Idukki Arch Dam

A parabolic marvel, aloft at 550 ft and spread out over 650 ft, greets visitors at the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Idukki. You have now reached the Idukki Arch Dam, the second in the world and first of its kind in all of Asia. The sight itself is awe-inspiring, considering the sheer magnitude of the structure and the purpose it serves. Nearby lies the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary where one can seek solace in nature.

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains – Kuravan Mala (839)m and Kurathi Mala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.
It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.[1] Technically, the dam type is a concrete double curvature parabolic, thin arch dam.

This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. The Government of Canada aided in the building of the dam with long term loans and grants
The idea of constructing a dam for power generation was first conceived in 1919. As per history, Shri Kolumban, the head of ‘Araya’ race during 1922, showed the way to the Malankara Estate Superintendent and his friend Thomas, who were on hunting spree in the forest, the spot of present Arch Dam. He told them of the legend of Kuravan and Kurathi Hills. Mr. Thomas was impressed by the sight of water flow between the mountains and it was his idea that has materialised in the form of Idukki Arch Dam. Sri. W.J.John of Malankara Estate submitted a report to the Government of Travancore in 1932 on the possibility of constructing a dam at Idukki for Power Generation.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station, about 104 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 102 km
Google map coordinates: RXRG+WX Ayyappancoil, Kerala