The Idukki Dam is a double curvature thin, double curved arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow valley. It is situated in between two granite hills which were called as Kuravan and Kurathi. This dam was owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board and supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom.
It is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and the Indo-Canadian project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on February 17, 1976. Three main dams Cheruthoni, Kulamavu, Idukki along with two Kulamavu Saddle Dams have formed a large artificial lake. The water from this lake is used to generate electricity at the Moolamattom Power House.
In 1919, Italian engineer Jacob first suggested building a dam at Idukki to generate power, but his report was rejected. Later in 1922, the head of the Oorali tribe showed superintendent W.J.John and his friend A.C. Thomas a narrow gap between two hills where water flowed. He immediately thought it as a perfect spot for an arch dam.
W. J. John submitted another report in 1932, and in 1935 assembly member K.A. Narayana Pillai brought the idea of project to the attention of Travancore Government. Italian engineers Angelo Omedeo and Clantheo Masele studied the site in 1937, but despite these efforts, the project did not move forward at that time. In 1964, Sri. E.U. Philipose, the Superintending Engineer, led the start of the project's initial work.
Idukki Dam is located at a distance of around 5.8 KM from Cheruthoni bus stop which is the nearest stop to the dam. You can take a local taxi or auto from the bus stop to reach the dam.
