INTRODUCTION

Idukki District is strategically ideal for tourism development with abundance of natural beauty and climatic conditions and other pristine facilities.

Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake, formed as a part of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. It is located in Idukki District, on the Thodupuzha – Moolamattom road. Malankara is at a distance of 66 kms from “The Queen of Arabia” – Cochin City and 7 kms from Thodupuzha, which is the gateway to top tourist destinations like Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkadi, Idukki Dam, Peerumedu, Elaveezhapoonchira ,Thommankuthu waterfalls etc. Munnar is a hill retreat known for its picturesque landscape. Idukki which is famous for arch dam, wildlife sanctuary and also facilitates for forest visit and trekking. The proximity of these destinations will synergize the tourism potential of Malankara.

View of Reservoir

Ariel View of Malankara Reservoir

The Dam is constructed across Thodupuzha river 5 K.m from Thodupuzha for irrigation purpose. The tail water from Moolamattom Power house is stored here. Malankara Reservoir provides a calm and charming atmosphere with the greenery in the surroundings. The place is ideal for nature lovers.

Malankara Dam

TOURIST ACTIVITIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Highlights of tourism activities

• Dam and premises were accessible to public before the flood in 2018, but after that the entry of public was completely restricted due to security reasons.
• Later developments have been done funded by DTPC.
• In November 2019, destination was opened to public, with an entry fee of Rs. 20/- for adults and Rs. 5/- for children. Revenue includes other fees such as parking, film shooting in the premises etc
• 80% of revenue collected is deposited in a joint account of District Collector and Executive Engineer, Muvattupuzha and can be used for the maintenance and future development of the tourism activities. 10 % to Irrigation Department and 10% to DTPC as Revenue.

Facilities available:

• Dam & premises are open on all days for tourists
• Children’s Park
• Walking Track
• Entrance Plaza with facilities such as Toilet blocks, Drinking water, Amphitheatre, Commercial space etc, is completed by Habitat Group under Tourism Department. Some rectifications are proposed by Irrigation Department and the building will be handed over from Habitat after the suggested rectifications.
• A proposal for horse riding is already approved and permission has been given to Horizon Equestrian Academy. Since number of visitors are less due to Covid 19 Pandemic, it is not yet started.

TOURISM POTENTIAL – DESTINATION MALANKARA

The Destination Malankara project is primarily intended to develop the land around the reservoir mainly using the marginal land and Islands of the reservoir. It aims to develop the site to a Tourism village focused on preservation of water reserve of Muvattupuzha Irrigation Valley Project. Nearly 135 hectares of land are available above the full Reservoir level of the Project. The project also aims to increase the tourism scope of Idukki District, increase the income inflow of the natives, overall development of the dam location and also to generate considerable revenue for State Government. The Malankara Tourism when developed acts as a major Tourist Mobility Hub to access to the major tourist destinations in Idukki district. The scheme includes the following proposals.

• Development of the North & South side of the Dam
• Development around Water body & Tourist Camp Area
• Guest House and Dormitory provisions, Honeymoon Cottages
• Spice Farm Tourism

The project is to develop a sustainable balance between the eco system of the proposed location and the natives of the land.

The proposed sight of the project is one of the most beautiful environments in the central Kerala. The location is ideal for tourism in winter, summer, and rainy seasons. The water reserve is ideal in the lake so that the view of mist over the lake gives a mind blowing experience to the visitors. The night view of the lake is a view that nothing to be compared with. Sunset and sunrise can be seen from the same spot. The ideal time for tourism in the location is November to February. The location can be added to the tourism map because the location is near to the must visit places of the world such as Munnar, Thekkady and Wagamon. The place is easily accessible from the nearest airport Nedumbassery International Airport.

Future Proposals

The proposed plan of the Malankara Tourism includes the following developments:

1. Development on North & South side of Dam

Landscaping Development - A walking strip of 4meter width, around the proposed location with light up facility in every 200 meters. Landscaping with lawn, seating arrangements, rain shelter, trees and garden is proposed in this area. Recreation facilities such as coffee shop, gazebo etc is included in this proposal.

 

A gazebo is a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal or turret-shaped, often built in a park, garden .Gazebos are freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed, and open on all sides; they provide shade, shelter, ornamental features in a landscape, and a place to rest. The visitors to the park will get proper shade and rest under Gazebos.

 

Walking tracks can provide a relaxed walking experience through out the day and used for work outs by local people and tourists. This is the way to share friendship, togetherness and enjoyment. A morning walk in the lush landscape with a clear view of water in the reservoir will rejuvenate mind and body.

 

Garden Coffee Shops are proposed at different locations for refreshment of visitors. These coffee shops can be leased out to private agencies for running business. This will be an ideal meeting point of friends and families.

 

Garden Benches can be provided at intervals, for resting, after a long walk around the landscape. At least 60% of landscaping area will be illuminated with solar lights. For Irrigation purpose of the garden, maximum amount of recycled water and harvested rain water is proposed to be used.

 

2. Development on Downstream of Dam

Landscaping Development- Walkway with lighting and rain guard, recliner benches etc is proposed around this area. The existing trees are to be protected and landscape is done with out affecting the present topography. Hard landscaping area with rock garden, free flow fountain etc is proposed in this area. Planting of trees and shrubs are proposed. A café shop can also be provided.

Rain shelters are provided along the walkways to escape from the rain. This will provide shade to the walkers as well.

 

Gazebo is proposed in this area also for relaxation of tourists. It can be used as rest area by the visitors.

 

3. Development Around Water body

Ghat Road – stage 1 - It is also proposed to construct a ghat road along the right boundary of the FRL area with some viewing points and camping sites. Visitors can use this area for trekking or driving and can have full reservoir view. This road will also help to protect the government property and control encroachments.

 

Wooden Fishing Deck - Fishing deck with wooden platform is proposed for the visitors to enjoy fishing. This will be a main relaxing area, particularly for elders. Deck will be formed of marine treated wood.

 

Pathways and walking strip - To enjoy the beauty of water body, walkway is proposed around water body. Garden benches and landscaped areas are also proposed.

 

4. Tourist Camp Area

Picnic spots - 3 numbers of picnic spots are proposed near the catchment area. Seating arrangements, view points etc will be available in this area. Bio toilets and drinking water facility will be provided. Planting of shade trees are to be done in this spot.

Camping site - Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants (known as campers) leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite.

Facilities for trekking and camp-fire are proposed. A campfire is a fire lit at a campsite, to serve the following functions: light, warmth, a beacon, an insect and/or apex predator deterrent, to cook, and for a psychological sense of security. Campfires are a popular feature of camping, particularly among organized campers such as Scouts or Guides

Guest House, Dormitory & Honeymoon Cottages - Existing Inspection Bungalow is proposed to be renovated and used as a guest house for tourists. A dormitory is also proposed to accommodate group tourists especially students. Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic. This is an ideal place to propose honeymoon cottages

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5. Spice Farm Tourism

Spice farms are not working farms, but are set up for the tourists. It is interesting to see from where all the spices come from. We see a wide variety of spices being gown – cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, turmeric, lemongrass etc. This can be done with the help of of Kudumbasree units or Karshakasankh. Idukki district is the land of spices and it is proposed to make a spice garden, for the visitors to understand and feel the spice cultivation.

6. Other Attractions Proposed