Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity structure on the Periyar River in Idukki District, built using masonry within the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. It extends 365 meters across the river valley and stands 53 meters above the riverbed.

British engineer John Pennycuick oversaw construction between 1887 and 1895, selling his family jewelry to complete the project. The structure was built to divert water from Kerala to Tamil Nadu for agricultural irrigation purposes.

The dam marks the meeting point of Mullayar and Periyar rivers, establishing water distribution arrangements between Kerala and Tamil Nadu states.

The structure lies within Periyar National Park, so entry restrictions for the protected area apply. Visitors can explore the reservoir and surrounding landscape during daylight hours, with walking paths leading around the water body.

The reservoir supplies agricultural land in Tamil Nadu despite being located in Kerala, leading to long negotiations between both states. Water flows through a tunnel carved through the mountains to reach the plains on the other side.

Location: Kerala

Inception: 1895

Height: 53.66 m

GPS coordinates: 9.52861,77.14417

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:18