STORIES by HEARITAGE

No trip to Munnar is truly complete without a visit to the iconic Mattupetty Dam, a place where nature seems to pause and admire its own reflection. As you approach the dam, the first thing that captures your eye is the vast stretch of still, mirror-like water, gently cradled between rolling hills. On a mist-laden morning, the entire landscape looks like a painting come alive with tea gardens climbing the slopes, thick forests lining the lake, and distant mountains merging with drifting clouds. Built in 1953 as one of Kerala’s early post-independence hydroelectric projects, Mattupetty Dam is a classic concrete gravity structure, relying on sheer mass to hold back its expansive reservoir. While its primary purpose is power generation, the steady, calm waters of the reservoir have opened its doors to something entirely different, tourism of tranquility.

Today, visitors from across the world come here to enjoy boating on the serene lake. Whether you’re paddling gently over the jade-colored water or simply watching the ripples from the shore, the stillness envelops you. This quiet lake also plays host to a spectacular array of wildlife. Herds of elephants frequently wander down from the forests to drink along the banks, and a wide variety of birds circle above or roost in the nearby trees, making the dam a beloved stop for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Formerly known as Madupetty, this reservoir is a lifeline for the region, offering perennial water even during Kerala’s scorching summers. The monsoons swell the lake into a magnificent stretch of shimmering blue-green, while summer unveils the earthy browns and deep greens of the surrounding hills.

Interestingly, the region around Mattupetty has long been known as “Cattle Village.” At first, the name might amuse you, but a deeper look reveals a fascinating story. As part of a collaborative Indo-Swiss project, a specialized dairy farm was established here decades ago to develop high-yield cattle breeds. These Swiss-bred cows, thriving on the lush green meadows of Munnar, add a delightful and unexpected European touch to this Indian hillscape. Visitors can tour the farm, making it an enriching add-on to the dam excursion.

What makes Mattupetty Dam memorable is not just its engineering or scenic beauty, it’s the experience of walking along the long parapet wall with cool mountain breezes brushing past and panoramic views on either side. On one side, the vast reservoir and rising mountains; on the other, the dramatic stone slope of the dam and the valley below. Every angle feels like a postcard waiting to be captured. Whether you come for boating, photography, a farm tour, or simply to breathe in the mountain air, Mattupetty Dam leaves a lingering calm long after you’ve left its shores.