Cheruthoni Dam is a must visit dam in Idukki. The dam is built across the Cheruthoni River, the main tributary of the Periyar River. The dam was built by putting a nose to the overflowing Periyar. Unable to contain the Periyar, the Cheruthoni Dam and then the Kulamavu Dam were built. The dam, which is one of Asia’s largest arch dams, is part of the three dams of Idukki reservoir
The area associated with this dam is known as the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can visit Dam and Cheruthoni Dam every Saturday and Sunday. In addition, the dam site will be open to visitors on all public holidays. Apart from this, visit to the dam is allowed on consecutive days during Onam and New Year occasions. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those coming by bus from Thodupuzha to visit Dam should travel another 2 km from Paina and alight at the Vellapara Dam stop. Those coming from Cheruthoni can take the Thodupuzha route for 3 km and reach the Vellapara Dam Stop, where they can get a ticket for boating on the Idukki Reservoir from the Forest Department counter at Dam Junction. A half-hour boat ride on an 18-passenger boat costs Rs 135 per ticket. Idukki Arch Dam, an engineering marvel, is located in the South-Indian state of Kerala.
The Cheruthoni-Idukki can be reached by walking for about 1.5 km. Tickets to visit both the dams are available at the ticket counter there. Tickets cost Rs 25 for adults and Rs 15 for children.
Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed during the dam visit. Visitors entering the Cheruthoni Dam after security checks will have to walk over the Cheruthoni Dam to reach the Idukki Dam around Kuravanmala. It is 2 km from the entrance of Cheruthoni Dam to Idukki. Vaishali Cave can be reached by traveling 500 meters to the right on the way.
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