Dams in Kozhikode

Dams are structures designed to block or control the flow of water in a river, stream, or other body of water. They are often used to create reservoirs, which serve multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, drinking water, industrial water supply, and fish farming. Dams can also be used to generate hydroelectric power. In addition to retaining water, dams are often used in conjunction with other structures such as floodgates or levees (also known as dikes) to manage or prevent water flow in specific areas.

There are a total of 81 dams in the state of Kerala. These dams are owned by three different organizations: the Kerala State Electricity Board, the Kerala Irrigation Department, and the Kerala Water Authority. The Kerala State Electricity Board owns 59 dams that form 45 reservoirs, the Kerala Irrigation Department owns 20 dams that form 20 reservoirs, and the Kerala Water Authority is responsible for 2 dams that form 2 reservoirs. The Kozhikode district has two major dams, the Kakkayam Dam and the Kuttiady (Peruvannamuzhi) Dam.

Kakkayam Dam

Kakkayam Dam is a beautiful and lesser-known site located in Kozhikode, known for its trekking trails and boating options. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area while exploring the trails or taking a boat ride to see the dam, small waterfalls, and dense forests. It is an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic with loved ones.

The Kakkayam Dam is a beautiful and scenic water body that is home to various animals, including elephants. To visit the dam, visitors must obtain permission from the forest authorities at the top of the dam. The area offers a serene environment and many recreational activities, including adventure sports such as trekking and rock climbing. The dam also offers a 15-minute boat safari that allows visitors to see two waterfalls that cannot be reached by road. The best time to visit the Kakkayam Dam is from April to November.

Kakkayam Dam is part of the Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Project and is located at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level. Water from the dam flows through tunnels and hills via a penstock to the Kuttiyadi Main powerhouse at Kakkayam, which has a capacity of 225 MW. The water is then redirected to two smaller hydroelectric projects, the Kuttiyadi Tail Race powerhouse and the Kakkayam small hydroelectric project, with capacities of 3.75 MW and 3 MW, respectively. After these projects, the tailwater is released into the river for use in the Peruvannamoozhi Irrigation Project.

Main Attractions Near Kakkayam Dam

Some of the main attractions near the Kakkayam Dam include the Kakkayam valley, the Kariyathan rock (Kariyathan Mala), and the Urukkuzhi Waterfalls. Visitors can also see the Hanging Bridge over the waterfall. On the winding road to the dam, visitors may spot a giant tree named “Tholaranji” with a name board indicating that it is 87 years old. The tree’s size and growth support this claim.

How to Reach Kakkayam Dam?

The Kakkayam Dam is located in Kozhikode, Kerala, about 50 km from Kozhikode and 15 km from the Kakkayam Bus stop. To reach the dam and the nearby waterfall, visitors can take the Calicut-Balusseri route, the Thalayad-Perambra route, or the Kurachundu-Kallunode road. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport and the nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam

Peruvannamuzhi Dam, also known as Kuttiady Dam, is located in Chakkittapara Grama Panchayath, Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is situated 16 km from Kuttiady town and 55 km from Kozhikode town. The dam was constructed as part of the Kuttiady irrigation project and consists of a masonry dam across the Kuttiyady River and 13 earth dams to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir. The project began in 1962 and was completed in 1973. The reservoir is located in the Chakittapara and Koorachundu panchayats. The dam is a popular tourist attraction and offers speed boat and tower boat facilities. The Peruvannamuzhi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, is located nearby.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam is a beautiful location surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can take speed boat or row boat rides across the Smaraka Thottam, a garden built in memory of local freedom fighters. There is also a crocodile farm and bird sanctuary located near the dam for wildlife enthusiasts. The dam and the surrounding gardens and crocodile farm are beautiful, but a hidden gem is the viewpoint of the lake from a spot next to the local village school, a few hundred meters from the dam. This spot is popular with local couples and families and offers a stunning view of the clear water and green hills reflected in the blue water, with the blue mountains of Wayanad in the background. When the lake levels are high, the reflections almost seem to drown out the surrounding scenery.

Main Attractions Near Peruvannamuzhi Dam

Anaki forest 6.4 km, Lokanarkavu temple 29.8 km, Payyoli beach 32.2 km, Kakkayam dam 33.8 km, etc are a few of the famous near the Peruvannamuzhi Dam.

How to Reach Peruvannamuzhi Dam?

Chakkittapara Grama Panchayat, near Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode District
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport, about 25 km from Kozhikode town, and Kannur International Airport, about 70 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode, about 60 km

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