IDAMALAYAR DAM

Idamalayar Dam

         Idamalayar is a forested area near Bottathankettu at a distance of about 70 kms from Ernakulam. The Idamalayar Dam is a multipurpose concrete  gravity  dam located at Ennakal  near Bhuthathankettu  on the Idamalayar dam a tributary of the  Periyar river in Kerala. Completed in 1985, with a length of 373 metres (1,224 ft), the dam created a multipurpose reservoir covering 28.3 km2 (10.9 sq mi) in the scenic hills of the Western Gats. The reservoir storage is utilized by a hydro electric power station which has an installed capacity of 75 MW with two units of 37.5 MW capacity, producing an annual energy output of 380 GH

The large reservoir created by the Idamalayar Dam is operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board  to augment its peak power generation requirements. The dam will benefit the Idamalayar  irrigation Development Project by diverting water released from the tail race channel of the Idamalayar power station.

 The Idamalayar Dam is located on the Idamalayar River, a tributary of the Periyar River in Kerala. Idamalayar Riven r originates in the Anaimalai Hills at elevation of 2,520 metres (8,270 ft). The river is a perennial source draining a catchment area of 381 km2 (147 sq mi) with a topography of high relief. The catchment receives annual rainfall of 6,000 millimetres (240 in), 90% of which occurs during the  monsoon months of June to September.

        Edamalayar (Idamalayar) is a forested area near  Boothathankeetu at a distance of about 70kms from Kochi. It is an ideal place for boating, bird watching and trekking. The people from far and near throng to this picturesque spot to enjoy the nature’s bThe untrodden forest pathways that ends at awesome cave-mouths make the journey to Idamalayar a riveting experience. It is indeed hard to resist the temptation to dive into those crystal-clear wild brooks. Wallowing elephants, roaming deers and wild boars that you come across in the forest make the journey through the woods a lively one. The cave-mouth is situated at a distance of one kilometer from the dam-site. The captivating view from the top of the dam is a highlighted attraction.

      The Hindustan Construction Company that was entrusted with the task of constructing the dam built the tunnel for transportation purposes. The tunnel that is about hundred kilometers long was initially intended for vehicles loaded with concrete to reach the quarry and the metal crusher unit, situated at the hilltop.After the completion of the project, the tunnel became the main route to tribal colonies situated at Thaalungandam and  Ponghanchuvadu. The picturesque locations at Idmalayar have been portrayed in many Malayalam films like Vyshali. Tourists have hence named the tunnel as 'Vyshali cave.' 

                                                                      Prof. John Kurakar