Idukki Arch Dam, Kerala: Asia's First Arch Dam — Complete Visitor Guide (2026)

 Idukki Arch Dam is Asia's first arch dam and one of the highest in Asia at 168.91 m (554 ft), built across the Periyar River between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills in Idukki, Kerala. It opens to visitors only on select days (usually public holidays and weekends, October–February), with a small entry fee and boating nearby. It's about 70 km from Thekkady and 50 km from Munnar.



If you're touring the high ranges of Kerala, the Idukki Arch Dam is one of those sights that genuinely makes you stop and stare — a slim concrete arc wedged between two mountains, holding back the Periyar River far below. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

Idukki Arch Dam — Quick Facts

Type:  Double-curvature parabolic thin arch dam

Height: 168.91 m (554 ft) — one of the highest arch dams in Asia

River: Periyar River

Between: Kuravan (839 m) and Kurathi (925 m) hills

Built: Construction 1969–1975 (Indo-Canadian collaboration)

Purpose: 780 MW Moolamattom hydroelectric power station

Location: Idukki district, Kerala (near Cheruthoni)

Best time: October to February

Entry: Nominal fee (approx ₹25 adult / ₹5 child — verify current rates)

Note: Opens to the public only on selected days/seasons

 A marvel of engineering — the history

Idukki Arch Dam holds a special place in India's history: it was **Asia's first arch dam**. Construction began in **1969** and was completed by **1974–75**, a landmark project built with **Indo-Canadian engineering collaboration**. Unlike a conventional straight gravity dam, an arch dam curves *into* the water — the arch shape transfers the enormous pressure of the reservoir sideways into the rock walls of the valley. That's why it can be so tall yet so slim.



The dam feeds the 780 MW hydroelectric power station at Moolamattom, which began generating electricity on  4 October 1975 and remains one of Kerala's most important sources of power.

The legend of Kuravan and Kurathi

The dam is anchored between two hills with a story attached. In the local dialect, **Kuravan** means a tribal man and **Kurathi** his wife ("mala" means mountain). Folklore says the two hills represent this couple, standing guard over the Periyar valley — and the dam was literally built to connect them. It's the kind of detail that makes the view feel less like an industrial site and more like part of Kerala's living landscape.

Visiting Idukki Arch Dam — timings & entry

The dam does not open every day. For security reasons, public access is restricted and it usually opens only on select public holidays, weekends, and during the tourist season (roughly October to February).

Entry fee is nominal (around Rs. 25 for adults, Rs. 5 for children), with separate charges for cameras and boating. Rates change, so confirm locally before you travel.

Always check the current opening dates with Kerala Tourism or your resort before making the trip - it is a long drive to find the gates closed.

Best time to visit

The sweet spot is October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant and the reservoir is full after the monsoon. Avoid peak monsoon (June to August) for the viewpoint, though the surrounding hills are at their greenest then.

How to reach Idukki Arch Dam

From Thekkady: about 70 km (about 2 hours by road)

From Munnar: about 50 km (about 1.5 to 2 hours)

From Kochi (nearest airport): about 120 km

Nearest railway: Kottayam or Ernakulam

The drive itself, winding through spice plantations, forests and hill views, is half the experience.

Make it an easy day trip from Thekkady

Because it pairs so well with a Thekkady-Kumily base, many travellers visit the arch dam as a day trip. Staying at a resort like Blanket Days Resort and Spa in Kumily puts you within a comfortable drive, and the front desk can confirm current dam opening dates and arrange a car, handy given the dam's limited access days.

Things to do near Idukki Arch Dam 

Cheruthoni Dam: right beside the arch dam

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: elephants, deer and birdlife

Kalvari Mount: panoramic reservoir views

Hill View Park: great for families

Periyar or Thekkady: spice gardens and the tiger reserve, about 2 hours away

Quick tips for visitors

Confirm the open dates before travelling - this is the number one tip.

Carry an ID; security checks apply.

Go early to enjoy the viewpoint and boating without crowds.

Photography rules vary - ask before flying drones (often not allowed).

Combine it with Munnar or Thekkady for a full itinerary.

Idukki Arch Dam vs other famous Kerala dams

Frequently asked questions

Where is Idukki Arch Dam located?

Idukki Arch Dam is in the Idukki district of Kerala, built across the Periyar River between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, near Cheruthoni.

Why is Idukki Arch Dam famous?

It was Asia's first arch dam and is one of the highest arch dams in Asia at 168.91 m (554 ft), supporting the 780 MW Moolamattom hydroelectric power station.

Is Idukki Arch Dam open to visitors?

Yes, but only on selected days - typically public holidays and weekends during the October to February season. Always confirm the current opening dates before visiting.

What is the entry fee for Idukki Arch Dam?

The entry fee is nominal - around Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 5 for children, with extra charges for cameras and boating. Rates are subject to change.

How far is Idukki Arch Dam from Thekkady and Munnar?

It is about 70 km from Thekkady (around 2 hours) and about 50 km from Munnar (around 1.5 to 2 hours) by road.

What is the best time to visit Idukki Arch Dam?

October to February, when the weather is cool and the reservoir is full.

Plan your visit

Idukki Arch Dam is a rare mix of engineering marvel and natural beauty, well worth building into a Thekkady or Munnar itinerary. Just remember its limited opening days, and time your trip for the cool October to February season. Blanket Days Resort and Spa,luxury resorts in thekkady  in Kumily (Thekkady) is a convenient base for day trips to Idukki, Munnar and Periyar.