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Mattupetty Dam and Lake,

Mattupetty Dam and Lake,

Mattupetty Dam and Lake, located just 13 km from Munnar town along the highway to Top Station, sits at a breathtaking altitude of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). This massive concrete gravity dam is surrounded by mist-covered valleys, manicured tea estates, and deep Shola forests, making it one of the premier tourist hotspots in the Idukki district.

​1. Historical Context of Mattupetty Dam

​The creation of the Mattupetty Dam marks an important chapter in post-independence India’s infrastructure and agricultural development.

  • ​Post-Independence Power Generation (1949–1953): Following India’s independence, the newly formed state government prioritized clean energy. Construction of the Mattupetty Dam began in 1949 and was successfully commissioned in 1953 under the umbrella of the historic Pallivasal Hydro-electric Project. It stands 83.35 meters tall and stretches 237.74 meters across the valley.
  • ​The Taming of Three Streams: The dam was strategically engineered to block and store water at the exact convergence point of three powerful mountain streams: the Muthirapuzha River, the Chanduvarai River, and the Kundala River. By collecting water from this vast 105 sq. km catchment area, it created a massive perennial reservoir—Mattupetty Lake—ensuring a steady water supply for downstream electricity generation and local valley irrigation year-round.
  • ​The “Cattle Village” Revolution (1963): In the 1960s, the history of Mattupetty took a unique international turn. In 1963, a bilateral agreement was signed between the Government of India and the Swiss Confederation, giving birth to the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project right in the valleys of Mattupetty.
    • ​The Legacy: Swiss experts and Indian agriculturalists established a sprawling 191-hectare research center and dairy farm. They successfully cross-bred local cattle with high-yielding Swiss breeds (like Brown Swiss), transforming the region into a thriving, highly automated dairy hub.

FAQs

Why is Mattupetty sometimes called the "Switzerland of Kerala"?
The nickname comes from two things: the cool, foggy mountain climate and the presence of the Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm. Seeing hundreds of high-yielding cattle grazing freely across wide, rolling green alpine pastures against a backdrop of misty hills heavily mirrors the classic countryside landscapes of Switzerland.
What kind of boating activities are available at Mattupetty Lake?
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) of Idukki operates highly organized water sports here. Visitors can rent high-speed motorboats (popular for adrenaline seekers), slow-moving pontoon/family boats (seating up to 20 people), traditional rowboats, and pedal boats.
Can tourists visit the Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm today?
In the past, the farm was fully open to the public. However, to maintain strict bio-security, safeguard the health of elite cattle breeds, and prioritize research, casual tourist entry into the inner farm buildings is heavily restricted or requires special administrative permission. However, you can easily view the beautiful open pastures and cattle grazing from the roadside viewpoints as you drive past.
Is it true that you can see wild elephants at Mattupetty Dam?
Yes, the odds are quite high. Because Mattupetty Lake holds a massive volume of freshwater surrounded by deep Shola forests, it serves as a critical watering hole for local wildlife. Herds of wild Asian Elephants frequently emerge from the forest lines, especially during the late afternoon, to drink, bathe, and play near the water's edge at designated spots like Elephant Arrival Point (located just a short drive past the dam).
What are the visiting hours and entry fees for Mattupetty Dam?
The dam area and boating facilities are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The general entry fee onto the dam walkway is a nominal ₹10 per person, while individual boating tickets vary significantly depending on the type of boat selected (ranging roughly from ₹300 to ₹2,000).
Are there any other major attractions adjacent to the dam?
Yes, the dam is a gateway to several neighboring attractions on the same route. Just a few kilometers further ahead, you will find the natural acoustic wonder of Echo Point, followed by the scenic Kundala Arch Dam, and eventually the high-altitude viewpoint of Top Station.

Price From : ₹400/-

Address

Near Avaloormadam temple, thathampally po, pin code 688013, Alleppey , Kerala, India

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