massive concrete dam wall juxtaposed with the vast expanse of the reservoir behind it. This highlights the contrast between the human-made structure and the natural setting.
Boating Action Shots: Take photographs of the vibrant colored speedboats or the quiet pedal boats moving across the lake. These shots add a sense of activity, scale, and color to the tranquil landscape pictures.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Boating Activities on the Lake: The main activity is hiring a boat from the DTPC boating center.
Options include:
Speed Boating: Ideal for thrill-seekers, offering a fast ride across the large reservoir.
Pedal Boating: A relaxed activity, perfect for couples and families, allowing you to leisurely explore the calm waters.
Row Boating: A traditional and tranquil way to enjoy the scenery. Boating provides a unique perspective of the surrounding hills and the massive concrete dam structure.
Nature and Landscape Photography: The spectacular views of the still lake reflecting the tea-carpeted hills and the sky make Mattupetty a photographer's paradise. The clear waters and the lush greenery provi...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Stunning Lake and Reservoir Scenery: The primary fame of Mattupetty comes from the picturesque reservoir, or lake, created by the dam. The serene water body, surrounded by lush green tea plantations and dense forests, provides a stunning mirror image of the sky and the hill...Stunning Lake and Reservoir Scenery: The primary fame of Mattupetty comes from the picturesque reservoir, or lake, created by the dam. The serene water body, surrounded by lush green tea plantations and dense forests, provides a stunning mirror image of the sky and the hills. This tranquility and beauty make it an extremely popular spot for sightseeing and a calm retreat.
Boating Opportunities on the Lake: It is one of the few places in Munnar that offers various boating activities, including speed boat, pedal boat, and rowboat rides. This is a major draw for tourists, especially families and couples, who wish to experience the beauty of the lake up close and spend some fun, quality time on the water.
Proximity to the Indo-Swiss Farm: Although the farm itself has very limited access, the historical association with the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project—a highly specialized dairy development center—has added a unique element to the destination's appeal, often leading to the area being referred to as the 'Cattle Village' due to the high-yielding cattle breeds reared there. -
Architecture:
The Concrete Gravity Dam: The Mattupetty Dam is constructed as a concrete gravity dam, a solid structure that relies on its sheer weight and mass to resist the horizontal thrust of the water pressure.
Material and Form: The dam is primarily...The Concrete Gravity Dam: The Mattupetty Dam is constructed as a concrete gravity dam, a solid structure that relies on its sheer weight and mass to resist the horizontal thrust of the water pressure.
Material and Form: The dam is primarily built using large amounts of reinforced concrete and masonry. Its structure is wide at the base and tapers towards the crest, providing inherent stability. The overall length of the dam structure runs several hundred meters, blocking the natural flow to create the large reservoir.
Functionality: It was a key part of the first major hydroelectric project in Kerala, the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project. Its architecture is purely utilitarian, focused on water storage and delivery for power generation, creating a large, functional storage capacity for the reservoir.
The Natural Architecture of the Reservoir and Lake: The dam's construction created the beautiful Mattupetty Lake, essentially an artificial reservoir whose "architecture" is defined by the surrounding natural topography.
Dimensions: The reservoir is expansive, stretching out into the valleys and contours of the hills, allowing for wide surface area suitable for boating. The dam's height dictates the depth and volume of the stored water.
Embankment and Spillways: The dam incorporates specific spillway mechanisms, typically crest gates or an overflow section, designed to release surplus water safely during heavy rains, preventing the structure from being overwhelmed. These features are critical architectural components for its structural integrity and water management role. The aesthetic of the dam is one of rugged functionality, contrasting with the soft, rolling contours of the tea-carpeted hills that frame the reservoir. -
How To Reach:
By Air (From Nearest Airport): The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 110-120 km from Munnar. From the airport, one would take a taxi or bus to Munnar town. Mattupetty Dam is a short further drive from Munnar town center.
Read More -
Near Tourist Places:
Kundala Lake: 10 KMS (Boating and Cherry Blossom)
Echo Point: 7 KMS (Natural Echo Phenomenon)
Top Station: 27 KMS (Panoramic Mountain View)
Tata Tea Museum: 13 KMS (Tea History)
Lockhart Gap Viewpoint: 13 KMS (Scenic Viewpoint)
Photo Point: 8 KMS (Picture-Perfect Tea Gardens)
Anayirangal Dam: 24 KMS (Reservoir and Tea Estates)
Chinnakanal Waterfalls: 18 KMS (Power House Falls)
Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): 28 KMS (Nilgiri Tahr)
Pothamedu Viewpoint: 19 KMS (Plantation Views)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety (Boating and Slippery Surfaces): Always wear the provided life jackets while boating on the lake. The steps and pathways near the dam can be slippery, especially during or after rain; wear appropriate footwear. Be cautious if you spot any wild animals, ...
Reviews
Mattupetty Dam and Lake Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Anamudi Peak
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Anayirangal Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Attukad Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Blossom Hydel Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chokramudi Peak
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
CSI Christ Church
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Devikulam Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Echo Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities