The Mattupetty Dam is a main attraction for tourists in Munnar. It is a storage concrete gravity dam constructed for power generation and water construction under the Pallivasal hydroelectric project. Munnar meets a major chunk of its power generation through this dam. It is the major attraction of Mattupetty village.
Mattupetty village is situated at an altitude of 1.700 meters above sea level. So, you can imagine how breathtaking the view of the hill station would be. The cool climate and scenic beauty have named the village ‘The Switzerland of Kerala’.The Indo-Swiss Farm Project is also implemented here.
Mattupetty village boasts beautiful, lush green meadows. This makes it the favourite grazing field for cattle. Hence the village is also known as the ‘Cattle Village’.Varieties of high-yielding cattle are also reared on the farms in Mattupetty.
All seasons but monsoon would be the answer. During the southwest monsoon months, especially in June and July, the area records the highest amount of rain. During these months, it is risky to visit the dam and indulge in watersport activities. Except during the monsoon, you can visit the dam during any season. So, plan a visit from August to May.
Beyond being a water storage facility, Mattupetty Dam forms a waterbody -the Mattupetty Lake. The lake is perennial and immune to the dry spells of summer. During the monsoon, it swells up to its maximum capacity. This abundance of water throughout the year attracts wild animals and birds to this reservoir. You can easily spot herds of elephants here.
Would you like trekking the Shola forest? What about water sports? If they are in your itinerary, then you can make use of the Mattupetty Dam visit for both. District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki arranges trekking and various water sports activities for the visitors.
Similarly, just a few miles away from the Mattupetty dam, there is Mattuppetty Lake surrounded by hills, tea gardens, and shola forests. You can go boating there. Various boating options like speed boats, motor boats, and pedal boats are available.
Apart from the boat ride and trekking, the authorities have arranged horse riding by the banks of the Mattupetty Lake for you.
Well, if you are planning to indulge in activities, then take note of the timings. On all days of the week, from 9.30 AM to 5 PM, you can indulge in these activities. There is a small entry fee for boat rides and horse rides.
Cowboy Park: If you are ready to take a quick 5-minute drive from the dam, you’ll reach Cowboy Park. It’s an adventure park that offers adventure rides like zip lining, swing chair, Spanish bull ride, tyre walking, wall climbing, net crossing, horizontal ladder, etc.
Meesappulimala: Are you in the mood to conquer the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats? Then, mark Meesappulimala on your bucket list. An adventurous trekking trail through Rhodo Valley will lead you to this peak. A 24 km drive from Munnar takes you to the Meesappulimala base camp, from where you can trek to the peak.
Yellapetty viewpoint: This viewpoint is located at a distance of 18 km from Mattupetty on the Kerala Tamilnadu border. It is a favourite hiking point for hikers. You can spend your time in tents and witness the beautiful sunrise.
You can resort to various modes of transportation to reach the Matuppetty Dam.
By air: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 114 km away from the Mattupetty Dam. Once you reach there, you can hire a cab or catch a bus to reach the dam. Within three and a half hours, you’ll reach there.
By train: This is the nearest railway station. It is approximately 115 km away from Mattuppetty Dam. From the station, you can hire a cab or enjoy a bus ride to reach your destination.
By bus: Munnar is the nearest bus stop. You can check the availability of a bus from your city and reach Munnar. From there, it’s just an 11 km drive to the Mattuppetty Dam.
