Malankara Tourism
Idukki District is strategically ideal for tourism development, with an abundance of natural beauty, favourable climatic conditions and other pristine facilities. Malankara Reservoir is an artificial lake formed as part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project, located on the Thodupuzha–Moolamattom road. It lies 66 km from Kochi and just 7 km from Thodupuzha, the gateway to top destinations like Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkadi, Idukki Dam, Peerumedu, Elaveezhapoonchira and the Thommankuthu waterfalls. The proximity of these destinations further strengthens Malankara's own tourism potential.
The dam is constructed across the Thodupuzha river, 5 km from Thodupuzha, for irrigation purposes, and stores the tail water released from the Moolamattom Power House. Malankara Reservoir offers a calm, charming atmosphere with greenery all around — an ideal spot for nature lovers.
The dam and premises were open to the public before the 2018 flood, but access was completely restricted afterwards for security reasons. Later development was carried out with DTPC funding, and in November 2019 the destination reopened to the public, with an entry fee of ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children. Revenue also includes parking charges, film-shooting fees and similar collections.
Tourist Activities Currently Available
Revenue & Access
- Dam and premises are open to visitors on all days.
- 80% of revenue collected is deposited in a joint account of the District Collector and Executive Engineer, Muvattupuzha, for maintenance and future development.
- 10% goes to the Irrigation Department, and 10% to the DTPC as revenue.
Facilities Available
- Children's Park and a dedicated Walking Track.
- An Entrance Plaza with toilet blocks, drinking water, an amphitheatre and commercial space — completed by the Habitat Group under the Tourism Department, with a few rectifications pending before handover to the Irrigation Department.
- Horse riding has been approved, with permission granted to Horizon Equestrian Academy; it has not yet started due to lower visitor numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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, into a tourism village focused on preserving the water reserve of the 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, raise the income of the natives, support overall development of the dam location, and generate considerable revenue for the State Government. When developed, Malankara Tourism will act as a major mobility hub for accessing the major tourist destinations of Idukki district. The scheme includes:
- Development of the North & South side of the Dam
- Development around the Water Body & Tourist Camp Area
- Guest House and Dormitory provisions, and Honeymoon Cottages
- Spice Farm Tourism
The proposed site is one of the most beautiful environments in central Kerala, ideal for tourism across winter, summer and the monsoon alike. Mist settles over the lake at daybreak, and sunrise and sunset can both be viewed from the very same spot. The ideal season for a visit is November to February, and the location is easily reached from Nedumbassery International Airport.
The Plans Are Meant To
- Increase the tourism scope of Idukki District
- Increase the income inflow of the natives
- Preserve the water reserve
- Maintain ecological balance
- Support overall development of the land
Future Proposals
1. Development on North & South Side of Dam
Landscaping Development — a walking strip of 4 metre width around the proposed location, with light-up facility every 200 metres. Landscaping with lawn, seating arrangements, rain shelter, trees and garden is proposed, along with recreation facilities such as a coffee shop and gazebo.
A gazebo is a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal or turret-shaped, often built in a park or 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.
Walking tracks can provide a relaxed walking experience throughout the day, and be used for workouts by local people and tourists — a 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 the refreshment of visitors. These can be leased out to private agencies for running business, and will serve as an ideal meeting point for friends and families.
Garden Benches can be provided at intervals for resting after a long walk around the landscape. At least 60% of the landscaping area will be illuminated with solar lights, and maximum recycled and harvested rainwater is proposed for irrigating the garden.
2. Development on Downstream of Dam
Landscaping Development — a walkway with lighting and rain guard, along with recliner benches, is proposed around this area. Existing trees are to be protected, and the landscape will be developed without affecting the present topography. Hard landscaping with a rock garden and free-flow fountain is also proposed, along with the planting of trees and shrubs, and a café shop.
Rain shelters are provided along the walkways to escape from the rain, and will also provide shade to the walkers.
A gazebo is also proposed in this area for the relaxation of tourists, and can be used as a rest area by visitors.
3. Development Around Water Body
Ghat Road – Stage 1 — it is proposed to construct a ghat road along the right boundary of the FRL area, with viewing points and camping sites. Visitors can use this area for trekking or driving, with a full reservoir view. The road will also help protect government property and control encroachments.
Wooden Fishing Deck — a fishing deck with a wooden platform, made of marine-treated wood, is proposed for visitors to enjoy fishing. This will be a main relaxing area, particularly for elders.
Pathways and walking strip — to enjoy the beauty of the water body, a walkway is proposed around it, along with garden benches and landscaped areas.
4. Tourist Camp Area
Picnic spots — three picnic spots are proposed near the catchment area, with seating arrangements and view points. Bio-toilets and drinking water facilities will be provided, along with shade trees.
Camping site — camping is an outdoor recreational activity where campers leave urban areas to enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors. Facilities for trekking and camp-fire are proposed — a campfire providing light, warmth, a sense of security, and a popular feature of camping among organised groups such as Scouts or Guides.
Guest House, Dormitory & Honeymoon Cottages — the 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. Since honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic, this is an ideal place to propose honeymoon cottages.
5. Spice Farm Tourism
Spice farms are not working farms, but are set up for tourists — an interesting way to see where all the spices come from. A wide variety of spices are grown, including cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, turmeric and lemongrass. This can be done with the help of Kudumbasree units or Karshakasangham. Idukki district is the land of spices, and it is proposed to make a spice garden for visitors to understand and feel spice cultivation.
6. Other Attractions Proposed
Conclusion
The proposed project is quite viable and feasible financially, and will be a positive strategic move for the optimum utilization of the tourist potential of this scenic environment, located amidst many other time-tested tourist destinations in the proximity. Such a step will contribute to the commercial development of the district as a whole, and to the general standard of living of the local population, through direct and indirect employment.