About Malampuzha Dam
Malampuzha Dam is a large irrigation dam and reservoir located in Malampuzha near Palakkad in Kerala, built across the Malampuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha. Constructed in 1955, it is the largest reservoir in Kerala and is set against the Western Ghats. The site is notable for its extensive landscaped garden, reservoir boating, ropeway, rock garden and the iconic Yakshi sculpture, forming a major leisure and irrigation complex.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large masonry dam with a vast reservoir backed by the Western Ghats, landscaped gardens with flower beds, pathways and sculptures including the Yakshi statue by Kanayi Kunhiraman. The complex includes boating on the reservoir, a ropeway offering aerial views, a rock garden, aquarium, snake park, children's park and viewpoints over the water and surrounding hills. The area is developed for sightseeing, photography and leisure walks.
Key highlights
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Large irrigation dam and reservoir across the Malampuzha River with Western Ghats backdrop
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Extensive landscaped Malampuzha Garden with flower beds and pathways
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Iconic Yakshi sculpture by Kanayi Kunhiraman
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Ropeway ride offering aerial views of the garden and reservoir
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Boating facilities on the reservoir
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Rock Garden and Malampuzha Aquarium within the dam complex
History of Malampuzha Dam
Built in 1955 across the Malampuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River, during the period of the Madras Presidency. It was constructed as an irrigation project to support agriculture in Palakkad and is considered the largest reservoir in Kerala with a masonry dam and earthen saddle dam.
Culture & Context
The dam complex is known for its landscaped garden and the Yakshi statue, a 30-foot sculpture created by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman, which has become a cultural landmark of the site along with the Japanese-style rock garden.
Route
| By air |
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