Cheruthoni Dam

An ideal picnic spot situated in the Idukki District of Kerala, the Cheruthoni Dam being 138 m tall is the largest concrete gravity dam close to the Idukki Arch Dam. Constructed across the Periyar River, this third highest dam in the country was built in 1976 as a part of the Idukki Hydroelectric project along with two other dams namely Kulamavu and Idukki. The dam is looked after by the Kerala State Electricity Board and also rents out boats to engage in the two-hour cruise between Kulamavu and Idukki. On the way, visitors are spellbound by the beauty that this place offers and the enchanting views of the sunrise and sunset that one gets to experience from here.

Cheruthoni is the area around the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams very close to Painavu, the administrative headquarters of the Idukki district, Cheruthoni Dam is situated at about 3917 feet above sea level,from where one can see certain parts of the city of Kochi on a clear day. You can reach Cheruthoni only by walking or by jeep, at the most.

The Idukki dam, named after the district where it is located in Kerala, stands amid two mountains - Kuravanmala and Kurathi Mala. Legend has it that, kuravan and kurathi, a tribal couple, was once cursed by Lord Rama that turned them into stone. The poor couple pleaded to him for mercy telling that they have never lived a life in separation. The benevolent Lord promised that they will be together forever. There came two hillocks Kuravan and Kurathi opposite each other with River Periyar flowing between them. When an arch dam was built there, the locals embraced it as the fulfillment of Lord Rama's promise, because it connected the two hillocks evermore.

The boat cruise in the reservoir starts from Nellikka Para at Kulamavu. Try the local food joints at Kulamavu that serve some delicious food items like tapioca, appam (rice pancake), fish curry, fish pickle and many more. It would be better if you could buy some food for the trip from here since there are no eateries en route after Kulamavu.
The journey will take three hours to complete. Starting from Kulamavu the cruise will take us close to the dam area and will terminate at the Cheruthoni dam. Keep your eyes on the fringes, because there is a chance of sighting elephants and other wild animals including wild gaurs, sambar and deers. Advance booking is needed for a boat cruise. During the peak seasons speed boat services are also available for the public.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station, about 101 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 100 km
Google map coordinates: RXW8+8R Idukki Twp, Kerala