Malampuzha Dam is the second largest dam and reservoirs in Kerala,[2] located near Palakkad, in the state of Kerala in South India, built post independence by the then Madras state. Situated in the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background it is a combination of a masonry dam with a length of 1,849 metres and an earthen dam with a length of 220 metres making it the longest dam in the state.[3] The dam is 355 feet high and impounds the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha, Kerala's second longest river. There is a network of two canal systems that serve the dam's reservoir of 42,090 hectares.[4]

Malampuzha Dam
Malampuzha Dam is located in India
Malampuzha Dam
Location of Malampuzha Dam in India
Malampuzha Dam is located in Kerala
Malampuzha Dam
Malampuzha Dam (Kerala)
Official name
Malampuzha Dam panoramic shot
LocationPalakkad District, Kerala
Coordinates10°49′49.8″N 76°41′1.5″E / 10.830500°N 76.683750°E / 10.830500; 76.683750
Construction beganMarch 1949
Opening date9 October 1955
Dam and spillways
ImpoundsMalampuzha river
Height115.06 m
Length2,069 m
Reservoir
CreatesMalampuzha Reservoir
Total capacity226 million cubic metres[1] (8 tmc ft)
Catchment area147.63 sq. km.

Construction

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The dam project was begun in 1949 and completed in 1955. foundation stone for the project was laid on 27 March 1949, by the then Public Works Minister of Madras State, Sri M. Bhaktavatsalam as Palakkad was a part of the Madras Presidency during those times. The dam was constructed in record time, and on 9 October 1955, the then Chief Minister of Madras State, Thiru. K Kamaraj, inaugurated the dam. The total catchment area is 147.63 square kilometres,[5] and the reservoir has a capacity of 226 million cubic meters [5] of water. The canal systems serve to irrigate farmland while the reservoir provides drinking water to Paladin and surrounding villages.[4] The dam was constructed by the Madras government but upon the Creation of linguistically reorganized states, The Malabar District encompassing the Dam became a part of the Kerala State.

Location

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15 km from Palakkad city, North Kerala. Attractions: Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.

Around the reservoir of the dam are gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake.

Getting there

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Nearest railway station: Palakkad Junction - 14 km [6]

Nearest airport: Coimbatore, 55 km from Malampuzha Dam [7]

 
MALAMPUZHA DAM OUTLET WATER CANAL

Main Attractions

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The fish shaped aquarium
  • Entrance Garden
  • Yakshi Garden
  • Yakshi Statue
  • Japanese Garden
  • Upper Garden and viewpoint
  • Cable car ride
  • Fish shaped aquarium
  • Toy train for kids
  • Fantasy Park
  • Spiced fruits camp
  • Trekking tracks
  • River baths
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Malampuzha Dam, Brief about project". India-WRIS, National Remote Sensing Centre.
  2. ^ "National Register of Large Dams | Central Water Commission, Ministry of jal shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, GoI". cwc.gov.in. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Malampuzha dam to celebrate Golden Jubilee". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 19 August 2005. Archived from the original on 7 November 2009. Retrieved 5 February 2008.
  4. ^ a b "About Malampuzha Dam".
  5. ^ a b "Malampuzha Project | Irrigation-kerala". irrigation-kerala.org. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  6. ^ "How to Reach Malampuzha Dam".
  7. ^ "Malampuzha Dam - Distance from Towns".
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