Kundala Dam, or the Setuparvatipuram Dam, is Asia’s first arch dam. It was built on the Muthirapuzha River. The Dam is located in the Idukki district. It has a height of 1700 meters above sea level. The dam is flanked by the picturesque Western Ghats mountain range. Kundala Dam is one of the popular tourist spots you have to explore in Munnar. Take A 20 km ride from Munnar, and you will reach there.
The dam, commissioned in 1946, is a masonry dam. It was built for the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project. Its height measures 154 ft.
The nearby Kundala lake exudes a serene and calm aura. The lush green hills and surrounding tea plantations add a special charm to the lake. Once you reach there, you can enjoy boat rides on the lake. Pedal boats, rowboats, Kashmiri shikara boats, bamboo rafts. Kayak and coracle are available for a boat ride on the Kundala lake.
To further your entertainment, there is a golf course run by the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation Company. Besides, you can find a herd of horses on the banks of the lake. You can try a horse ride. Likewise, activities such as balloon shooting and elephant rides are sometimes available.
The majestic dam surrounded by the serene lake, tea plantations, and dense forest is a beauty to behold. You may exhaust your film by clicking photos. There is one more attraction. This tim,e you have to come during the Neelakurinji blooming season, which happens once in twelve years. You can capture those blue beauties in your camera frame.
Here is a tip. Try to visit the dam in the morning or in the late afternoon to utilise the natural light.
There is no fee applied for entry into Kundala Dam. You are free to roam around and click pictures with your family.
However, you have to pay for the boating on the lake. The charge ranges from INR 100 to INR 300 based on the duration and number of people.
You must reach the dam between 9 AM and 5 PM. But the boating time ends by 4.30 PM.
If you prefer road travel, then you have to reach Munnar first. From there, you can hop on to a bus or hire a cab to reach Kundala dam. It is about 20 km away from Munnar.
Kundala Dam is located on the way to Top Station. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. Then, from there, you can hire a cab to reach Munnar. If you prefer a train journey, then get down at Aluva railway station, which is the nearest. From Aluva, you can again hire a cab, or if you like to travel in public transport, then make use of KSRTC’s ( Kerala Road Transport Corporation) bus service.
The winter season falls between November and February. During this period, you can enjoy sightseeing in cool and pleasant weather. If monsoon is your thing, then you can witness the whole of Munnar in lush green. However, there may be hindrances due to heavy rain. If you are lucky, then visit during the Neelakurinji blooming season, which is expected in 2030.
There is Anamalai Sholai National Park, just 8 kilometers away from the Dam. Similarly, there is the Aruvikkad Waterfall for you to explore near the dam. You can also enjoy the nearby Cherry gardens. It is time to pack the backpack.
