Malampuzha Dam

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Malampuzha is Kerala’s major tourist spot a mini hydoro-electric project built across Malampuzha river (a tributary of Bharathapuzha) in Palakkad district of Kerala and it’s the biggest irrigation reservoir project in Kerala with a large network of canal systems. and now the reservoir is at its Golden Jubilee . The Malampuzha Garden and reservoir have a scenic setting with the forested hills of Western Ghats forming the backdrop, making it one of the foremost tourism centres in the State. Malampuzha Dam has brought prosperity to the district, making Palakkad the `rice bowl of Kerala’. Paddy is cultivated in 50,000 acres (200 km2) in two seasons each using waters from the Malampuzha dam.

HISTORY

The idea of constructing a dam at Malampuzha was mooted in 1914 by the then Madras Government. Palakkad was part of Madras presidency then. In March 1949, the then Public Works Minister K. Bhaktavalsalam laid the foundation stone for the construction
of the dam. On October 9, 1955, the then Chief Minister, K. Kamaraj inaugurated it. Before the construction of the dam, the area was known as Punnppara, Chovankadu, Iduppady, Vadukampadam, Thanjikapallam, Karakkad, Thoopallam, Varani, Akkarakadu,
Kadukkamkunnam, Aanakuzhykadu, Thampurattypotta, Aanamukkara, Pandipotta, Thekkumpadam and Koshavan Idukku. Now the entire area is known as Malampuzha. The dam was conceived as a multi-purpose project to provide water for irrigation, drinking, industries, power generation, fish farming and water transport.

Tourist attractions