Idukki Arch Dam, an engineering marvel, is located 65 kms from Vagamon.. It is an arch dam with a double curvature and is built on River Periyar. This amazing dam has been constructed in a gorge between two hills, Kuravathi and Kuravan. It is at the height of about 550 feet and is an engineering fete in itself. The view from the dam is a breath-taking sight which open to tourists for a specific period during festive times.
It is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and because of its massive size, it can be seen from quite some distance. The sight of the structure in between the granite hills gives you the chills. The surrounding is lush green, and the reservoir serves as a quick getaway for locals. As part of promoting hydel tourism, boating in the reservoir is open for tourists.
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 and explore wildlife.
This is a parabolic marvel, aloft at 550 ft and spread out over 650 ft. This Dam has an underground Power House which is located at Moolamattom which is about 43 km from the dam. It is built on the Periyar River at 167.68 metres Idukki Arch Dam is the second in the world and first of its kind in all of Asia. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.
Technically, the dam type is a concrete double, curvature parabolic, thin arc dam. 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.
Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 km. width and the water stored, is utilised for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves known as Vaishali cave.
