Mattupetty Dam, Munnar: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Mattupetty Dam Overview

Right in the lap of hills in Munnar lies the Mattupetty Dam, named after the hill station of Mattupetty. This concrete storage gravity dam was constructed in the 1940s for the purposes of hydropower generation and water conversation. Today, the dam is not only a major source of electricity in the region but also a popular tourist spot.

The dam works as an excellent vantage point from where you can soak in the stunning scenery, including the mist-covered hills. The dam has an abundance of water at all times of the year which makes it a home to several bird and animal species. What adds to the charm of the place is its pleasant weather which persists almost all through the year.

When at the Mattupetty dam, you can spend your time enjoying different activities, like bird-watching, watersports, boating, etc. Several of these activities are organized by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar), so you can be assured that it is all legal and safe. The water sports activities include speed boating which attracts a lot of adrenaline junkies from all around. Apart from these, you can also choose to go for treks in the Shola forests that surround the dam.

How To Reach

There are several ways of reaching the Mattupetty Dam from the city of Munnar and also from different parts of the country. You can choose to fly, ride a train, take a bus or drive to the dam. It lies approximately 11 kilometres away from the city centre and is fairly easy to reach.

1. Flying to Mattupetty Dam: The nearest airport to the Mattupetty Dam is the Cochin International Airport. The airport lies at a distance of approximately 108 kilometres from the city of Munnar.

2. Taking a train to Mattupetty Dam: If you are taking a train to reach Munnar and then to Mattupetty Dam, you will have to travel approximately the same distance from the railway station to the city centre as it would have taken you to reach the city centre from the airport. The closest railway station is Angamaly which lies at a distance of 109 kilometres. You then travel from Angamaly to Munnar via Aluva when reaching the city.

3. Riding the bus to Mattupetty Dam: Getting a bus to Munnar and then Mattupetty can prove to be a very economical option but might take a little longer. You can take a direct bus from Aluva to reach Munnar.

4. Taking a cab to Mattupetty: You can easily reach Mattupetty by road if you choose to take a taxi at the Angamaly railway station and hop in a shared cab till Munnar.

Best Time To Visit

You can visit the dam in the winter season from October to February if you want to enjoy the mist-covered vistas of the surrounding hills and want to experience a nip in the air by the evenings.

On the other hand, if you are looking for clear blue skies and picture-perfect scenery, then the months of June and July are the best time of the year to visit the dam. During this time of the year, the mist vanishes and you can see the stark green and blue contrast of the scenery. Everything has a clean, washed-out look and is the perfect time to capture some stunning photographs.

Other Essential Information

Mattupetty Dam is nestled in the hills of Munnar. It is situated at a distance of approximately 11 kilometres from the city centre and can be easily reached by road. The entry fee to the place is 10 rupees per person but you have to pay separately for some of the other activities. You can visit the dam any day of the year, between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Location: Munnar - Top Station Hwy, Mattupetty, Kerala 685616

Timings: Daily; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person

Distance from city centre: Approx. 11 kilometres

Places to Eat near Mattupetty Dam

1. Hotel Mariya: This is a small eatery with simple tables and chairs situated a few kilometres away from the dam. Here, you can enjoy fresh food and get packaged snacks before heading to the dam.

2. Lake View Cafe and Restaurant: You can choose to make a halt at the Lake View Cafe and Restaurant to enjoy beverages like coffee, tea, milkshakes, juices, etc. or grab a burger, sandwiches, fries, noodles, etc. The place also offers North Indian food items.

3. KLDB Canteen: If you drive a little further away, you can stop for a food break at the KLDB canteen. Here, you can enjoy fresh, home-style food.

4. Carmelgiri Kitchen: The Carmelgiri Kitchen offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options. You can sit on one of the several chairs and tables and enjoy the simple yet flavourful piping hot food.

Places to Stay near Mattupetty Dam

1. Munnar Pepper Clouds: Situated at a distance of 0 kilometres from the Mattupetty Dam, this hotel offers a luxurious stay right at the attraction. The rooms offer top-notch amenities and the place also has free parking on-site.

2. Munnar Valley View : Munnar Valley View is a charming little hotel situated at a distance of 4.4 kilometres from the dam. It is nestled in the midst of lush green tea plantations and gives the sense of being lost in time and space.

3. Golden Green: Golden Green is another cosy stay option, situated at a distance of 5 kilometres from the dam. Here, you can enjoy the food at their in-house restaurant, roam the manicured gardens and avail the free parking.

4. Nature Inn: Nature Inn is a resort which is situated at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from the dam. You can enjoy a comfortable stay with spectacular views with all the modern amenities, when here.