As Part of the Onam celebrations this year, the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams have now been opened to public visitors. The initiative has been promoted by the Hydel Tourism Department (HTD) under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The HTD has made elaborate arrangements to attract the visitors.
According to the Water Resource Minister Shri. Roshy Augustine, both Idukki and Cheruthoni dams would be kept open for visitors until 31st August 2023. The timings for visitors has been fixed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m every day except on Wednesdays when maintenance work will be carried out at the dams.
The entry fee for adults at the dam is rupees forty only while children are charged rupees twenty. The tourists can also avail battery-operated, noiseless and pollution-free buggies to travel on at the dams for a fee of rupees six hundred for eight persons.
The Idukki Dam, is a 554 feet tall double curvature parabolic, thin arch dam lying in the heart of Idukki district. The dam is ideally located between 2 mountains – Kuravanmala (839 meters) & Kurathimala (925 meters) and is surrounded by lush natural environs. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom.
The Idukki dam along with the nearby Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams have created an artificial lake spread around 60 square Kilometres and has a 780 Mega Watt Hydroelectric Power Station at Moolamattom power house which is about 43 kms away from the Idukki dam.
Visitors to Kumily must take advantage of this season to visit the dam and enjoy the sights.
